I’m not a democrat but their nomination race at the national level is the best show in town. My daughter will be happy to hear that, in the primary races, I’m pulling for Obama although not for the reasons she might like…:)
Here’s why I want Obama to win the nomination: at some level it really bothers me that America, at the conclusion of GWB’s tenure, will have been governed by the same families for 20-odd years. It is for this reason alone that I can’t abide Hillary Clinton. If she’s elected we will be almost to 30 years under the same 2 families and by then Jenna will be of age…:) I don’t care that Hill is a woman any more than I care that Obama is a black guy or that McCain is an older white dude. To me, it is an intellectual surrender to even consider electing her. It’s an endorsement of the status quo and I’m sick of the status quo. I don’t know whether McCain will be able to alter norms in Washington but dragging Hillary and Bill back into Washington just isn’t acceptable.
It’s too easy and lazy and America can’t stand easy and lazy right now.
May 21, 2008 at 1:42 pm
“Wooden-headedness … is a factor that plays a remarkably large
role in government. It consists in assessing a situation in terms
of preconceived fixed notions while ignoring or rejecting any
contrary signs. It is acting according to wish while not allowing
oneself to be deflected by the facts.”
Barbara Tuchman
“The March of Folly”
Would add wooden-headedness to “easy and lazy”. And if Bill
gets back near the WH – add “sleazy” to the things America
doesn’t need.
May 23, 2008 at 2:21 am
Voting against dynasties is a far more legit reason to vote for someone rather than voting for someone solely for their skin color or gender.
May 27, 2008 at 10:11 am
Not sure I agree that voting against dynasties is any more legit than voting against a race or gender, but to each his own. It’s looking like this race will come down to McCain versus Obama, and both are seemingly making mad dashes towards the center. If McCain alienates the far right any further, he’s toast, as will be Obama if he alienates the far left that’s getting him past Clinton (who is apparently perceived as far less “liberal” than Obama). It is going to be interesting to watch to see which can woo the center without alienating the far right or far left so much that either right or left don’t show up at the polls in November. And even MORE interesting to watch if BOTH alienate the extremes of the political spectrum such that only “moderates” show up.
It will also be interesting to see if McCain can weather the inevitable storm once the media who so embrace Obama change their focus from attacking Clinton to attacking McCain.
May 28, 2008 at 9:31 am
Andy,
That’s exactly the reason I was glad Jeb Bush decided not run for President. He was a good Governor and, by many accounts, is a stronger candidate than his brother. But enough already! I think Councilman Randolph’s assessment is right. People are using family loyalty as a replacement for thinking. We need some fresh ideas and new energy in the White House. McCain, despite his age, has both and will do fine.