Pre-Election Thoughts...For Posterity's Sake
As much as it pains me to say it, America stands ready to elect Barack Obama to the Presidency tomorrow. For the past few weeks I've been trying to get my brain around that idea so the shock doesn't do permanent damage.
The world, and my neighborhood, hates Bush and loves Obama. There is a great deal of glee percolating through the Democratic base; and I'm frankly OK with that. If history has taught me anything, it's that mankind runs in cycles, and we're at the end (or beginning) of one right now. Barack Obama isn't the messiah; but I also have to admit that he's not Satan either. But what is he?
The campaign has told us a great deal about him, for those who have ears to hear. Here we have a man who has been classed as an outsider, a fresh voice; despite all evidence saying that his political record is one of expert play within the political machinery of Chicago. We have a man who is considered a moderate despite the evidence showing a very left-wing voting record. We have a man with no executive experience being given a pass for this by the media (even, I shudder to say, The Economist) because "he's run a good campaign."
He has no record of accomplishment. The record he does have gives me the willies. We are about to elect the most pro-infanticide President in our history, and no one seems to care. How the hell did this come about?
Obama gives people hope. He speaks, and crowds melt. Chris Matthews gets a "thrill up his leg" when Obama works his magic. But let me put this to you Democrats a different way and see what you think.
A Candidate emerges to challenge for the highest office in the land. Some are surprised that he would choose to run, since his political record is fairly thin; but on the other hand, many have been watching him for years waiting for the moment when he could stand up and proclaim his vision to the people. He puts together a campaign staff of stunning effectiveness, and in the primaries manages to beat back a strong challenge from a candidate the media seems to back wholeheartedly. The Candidate's approach is simple: Washington is broken, and requires healing from an outsider. In his campaign, the Candidate relies more on rhetoric than concrete policy platforms--the message is that there should be first and foremost an emphasis on the common man. As questions about experience swirl about his campaign, he makes a brilliant VP selection--an old and respected Washington hand. The election is tight, but in the end our Candidate prevails.
This Candidate is George W. Bush.
I hear so many times about how Obama is "different" and "transformational" and "inspiring." Is this enough?
I hope like hell that it is. But I have my doubts.
The world, and my neighborhood, hates Bush and loves Obama. There is a great deal of glee percolating through the Democratic base; and I'm frankly OK with that. If history has taught me anything, it's that mankind runs in cycles, and we're at the end (or beginning) of one right now. Barack Obama isn't the messiah; but I also have to admit that he's not Satan either. But what is he?
The campaign has told us a great deal about him, for those who have ears to hear. Here we have a man who has been classed as an outsider, a fresh voice; despite all evidence saying that his political record is one of expert play within the political machinery of Chicago. We have a man who is considered a moderate despite the evidence showing a very left-wing voting record. We have a man with no executive experience being given a pass for this by the media (even, I shudder to say, The Economist) because "he's run a good campaign."
He has no record of accomplishment. The record he does have gives me the willies. We are about to elect the most pro-infanticide President in our history, and no one seems to care. How the hell did this come about?
Obama gives people hope. He speaks, and crowds melt. Chris Matthews gets a "thrill up his leg" when Obama works his magic. But let me put this to you Democrats a different way and see what you think.
A Candidate emerges to challenge for the highest office in the land. Some are surprised that he would choose to run, since his political record is fairly thin; but on the other hand, many have been watching him for years waiting for the moment when he could stand up and proclaim his vision to the people. He puts together a campaign staff of stunning effectiveness, and in the primaries manages to beat back a strong challenge from a candidate the media seems to back wholeheartedly. The Candidate's approach is simple: Washington is broken, and requires healing from an outsider. In his campaign, the Candidate relies more on rhetoric than concrete policy platforms--the message is that there should be first and foremost an emphasis on the common man. As questions about experience swirl about his campaign, he makes a brilliant VP selection--an old and respected Washington hand. The election is tight, but in the end our Candidate prevails.
This Candidate is George W. Bush.
I hear so many times about how Obama is "different" and "transformational" and "inspiring." Is this enough?
I hope like hell that it is. But I have my doubts.
posted by Jeff at 7:39 AM
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