Posted by
Logical Party on Wednesday, January 09, 2008 10:37:53 AM
David DiBello
Republicans Delight in Obama!
Never have I witnessed such enthusiasm by an opposing political party since anti war candidate McGovern beat out Humphrey and Muskie for the Democrat nomination in 1972. That year Nixon staged covert “democrat” opposition to Muskie, heckling the candidate about his wife to the point Muskie broke down in tears, assuring the nomination to the radical McGovern, a easy opponent for the “silent majority” of Americans.
The current version embraced Thursday by the division I-AA primary of Iowa is Barack Obama, the feel good candidate, who talks of “hope” and “change” but whose specifics are limited to “let’s get out of Iraq now,” leaving little input as to the repercussions of such strategy; encouraging dialogue with countries who wish to exterminate Israel and the West; whose response to drivers licenses for illegals was “hummna-hummna,” perplexing since Clinton already showed how not to answer the question.
Iowa’s political voice is similar to the behavior of teenagers who love novelty, and defy parental control. They delight in being different for difference sake, which explains why 57% of young voters chose Obama, while seasoned voters split their vote evenly.
Obama has given us some special moments and moving oratory, and added zip to a campaign meant to be a coronation for Mrs. Clinton, last years hot commodity, currently relegated to “establishment” candidate, a version of the “authority figure” despised by the young.
Once one sheds the “feel good” oratory, it is essential to question what really lies there. Obama rejects Universal Health coverage in favor of some magical wand that will reduce medical costs in an industry that has a monopoly in this country. He supports immediate troop withdrawal then suggests military intervention is needed in Pakistan, the bedroom of Al Quada and the Taliban. Does the radical left approve of this?
There’s not much information on other positions, and the voter is blinded by his rhetoric feeling guilty if they reject this “meet John Doe” candidate. Four years ago candidate Edwards, the then new kid on the block, just finished his one and only term as a U.S. senator. Barack has two years of Senate service, distracted by his run, and ruminations about how he would have voted in the past, a “coulda, shoulda, woulda” scenario for which we take his word in absence of a time machine.
There is the reality as in past elections that candidate’s political baggage will be dissected in the dirtiest way, similar to the fictitious Ann Richards “gay hiring quotient” raised during Bush’s gubernatorial run, or the rumours regarding McCain’s black baby in South Carolina 2000 campaign. Obama’s admitted drug use two decades ago will become fodder, as will the fear mongering over his middle name, Hussein, and once this happens we will owe Bill Shaheen (former NH Campaign Chair).
This election is about change, offered by every Democrat since they are extremely different from the current administration. More importantly it is about preparation and experience. It is not the time to get swept away with flashes in the pan simply because the inevitable seems dull.
Thursday Mrs. Clinton declared this election is about a change of government not run “by the few for the few;” it is about healthcare for all, a cause she has long embraced, and a change in leadership that will support the working class. The message might be staid but it’s real; style mixed with substance, hope blended with experience. Hillary’s needs to get back on message, like in her concession speech, and stop worrying about the others.
In eight years Mr. Obama will be a force to be reckoned, not from a position of hope with fingers crossed, but from a strong leadership position and a seasoned vision of the future.
We have flirted in Iowa, but playtime is over and its time to come home. We nearly need look at the delight of Republicans and their phony praise of Obama, Limbaugh anxious for Hillary’s demise, and a Hannity show dedicated to “Stop Hillary Express.” If we ignore these signs and support a candidate for change’s sake, we will be fooled again as we were in the Fall of 1972.