We’ve all had people we identify with. Sometimes it’s harmless. When I was a child I’d always root for the guy on “Wheel of Fortune” or “Jeopardy” who’s name was Michael. I identified with someone for no other reason than a superficial connection. I’m sure we’ve done the same with athletes, or anyone we want to root for.
But now the Democratic party has been reduced to “voting for the black guy or voting for the woman.” Personally, I’m not going to vote for the “old white guy” just because he’s an old white guy. I don’t agree with McCain on some issues, like immigration, stem-cell research, and his pandering to Democrats and sabotaging judicial nominations for senatorial power. But he’s good on foreign policy and he’s a fiscal conservative, so I can get behind him.
But over on the Democrat side, we’re hearing implications that people who don’t vote for Obama just don’t “understand”. Those who are Obama supporters are considered “enlightened”, even though Obama has no political experience and he’s terrible at thinking on his feet. Hillary’s camps hasn’t been much better. Elton John says that if you don’t vote for Hillary, it’s because you hate women.
And now we have Nora Ephron crystallizing the votes down to racism or sexism.
So that’s wonderful. If I don’t vote for Hillary because of her socialist views on health care, her lying about Tuzla and other things, and complete political weakness on losing a “sure thing” election, then I must be a misogynist. As for Baracka, if I don’t vote for him because he doesn’t think well independently, his voting record is awful, he’s connected with Chicago political slime, and he’s a snob, then I must be a racist.
We knew it was coming. And we can look forward to 7 more months of race and/or sex baiting. In the meantime, the politics of identity have fractured the Democratic party because the black vote feels betrayed if Hillary wins or a politician endorses Hillary, and the women-vote feels betrayed if Barack wins. We have two groups who have been waiting for one of “theirs” to be elected to the White House and if that group loses this election, the hard feelings will run deep because their identity has been betrayed by those they thought were on the same side.
The Republicans have a candidate the base isn’t happy with. But with McCain, we’re not happy because of the issues McCain has embraced, not because of his race, age or sex. And not-surprisingly, it’s the Republicans who are standing above the race/sex fray.
Hi Mikey
Save those stem cells, but kill and torture brown-skinned people, it’s the way of the ‘white christian party’.
I’d really love to see the guy who’s “terrible at thinking on his feet” tear into the old war monger in a debate. McCain will be sunk by the policies of Bush, as will the GOP. Thanks for your support of the president.
You’re exhaustingly thick, Willy. No original debate, no joining in intellectual discussion. Merely accusing me of being a white racist uber-christian.
As for Obama, I’d love to see him tear into someone at a debate. But he doesn’t, because he can’t.
I see my comments responding to “Why There Is No G.O.P. Frontrunner” (January 16, 200
have essentially come to pass.
I am voting for the old white guy for a reason that has nothing to do with sex or race: In spite of some of McCain’s views that I dislike, he is quite simply the best qualified candidate, period.
You certainly did call that Glenn. Have to give credit where credit is due.
Hey Gelnn/Doc,
Could we have a link or some such to orginal post?
Personally I’m tired of voting for the lessor evil. When if ever will we get a real meaningful choice.
>Personally I’m tired of voting for the lessor evil. When if ever will we get a real meaningful choice.<
Never again.
What was made clear in the primaries is that the races are now dominated by people looking for a name they recognize, which means that the new kingmakers are the US Media. Who they want as President will be decided by who they promote, as that’s the only way to get meaningful name recognition.
So, congratulations America. Our out-of-control media will be deciding on who will run the country. And if that doesn’t frighten you, let me remind you these are the same people who think American Idol isn’t rigged.
Matt– here’s the link:
http://theautopsy.wordpress.com/2008/01/15/why-there-is-no-gop-frontrunner/