Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Social Divider, Political Uniter

I know people have moved on from the actual candidate race to the more alluring debates over super-delegates, Florida and Michigan re-dos, and the value of popular vote vs. delegate counts. So this might seem like really outdated material in this dynamic primary, but I am still stuck on why so many Democrats have fallen for the change rhetoric. I mean, if those Democrat voters wanted change so badly, why not agitate for Nader and support the Green Party with millions of dollars instead? I know the Green Party is more radical than Obama, and with enough support (votes and monetary contributions), they too can get a shot at the podium in the general election.
The reason they would not go for the Green Party is that they are not really voting for change. They are voting for the youngest, slickest man in the room. You might call this Democratic primary season Political Idol. Obama represents youth, charm, and a great vocal range (just kidding!). Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll. You can see that by looking at the cult-like following and the screaming, fainting masses at his rallies. So, while people accuse Clinton of being a polarizing figure, they cheer Obama for his unification theory (I will reach out, and people will unite around my cause... What is my cause? Who cares!). But is he really a uniter? That remains to be seen.
Hillary, on the other hand, IS a polarizing figure when it comes to social issues. Because she stood by her husband during a sex scandal. Because she changed her hair styles too many times for some folks out there. Because she is a powerful and power-hungry woman (how dare she?). Because she can play the game as good as the boys can. In fact, by playing the game well, Clinton has proved she can be a force for bipartisanship when it matters. See the different bipartisan legislations she has co-sponsored with Republicans (Immigration, Health Care).
So what do you want Democrat Obamaites?
You want change? Go Green.
You want new politics? Go Dream.
You want Rock & Roll? Go Obama.
You want a strong, efficient, and wholly different Democratic president? Go Clinton...

3 comments:

Anonymous said...
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gpspacey said...

what did you think about Obama's speech on race this week?

I didn't watch it, but keep hearing pieces of them on tv/radio. from the bits I hear it must have been a great speech.

perhaps coming from a black man, it gets more cred, but somebody needs to say this stuff without the fluff.

Yoni said...

I thought Obama's speech was eloquent. He responded to the whole Wright question well and in general spoke matter-of-factly about race. I think the media just latches on to any crazy story they can get their hands on. I think he is a good speaker and has a resonating message.
I just don't think he's as ready to be the big boss, and I also think he plays to the lowest common denominator by talking up change and a defunct Washington, as opposed to policy concepts or in what ways he could actually change Washington altogether if that's going to be the basis of his presidency.