Pre-debate Thoughts
So,
It’s a wee tad hard with the markets in freefall to feel hope about the future. It’s also a wee tad hard when people focus on silly tricks that are all about winning an election, not actual governance. I’m still proud of two posts I wrote two years ago on the subject. Uh, not exactly proud of the design, but have I mentioned that iWeb is the suxor?
That first post talks about my annoyance with being called unpatriotic. Sad to say that two years later, that’s the same game that the Republicans are playing. It’s the latest in the bag of “get liberals angry” tricks. I’m not sure why folks want to make fun of other people for giving a damn. Now some earnestness goes a long way, and I think we should able to laugh at ourselves. Cuz mammals are actually very, very silly.
But it’s one thing to do this at a cocktail party because you just think it’s funny to make another person upset, and it’s another for one political party to call half the country traitors and unpatriotic. If these were the times of Aaron Burr, they’d be reason to call the other side out. And if “exciting the Republican base” means inciting violence against fellow Americans, well, I think I’d be able to say who the actual unpatriotic traitor was.
That’s just though the attitude that keeps you from looking forward. I’m looking forward to a president who is smarter than me. Who has been deftly able to weave together an organization to get people excited and hopeful. Who might just help put us on track for energy independence. Who will be able to negotiate toughly and fairly in matters ranging from Wall Street regulation to matters of war. Who might not just delegate everything to the generals, and be more like George Washington.
Who has studied the Constitution, and even taught it. Where he might have learned the phrase “a more perfect Union” as though perfection is always something you strive for. Even having gotten it in the moment, you breathe and hope for and look to see how it might be better. And it might be nice for people on the right to acknowledge that maybe, perhaps, the American experience hasn’t been awesome for everyone. And think about what it means “I’m not free until my brother is free.” We should lead the world by example again.
And maybe we could be on footing in a few years to actually examine what’s worked in our Constitution, and what hasn’t and see about making one that our grandkids will thank us for, and look to us as inspiration.
So what I am hopeful for in tonight’s performance (I do not expect it to be a debate, if McCain can’t even look Obama in the eyes) is Obama quick on his feet, pressing towards the basket, and faking out McCain into throwing a few fouls. Yeah a ball metaphor, but at least Obama can play!
I’ve been amazed at how well both Obama and Biden did at not attacking the other person but the policies of the governing Republicans and the most unpopular president since they started counting. It’s the sign of leadership, bigness of character, and what we need if we’re to get anything done in the next four years. I fail to see how the other side thinks that by attacking Obama’s patriotism, and by extension, mine for supporting him, they win me over into listening. I really wish they would. I look forward to hearing McCain actually talk about issues. I get he was a POW, and hurls ‘tax and spend liberal’ as if that’s an argument… I hope he actually answers questions thoughtfully.
