I just love the electoral process. Even though we've been hearing about the 2008 Presidential election for over a year now (or darn close), now that the people are finally standing up to be counted, it is non-stop entertainment for me.
Joe Biden was my guy. I had the chance to see him over in Iowa a few times, and I have been a fan of his for some years now. Most folks will agree that his personality, his in-your-face attitude backed up by his intellectual capabilities, are perhaps not the greatest example of a President, though I think it would be a refreshing change. Additionally, his political solution to the Iraq war, and more specifically our involvement in the situation, is the only solution out there. No other Democrat has come up with so comprehensive a plan, a plan that is already laid out in the Iraqi constitution adopted in 2005. What I can hope now is that whichever candidate wins the Democratic nomination, they will take another look at the Biden-Gelb plan.
I don't want to jump on the Obama bandwagon, really I don't. I have been saying for a number of months now that no matter how intriguing and exciting he is, he's not ready for the job.
Now here comes the fun part--I do like Clinton as our next President. She does indeed have the tools that are needed to actually get things done.
Buuutt....the more I hear Obama, the more convinced I am that he could really take us places as a country, as a nation in this world. His speeches, whether he writes them or someone else does (or a nice mix) have captivated me. It reminds me of watching old film of Kennedy's speeches during the 1960 campaign and his inaugural. I don't get that excitable feeling when I hear Clinton talk, though I know for absolute certain that she does indeed know what she is talking about.
So I'm torn. I like 'em both. And I don't like Edwards, so he's easy for me to dismiss.
But I think I'm probably going to hop on the Obama bandwagon. But whichever of these two are the candidate, it is my feeling that we can hardly go wrong.
And if folks have comments about how I am wrong/dumb/moronic/mislead/ignorant about liking Clinton, save it. Get your own blog and write your lost little neocon missives in long form and save me the trouble from deleting your comment. But then come back and check for more restaurant reviews!!
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6 comments:
I like Clinton, too. I'm still torn between her and Obama in the primary and will feel comfortable voting for either one against any of the Republican challangers.
While I agree that Obama is an exciting speaker, one has to remember that charisma does not necessarily translate into leadership abilities. But what the hey...Reagan and Bill Clinton went a long way on their charm!
I really think that if Hillary were more personable, she would be the frontrunner at this point. Perhaps "image" is everything.
And yes, I was disappointed to see that Joe Biden withdrew from the race. He may not have the name recognition, but he is a highly intelligent senator who is very capable and has lots of experience in government. However, he will return as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and serve his country there.
I agree with you, anonymous, about charisma. One thing I try to keep in the back of my mind is that all leaders aren't born with that instinct that tells them what to do and when to do it. If a leader can come across to me and make me know that they are doing the right thing, it goes pretty far. The advisors and such, such as the JCS, NSA, Cabinet members, and so on, offer the directions on which way to go, and the President just puts his name, words and smile on it.
But yeah, Hillary could have loosened up a bit, earlier on in the contest, and it may have been enough.
Someone needs to come up with an infallible test to give these folks to determine their ability to run a country!!
As far as Biden, it would not surprise me to see him offered Secretary of State, as has been rumored in 2004 and this year. I don't think a vice presidency for a 65 year-old man is in the works, but Obama, especially, could hardly do better in choosing a VP.
I read an interesting article in Newsweek (that leftist rag..hee) by Jonathan Alter. He raised the issue that I had not thought about in regards to Hillary's persona on the campaign trail. The male candidates are "allowed" to use their sex appeal while mingling with the crowds,e.g.,making eye contact, firm handshakes, a wink and a broad smile to the lovely ladies, etc.
However, it seems as though it is unbecoming for a woman candidate to employ these same methods...it could backfire. In other words, the double standard applies even in the political realm in the 21st century!
It's an interesting concept, and one that I am sure Hillary is well aware! Money, sex and power, it do make the world go 'round!
Joe Biden would be a WONDERFUL Sec. of State. I think that might suit him better than VP.
I must say, Gourmand, your political insights are quite astute. Perhaps your blog could include both the gustatory AND a side order of politics??
Floyd...umm...I think your recently attained BA in Political Science is showing...and it looks good!
As you know I very much like Obama, but I agree with you in thinking we will be in better hands if either he or HRC is the next president over anyone the Repub's have to offer!
You should stick to food posts. Your opinions about restaurants aren't exactly sound, but at least they aren't as offensive.
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