The more they stay the same. Or so the saying goes.
Obama was the candidate of "change" but so far, the people he is talking to regarding administration posts are all Democrat stalwarts. Rahm Emannuel and John Podesta held important posts in the Clinton Administration. Obama dusted off Warren Christopher to help him with staffing the State Deprtment.
The people being discussed for Secretary of State are not new faces, either. John Kerry apparently wants the job. The current speculation centers on Hillary Clinton and Bill Richardson. I wonder how quickly the bloom will be off Obama's rose with his young, left-wing supporters, if conventional picks prove to be the rule, rather than the exception.
Meanwhile, there is the planned meeting between Obama and John McCain. My initial reaction was "what's this all about". I know McCain wants to be "Mr. Bi-Partisan" and, certainly, all Americans of goodwill should keep an open mind and be supportive of our new President.
Still, McCain should tread carefully. Surely, he is not in line for any Obama administration post. But he should also refrain from offering to be Obama's "spokesman" or liaison to the GOP caucus in the Senate. He needs to wait to see whether or not Obama really intends to be everyone's President or the leader of the Kossacks and the MoveOn crowd.
McCain got the GOP nomination, but he never won the party's heart. He is not the leader of the GOP and he should not purport to represent anyone but himself and his Arizona constituents with regard to "working with Obama".
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Obama: Post-Racial After All?
Barak Obama was often touted as a "post-racial" candidate by the media. this despite the fact that he actually often implicitly or explicitly attributed racist motives to critics and criticism. Right up to Election Day, I would not have said that anything had changed.
Obama's election has caused me to rethink that view. First the overwhelming joy and pride his election has instilled in African-Americans, is a phenomenon that I had not anticipated. The single "step" of electing a black man as President may well have created the opportunity for "a giant leap" forward in race relations in America.
For one thing, the "race card" ought to receive a quick burial. The fact is that a black man was elected President. 52% voted for Obama. It is certainly an understatement to assume that at least half of the 47% who voted for McCain did not do so on race grounds. Thus, its no exaggeration to say that for at least 75% of the American electorate, race is not a factor affecting their vote. America can not fairly be called a racist country.
As such, politicians and pundits who try to dismiss critics as racists should be rebuked. There will be many things done by an Obama Administration that I won't like. I intend to express my criticism when appropriate. In the past, as I noted here, I might have done so with some trepidation. That should no longer be true. The Jesse Jackson-Al Sharpton-David Gantt, race-card mentality should not be allowed to persist.
Of similar (and perhaps, greater) importance is the example that has been created by the election of the President Obama and the elevation of the Obama's as the First Family. On election night, the Obama family stood on the stage. You had a husband and wife, mother and father, and their children. Lets not kid ourselves, the black family, once one of the strongest institutions in our country, has fallen on hard times. It is much more common today that a black child lives in a single parent home or with a relative other than his/her mother or father.
The Obama family can be an example to African-Americans across the country. The Obama family may be the Huxtables on steroids, as far as example and inspiration go. The D&C's Jim Lawrence pointed this out in his editorial entitled Mentor in Chief. Hopefully young blacks will understand the value of education, marriage, and work. They will see the fact that being well educated, well-spoken, well-dressed, well-mannered, etc., leads to success. They will have reason to believe that the American Dream can apply to them if they act responsibly to attain it.
I have great doubts about the likelihood that President Obama's policies will be successful. He was and remains an extreme liberal. Nonetheless, if his election does have the salutary effects noted above, his election will indeed have been "historic".
Obama's election has caused me to rethink that view. First the overwhelming joy and pride his election has instilled in African-Americans, is a phenomenon that I had not anticipated. The single "step" of electing a black man as President may well have created the opportunity for "a giant leap" forward in race relations in America.
For one thing, the "race card" ought to receive a quick burial. The fact is that a black man was elected President. 52% voted for Obama. It is certainly an understatement to assume that at least half of the 47% who voted for McCain did not do so on race grounds. Thus, its no exaggeration to say that for at least 75% of the American electorate, race is not a factor affecting their vote. America can not fairly be called a racist country.
As such, politicians and pundits who try to dismiss critics as racists should be rebuked. There will be many things done by an Obama Administration that I won't like. I intend to express my criticism when appropriate. In the past, as I noted here, I might have done so with some trepidation. That should no longer be true. The Jesse Jackson-Al Sharpton-David Gantt, race-card mentality should not be allowed to persist.
Of similar (and perhaps, greater) importance is the example that has been created by the election of the President Obama and the elevation of the Obama's as the First Family. On election night, the Obama family stood on the stage. You had a husband and wife, mother and father, and their children. Lets not kid ourselves, the black family, once one of the strongest institutions in our country, has fallen on hard times. It is much more common today that a black child lives in a single parent home or with a relative other than his/her mother or father.
The Obama family can be an example to African-Americans across the country. The Obama family may be the Huxtables on steroids, as far as example and inspiration go. The D&C's Jim Lawrence pointed this out in his editorial entitled Mentor in Chief. Hopefully young blacks will understand the value of education, marriage, and work. They will see the fact that being well educated, well-spoken, well-dressed, well-mannered, etc., leads to success. They will have reason to believe that the American Dream can apply to them if they act responsibly to attain it.
I have great doubts about the likelihood that President Obama's policies will be successful. He was and remains an extreme liberal. Nonetheless, if his election does have the salutary effects noted above, his election will indeed have been "historic".
Friday, October 31, 2008
Countdown to Election Day
There are only a few days left until we choose a new President. While there are some signs of a tightening race, the election remains Obama's to lose.
On one hand, you might wonder how it could possibly be close. Howard Fineman, writing in Newsweek, pointed out the challenges facing McCain. Some of the key points:
"Consumer confidence is at an all-time low. The job performance rating of the outgoing Republican president is at Nixon-Carter levels. Nine out of ten voters think the country is off on the wrong track. The Democrats lead in the generic congressional preference vote by a double-digit margin.
Obama has outspent McCain on TV advertising three or four to one (though McCain is matching him in some key states here at the end). Obama has four thousand paid organizers in key states, an unheard of number. Most voters think that McCain’s running mate is not qualified to be president. Many people wonder aloud if McCain is in fact too old (72) to be president. Much of the media coverage of Obama has been fawning to say the least, and with good reason. He is one of the most winsome, charismatic candidates to have appeared on the scene in decades."
Still, the race is apparently not quite over. It may be that thanks to "Joe the Plumber", some of Obama's real ideas slipped out through the protective screen thrown up by the media. Frankly, most Americans don't agree with the central tenets of Obama's plan of action; namely, redistribution of wealth and further expansion of government into more parts of our lives.
Charles Krauthammer has written two consecutive endorsements of a McCain Presidency. His analysis is clear. He makes the case for McCain better than anyone else I've read.
I just don't know if there is enough time for doubts about Obama to stop his coronation.
On one hand, you might wonder how it could possibly be close. Howard Fineman, writing in Newsweek, pointed out the challenges facing McCain. Some of the key points:
"Consumer confidence is at an all-time low. The job performance rating of the outgoing Republican president is at Nixon-Carter levels. Nine out of ten voters think the country is off on the wrong track. The Democrats lead in the generic congressional preference vote by a double-digit margin.
Obama has outspent McCain on TV advertising three or four to one (though McCain is matching him in some key states here at the end). Obama has four thousand paid organizers in key states, an unheard of number. Most voters think that McCain’s running mate is not qualified to be president. Many people wonder aloud if McCain is in fact too old (72) to be president. Much of the media coverage of Obama has been fawning to say the least, and with good reason. He is one of the most winsome, charismatic candidates to have appeared on the scene in decades."
Still, the race is apparently not quite over. It may be that thanks to "Joe the Plumber", some of Obama's real ideas slipped out through the protective screen thrown up by the media. Frankly, most Americans don't agree with the central tenets of Obama's plan of action; namely, redistribution of wealth and further expansion of government into more parts of our lives.
Charles Krauthammer has written two consecutive endorsements of a McCain Presidency. His analysis is clear. He makes the case for McCain better than anyone else I've read.
I just don't know if there is enough time for doubts about Obama to stop his coronation.
Friday, October 24, 2008
GOP's "Big Tent" Empties
The nomination of John McCain was supposed to be the culmination of the effort to draw more moderates into a broader and more diverse Republican party. I admit that I was swayed by the notion that a McCain candidacy was likely to draw moderates and independents.
Strangely, though, we have seen a parade of moderate Republicans repudiate McCain and throw in their lot with Barack Obama. Colin Powell, William Weld, Kenneth Adelman are notable among them. What can explain this?
Frankly, I was perplexed until I heard Rush Limbaugh discuss the issue. Among other things, Rush read this column by Charles Krauthammer during his show. He also played some clips of Alan Greenspan's testimony before Congress.
Taken together, I now understand that for many people, whether they be politicians, journalists, scholars, or bureaucrats, the allure of the Washington spotlight is too much to resist. It is clear that the desire to curry favor and remain relevant to the inside-the-beltway powers that be, trumps principle, loyalty and personal dignity.
Krauthammer's article eloquently called out those shallow politicos and pundits. The clips of Greenspan were sad and disturbing. In order to preserve his "reputation" with the liberals who appear to be coming into complete control in Washington, he meekly expressed his "shock" at the "failure of the markets". Thus, having pleased the liberal nabobs on the committee by blaming capitalism (rather than pointing out the failure of government, including Congress, or his own errors as Fed Chairman) for the economic crisis, he assured himself a continuing seat at the table.
The future of the GOP and the conservative movement do not and can not include such people. The reality is that the middle of the road is where the line is. If you go there, you get run over. Partisanship is not a dirty word if it means standing up for principle.
The GOP's big tent is coming down; I say good riddance.
Strangely, though, we have seen a parade of moderate Republicans repudiate McCain and throw in their lot with Barack Obama. Colin Powell, William Weld, Kenneth Adelman are notable among them. What can explain this?
Frankly, I was perplexed until I heard Rush Limbaugh discuss the issue. Among other things, Rush read this column by Charles Krauthammer during his show. He also played some clips of Alan Greenspan's testimony before Congress.
Taken together, I now understand that for many people, whether they be politicians, journalists, scholars, or bureaucrats, the allure of the Washington spotlight is too much to resist. It is clear that the desire to curry favor and remain relevant to the inside-the-beltway powers that be, trumps principle, loyalty and personal dignity.
Krauthammer's article eloquently called out those shallow politicos and pundits. The clips of Greenspan were sad and disturbing. In order to preserve his "reputation" with the liberals who appear to be coming into complete control in Washington, he meekly expressed his "shock" at the "failure of the markets". Thus, having pleased the liberal nabobs on the committee by blaming capitalism (rather than pointing out the failure of government, including Congress, or his own errors as Fed Chairman) for the economic crisis, he assured himself a continuing seat at the table.
The future of the GOP and the conservative movement do not and can not include such people. The reality is that the middle of the road is where the line is. If you go there, you get run over. Partisanship is not a dirty word if it means standing up for principle.
The GOP's big tent is coming down; I say good riddance.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Opinion Polls and Tea Leaves
There have been a number of polls released recently that have some Conservatives hoping against hope that McCain still has a shot. His supporters are trying to sift through the data to divine some sign of a tightening of the race.
I remain hopeful but skeptical.
Lets face it, McCain is campaigning hard in North Carolina and Indiana. He's fighting to hold on to Florida and Missouri. Virginia hasn't voted Democrat since 1964, but it appears lost to Obama. If these are the toss-up states, I fear an electoral vote bloodbath.
We can only hope Obama doesn't have coattails. Republicans need to hang on to enough seats in the Senate and House to remain relevant. Right now, that's not guaranteed. It could be a long, cold four years.
UPDATE: As if we needed confirmation, check out this article from the US News.
I remain hopeful but skeptical.
Lets face it, McCain is campaigning hard in North Carolina and Indiana. He's fighting to hold on to Florida and Missouri. Virginia hasn't voted Democrat since 1964, but it appears lost to Obama. If these are the toss-up states, I fear an electoral vote bloodbath.
We can only hope Obama doesn't have coattails. Republicans need to hang on to enough seats in the Senate and House to remain relevant. Right now, that's not guaranteed. It could be a long, cold four years.
UPDATE: As if we needed confirmation, check out this article from the US News.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Kuhl Must Be A Lock
I had read and heard that Randy Kuhl's re-election campaign was going pretty well, but now we have confirmation of sorts; to wit: the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle has given Kuhl its endorsement.
Anyone who is a long-time reader of the D&C knows that they endorse a few Republican candidates each election cycle, just to "prove" that they are "fair and balanced". A review of those GOP endorsements, however, reveals that the D&C's usual modus operandi is to endorse only those Republicans whom they expect to win.
I can't think of an endorsement of a Republican candidate who was not the favorite, nor even one where the race really hung in the balance, and where the D&C endorsement might push the Republican over the top.
So congratulations may be in order for Congressman Kuhl, if the D&C's endorsement history is any guide.
Anyone who is a long-time reader of the D&C knows that they endorse a few Republican candidates each election cycle, just to "prove" that they are "fair and balanced". A review of those GOP endorsements, however, reveals that the D&C's usual modus operandi is to endorse only those Republicans whom they expect to win.
I can't think of an endorsement of a Republican candidate who was not the favorite, nor even one where the race really hung in the balance, and where the D&C endorsement might push the Republican over the top.
So congratulations may be in order for Congressman Kuhl, if the D&C's endorsement history is any guide.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
The Last Debate
Last night, John McCain did as well as he has in any of the debates. He was clearly on the attack and he had Obama acting rather defensive.
Still, I don't think it was a "game changer". As I wrote in my inaugural Monroe Rising post, I think Obama and the Democrats are poised for a big win on November 4th.
One reason is the fact that Obama continues to glibly skate away from any claim and from any fact that might be perceived as negative. He coolly denied his pro-abortion votes in the Illinois Legislature, secure in the knowledge that his media allies won't do a "fact check".
The fact is that he voted against a law that would protect the life of a baby which survived an abortion attempt. He also voted against a ban on partial-birth abortions. Most telling was the fact that he cast those votes in committee, behind closed doors. Then, our courageous Senator Obama voted "present" on the same bills when they went to the floor for open votes.
I guess he was protecting women....and his future candidacies. Too bad the national media will let him get away with it.
Still, I don't think it was a "game changer". As I wrote in my inaugural Monroe Rising post, I think Obama and the Democrats are poised for a big win on November 4th.
One reason is the fact that Obama continues to glibly skate away from any claim and from any fact that might be perceived as negative. He coolly denied his pro-abortion votes in the Illinois Legislature, secure in the knowledge that his media allies won't do a "fact check".
The fact is that he voted against a law that would protect the life of a baby which survived an abortion attempt. He also voted against a ban on partial-birth abortions. Most telling was the fact that he cast those votes in committee, behind closed doors. Then, our courageous Senator Obama voted "present" on the same bills when they went to the floor for open votes.
I guess he was protecting women....and his future candidacies. Too bad the national media will let him get away with it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
