Political Friday: The Contenders
“But, your flag decal won’t get you
Into Heaven anymore.
They’re already overcrowded
From your dirty little war
Now Jesus don’t like Killin’
No matter what the reasons for.
And your flag decal won’t get you into Heaven anymore.”
John Prine - “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get Into Heaven Anymore”
I had the dubious pleasure of watching some of the CNN/YouTube/Yahoos with Broadband debate on the internet this week. I’m not so sure about the format, some of the videos were a bit gimmicky, but it’s good to hear the candidates discussing real issues as opposed to the flag waving contest of 2004. I thought it would be fun on this political Friday to look at the 2008 Presidential candidates and where they stand. If I with all of them it would be more of a political weekend, so I’ve just dealt with the top 3 according to the most recent polls.
The Democrats
Hillary Clinton: Ah, Senator Clinton, she’s still leading the pack, although Obama is gaining ground. I am a (Bill) Clinton Democrat, but I am also one of the people that can not vote for Hillary under any circumstances. This is not because I am a Hannitized Hillary hater, or a misogynist or any of the typical arguments. It’s because the last seven years have been a vivid demonstration that the hereditary presidency is just not a good idea. If Hillary were elected and re-elected for a second term we would have had the same two families ruling the country for 28 years. Isn’t that what we rebelled against back in the 18th century? Thus if Hillary is nominated I will be forced to vote either Republican or for a third party candidate - I hear Nader is running again.
This is slightly disappointing, because I am a big fan of Bill Clinton’s and Hillary’s positions on a number of things are solid. I think she needs to run a bit more left of center, but she’s smart and competent. I’m sure that she wouldn’t be as much of a disaster as Bush, but it’s massively unhealthy for American, already veering toward plutocracy, to creep towards a virtual monarchy.
Barack Obama: An extremely attractive candidate, he’s moving up in the polls and has more money than God. His health care plan sounds good. He’s young, good looking and induces excitement everywhere he goes. I think it would be good to have a non-Baby Boomer president - you guys had your shot! The only problem I see with Obama is his relative inexperience. Prior to 2000, I would have said that wasn’t a problem. It’s the cabinet members and advisors that you surround yourself with anyway. But, the last 7 years have been living proof that inexperience is a big-fat problem. Thus, I’m hesitant, as charmed as I am with Obama, to get on his bandwagon until I see who he would bring along with him.
John Edwards: I like what John Edwards says a lot. He’s the one of the top three willing to run left. His health care and tax plans are well reasoned and sensible. He’s the only candidate really addressing the growing poverty problem in the States. The problem is that I don’t know if he’s genuine. He seems kind of plastic and the fact that he’s incredibly wealthy makes his talk about poverty seem slightly disingenuous - Romney-esque even. If the primary were today and I was registered as a Democrat, I would vote for him, though.
The Republicans
Rudolph Giuliani: Remarkably still leading in the polls, which I think shows you how screwed the Republicans are this time around. Rudy has one issue - he was in New York at 9/11 and stood around looking officious. At least he wasn’t reading “My Pet Goat”, but does that qualify him to be president? I don’t think his flag decal is going to get him in to heaven or the White House.
None of the Above: True! In the latest FoxNuz poll, None of the Above is running at 20% and in second place. Personally I think this is the best candidate the Republicans have to offer and they should be encouraged to nominate this candidate. Is this a recognition that 8 years of Bush/Cheney means that this party is no longer competent to run the country and thus will forfeit the game? I fear not.
John McCain/Fred Thompson: The old bald guys are running neck and neck in third place. McCain has no money and lost more of his campaign staff this week. Thompson has spent no money and is not even officially running yet. I know what McCain stands for and it seems his party doesn’t like it. I don’t know what Thompson stands for, but it doesn’t seem to matter. It’s also worth noting that Thompson has less experience as an elected official than Barack Obama. The Republicans see him as the new Reagan. Yeah, that’s how bad it is for the Republicans. Actually, that [tag]Newt Gingrich[/tag] is many Repubs’ Great White Hope is how bad it is.
Romney deserves a mention - he’s not in the top three, but he’s running first in Iowa and New Hampshire. The big questions for Mitt - can the Evangelicals and the Mormons get along enough to get him nominated? And does anyone believe anything that comes out of his mouth?
I’m personally pleased that Florida has moved their primary up as I am registered as an absentee voter in that state. I’m surprised, because after the debacle in 2000 and the subsequent 7 years I’m not sure Florida deserves to make any kind of political decisions. But at least I’ll have a little bit of say in who gets nominated.
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You really nailed it here.
I disagree with you on the Hillary thing– I was a supporter and would have been thrilled to have her and Bill back in the White House. Hey, two heads are better than one and whatever.
Wow– your John Edwards thing was right on — and I liked him. I was hoping for a Hillary/Obama or Hillard/Edwards ticket– but you were spot on here.
And honestly, I don’t care about a candidate’s sex life– but it does demonstrate what a good show people can put on. At least Bill Clinton seemed like a womanizer… hell, I’d do him. Hahaha.
Florida Girl In Sydneys last blog post..He’s Ba-ack
27 Sep 2008 at 2:03 pm