If you’re a Republican, I suspect that you’re pretty happy about the recent CNN Democratic Presidential debate in South Carolina. To be fair, I haven’t seen it, but the press accounts and transcript seems that the the two frontrunners went after each other like schoolboys in a playground fight – name calling, fists and wrestling in the mud. If these two tear each other to bits before the general election then they save the G.O.P. from having to do any work at all. This is why Democrats lose presidential elections. Two words, Senators: Grow Up!
I’m not a fan of Senator Clinton and we saw the worst of her in this debate – the Clintons seem to have embraced the politics of personal destruction that were used so viciously on them in the 90’s. My choice, Senator Obama, was no better behaved. He came in clearly itching for a fight. What happened to the politics of hope, Senator? Where is the optimism that made you such an attractive candidate. I know you have an ex-president latched onto your leg like a pit bull, but be the bigger man. The only candidate on the stage that didn’t seem as if he were running for kindergarten class president was John Edwards. I’m on the verge of throwing my support behind Edwards, who had the best line of the night:
“This kind of squabbling, how many children is this going to get healthcare?” Edwards said to applause. “How many people are going to get an education from this? How many kids are going to be able to go to college because of this?”
Popularity: 8% [?]
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by June
23 Jan 2008 at 13:17
Couldn’t agree with you more! This election should be a slam dunk for the Dems and they’re about to blow it. The strongest part of Obama had been his being above the fray and moving on. If he continues to let himself be part of it, he’ll lose…and I guess that’s what Bill and Hillary have in mind as they draw him in like spiders to the fly.
by KathyF
23 Jan 2008 at 14:15
Maybe you should read this.
by maryt/theteach
23 Jan 2008 at 14:27
Chris, I felt the exact same way you did about the squabbling between Obama and Clinton. Silly, silly! And I thought Obama was taking the “moral high ground,” as they call it. Agh, they are ALL politicans and we can’t forget it!
by Jessica K
23 Jan 2008 at 14:48
I didn’t see it either. You’re right,though. People don’t want to elect someone who acts like a spoiled child on national television. It reminds me of Al Gore bowing up on W during the debates way back when. It just serves to make them look stupid.
by Blogseyeman
23 Jan 2008 at 18:38
If the US of America adopted some parts of the social contract of Australia, especially: required voting and citizenship at 18, I would regard my former country as a leader of democracy in effect.
Everyone votes in Australia, lest they incur a fine. But the last time I voted as an “American” was against an entrenched “Good Old Boy” who lost against a grand-jury indited opponent in TX.
I can no longer vote in the US. but I still find it outstanding that less than a quarter of the USA population can assign to un-elected officials the power to wage any war which kills civilians and troops in the name or phrase of “Denocracy”.
As Winston Churchill said – There is nothing worse than Democracy – except every other governance that has been tried [sic]
by Harlekwin
23 Jan 2008 at 19:20
Emotions were likely running high, along with a bit of mental and physical exhaustion. Of course, that in no way excuses the behavior, but face it, they’re people living under the media’s microscope. I guess they both forgot that for a while.
I hope this is their only show of temper. I’m still undecided. I will be voting for the Democratic candidate, but right now it still feels too soon to choose.
by CDV
23 Jan 2008 at 21:58
Kathy, I read that NYT commentary but I stand with my statements. Comparisons to past campaign shenanigans don’t make Clinton & Obama’s bickering any more palatable. Call me an idealist, which is why I back Obama (and Dean and Bradley before him) but I’m just looking for someone to rise above the fray.
by strangescottishgirl
24 Jan 2008 at 01:15
i dont get it, arent the democrats working together against the republicans? cant they share the white house and have an elected cabinet? I dont understand american stuff… why are the fighting on the same team? why dont they divide the states equally between them? Why dont they go as Obamton or Clinama or one step down, like why didnt they decide their candidate before and then all back them? I dont get it, why is this ‘race’ going on the same time as the republican ‘race’ is it the same thing? when do people actually vote for a president? will it make any fucking difference or will everything just be shit as per fucking ususal?
answers on a postcard to someone who gives a shit
Ok I am on holiday in 5 hrs so sorry for being so childish sometimes I just like to swear a lot. and sinead the cookie was delicious! yum yum! mmmmmm lemme know if you want anything back from oz xxx
by Tom
24 Jan 2008 at 05:15
Isn’t this just what Rove ordered? The only person who can beat the Dem’s in 2008 is themselves. Hillary is 100% unelectable in the general election. Giving her the nomination is the surest way to ensure a Republican victory. She left S.C. a few days ago to move on to super Tuesday states leaving Bill behind to campaign. Obama and Edwards are still on the ground in S.C.
She’ll probably win the northeast. She ran uncontested in Michigan. The next states will seal our fate. I hope Obama stays above the fray. In my opinion, he will win the general election over any of the republican candidates.
On another note DVD, I’ll be in Athens for the weekend, any suggestions?
by Jason
24 Jan 2008 at 06:32
I hope that super-duper, tsunami Tuesday won’t decide the candidates for us. I’m still planning to vote on Feb 19th in the Wisconsin primary election!
by Anne
24 Jan 2008 at 15:03
I know so many die hard republicans who are cheering for Clinton to win the primary. What does that tell you?!
by Busy Dad Mumbles
27 Jan 2008 at 05:15
As an American, regardless of party, the most recent primary, the debates, the interviews and the egg throwing, have made me tied of the process. It is all about money, media, and slime ball comments.
It makes me tied to hear Bill Clinton referred to as the first black president by both whites, blacks, and the media. In this day and time this stupid comment has no place.
Also, watching the Clinton’s play nice so Mrs. Clinton can get Bill back in the White House makes me ill.
American’s wake up. While we are lobbing insults on each other about an election that is months away, the rest of the world watches, and makes moves to undermine our economy, our banking, immigration, defense, and basic media.
Let’s decide to vote none of the above and find some people who are qualified to run our government.
End of rant