Congratulations Obama! Not only did Obama win, but he did in convincing fashion, and did it by organizing better and bringing out new people, widening the tent. That’s a great sign for him and the Democrats in general. Many have said it, and I agree, it’s fantastic that a guy who wouldn’t been allowed on the bus a couple generations back is the early leader for President of the USA. It’s a tribute to our country. Jon Swift says it funnier.
The other big winners were white voters and white members of the party establishment. By voting for Barack Obama, they were able to prove that they are not racist. The fact that Obama is young, charismatic, inspiring, a mesmerizing speaker, has fresh ideas and appeals across the partisan divide will make no difference in the general election where it is a well-known fact that the American people will be afraid to vote for a black man with a funny name who is inexperienced and might secretly be a Muslim. By letting him win this one, and giving us a historic moment that we can tell our grandchildren about, we can all feel better about ourselves.
Huckabee: I have two conflicting views. One is that, this guy would be a terrible president. The GOP only has two candidates who are even tolerable, Romney and McCain. The rest of them are dreadful. (I love Ron Paul, and I’m glad he’s in the race, but deep down I don’t want him for president.) So I’m sad that such a terrible guy has the early lead. On the other hand Huckabee is not only a bad candidate on the merits, he’ll be easy to destroy. Any of the Dems can take him. So I’m glad that the GOP might end up with a candidate who is more likely to lose the general election.
Giuliani: Swear to god, this was his reaction to his pathetic showing, “”None of this worries me – Sept. 11, there were times I was worried,” The man is a cartoon.
Media and Framing: John Edwards came in second, narrowly beating Hillary. Saturday, the lead story was Hillary’s reaction. Page seven or so was Edwards. The lead editorial was about Hillary, no mention of Edwards. Why can’t the guy get any coverage?
Obama sounds good and gives good speeches, but I just read a Newsweek article on how when he votes, he often times doesn’t vote at all and says “present” so he’s not pinned down on issues. I can’t stand that. I want someone who will take a stand, even if I disagree with it. I’m sure all politicians need to dance on the fence often times, but he does it frequently it seems.
“All Hat, No Cattle?” Is that what uncle cleatus used to say when you were growing up on the ranch? who are you?
O,
I have the same issue with Obama. It feels a little like All Hat, No Cattle.
Your model comment reminds me of some great bathroom graffitti. “Remember, no matter hot she is, somewhere some guy is sick of her shit.”
My God I love Oren’s analysis. Classic. I don’t particularly agree with it, but this is definitely a comment for the ages.
My thoughts:
1) It makes feel old that I don’t buy into Obama’s candidacy. I have a fear that the Obama phenomenon is like starting to go out with a really hot model. She’s hot and you’re really excited that she’s into you. Six months later, though, you realize that she’s really annoying, she shops too much, and her ass is kind of fat. I just hope this realization happens soon, or after the general election.
2) Don’t dismiss Huckabee. I think he’s the best politician of the whole lot and he would be tough, especially as the establishment starts to back him.
I know what you mean about rooting interest in the GOP primary. I think that McCain is the only electable one of the bunch, and the only tolerable one in my book (unlike Muttrox, I disagree and think that Romney is clearly intolerable and the creepiest of them all(well, maybe besides Rudy…)).
So do I celebrate if and when McCain puts the final shovel of dirt on the Romney campaign by winning New Hampshire, or do I now worry that the GOP has stumbled upon the only one of their candidates that could possibly win in November?
Basically, I’m just rooting for total chaos in the Republican nomination process, with Huckabee standing at the end of it. I’d love to see Obama vs. Huckabee in November — it would be a nice easy Dem win.
Although I’ve made this mistake before. I remember thinking that the GOP would be nuts to nominate GW Bush over McCain, since McCain would clearly have won the 2000 general election, while I didn’t think that Bush would have a chance…