It pains me to disappoint you, readers. I know that you come here primarily for my thoughts about the day's political developments. In fact, I'm sure that as soon as you heard about Senator Clinton's surprise victory in New Hampshire, your first thought was, "I wonder what TED has to say about that?"
So, given your high -- but thoroughly reasonable expectations -- you can imagine how difficult it is for me to know that you're coming here and seeing nothing but pictures of extremely attractive men.
I would apologize, but who would believe that I'm truly sorry? Anyone?
For the record, I do have very strong feelings about politics. I don't discuss them much because I find most people (I'm speaking of the general public, of course, not of you) seem to have formed their opinions based on very little or on something that seems totally irrelevant to me. I generally have a pretty good idea of who I'm going to vote for fairly early on in the process, and watching the shifting political tides usually strikes me as something between pointless and annoying.
I'm somewhat gratified that there's at least a chance that there will still be a competitive race under way on February 12, when the Maryland primary happens. I find the current scheme, where so much attention is paid to Iowa and New Hampshire, to be counterproductive and irritating. It's nice to think that my vote might actually matter.
As for why Senator Clinton won in Iowa tonight, well, I've read a lot of uninformed speculation. My guess is that more of the people voting in the Democratic primary thought she was the best qualified candidate, but it's obvious from reading the political blogs that my explanation is ridiculously uncomplicated.
In case you're wondering, as long as she's still in the race as of February 12, I'll be voting for Senator Clinton. I've always thought she would make a good president, and the more hate the world's most pompous blogger spews at her, the more I like her.
I'm not indifferent to the articulate and passionate rhetoric of some of the other candidates. And in the general election, I would certainly vote for either Senator Obama or even Senator Edwards over any of the Republican candidates. But what I look for in a candidate is someone with the experience and intelligence to get the job done. And starting in 2009, the job isn't primarily going to be inspiring the American people. It's going to be to start undoing the nearly incalculable damage that's been done to this country by two terms of stupidity, greed, and fear. I think she's the most qualified candidate for that job.
4 comments:
Beautifully put - and presented - my friend.
It has been sad to see a once truly great nation's reputation absolutely besmirched by the current administration. But it's more than reputation, as the inept handling of Katrina aftermath demonstrated. And the darkening clouds of recession are truly worrying. I'm reminded of the British Empire in the 1920's when it was heavily in debt - to the USA - when the Americans called in their loans - that was the end of the British Empire. I wonder what will happen when America's creditors call in their loans, now that the USA is the world's great debtor nation?
In any event the next President faces huge challenges and I agree with you, I think Clinton is best placed to meet them.
But I still worry that even the best candidate will be overwhelmed by what's coming.
Oh, and nice butts too.
Every now and then I'm overcome by Senator Obama's hope wave, but then I look at the mess the next president will inherit and there's no time for on the job training.
I think we've all had enough of 8 years on the job training. I'm sure lots of Republicans figured Dick Cheney would be a nice fall back, but that's what happens when you trust Satan.
That and I don't think Obama has the balls for it.
I guess maybe I have a secret hope Hillary will fix some of her husband's mistakes. Like DADT...
"And starting in 2009, the job isn't primarily going to be inspiring the American people. It's going to be to start undoing the nearly incalculable damage that's been done to this country by two terms of stupidity, greed, and fear." Amen.
Post a Comment