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Steven Weber

Steven Weber

Posted: February 3, 2008 12:34 AM

A Huff Postscript


A postscript to "Tumbling Dice": after having had ongoing conversations since the last Democratic debate, I just want to add a few further thoughts. While I came away from the evening thinking Hillary "won," after a lot of back and forth with my fellow cranks, I think in the end she will prove too tempting a target for the conservative anti-Clinton forces, who have been waiting for a chance to flay her raw for whichever inane and psychologically revealing reasons they might cite (I want a nickel for every Vince Foster reference that gets spewed onto the bar). It will be a tide of vitriol rivaled only by the roiling river of hate-slime flowing through the tunnels beneath Manhattan in Ghostbusters 2. But incapable of ever being converted by Jackie Wilson.

But a Barack Obama candidacy will prove even too scary for the GOP to attack forcefully, though they will try. Some zitty, nose-picking GOP operative somewhere will of course misstep and hurl a racial firebomb which in turn will cause major convulsions within the Republican body politic, as well as inciting a spasm of regret/self-loathing at the core of every American who wants to think race is a dead issue but knows otherwise. But almost above all other things he espouses and embodies, Obama can excite the young people who are the future of this country and give them someone and something more substantive that Brittany fuggin' Spears to look up to. They are (if advertisers in their wily wisdom can be trusted) are the most sought after demographic, if only because they are the most impressionable.

It's clear that no one person can run this country; that highly visible leadership, actual charisma and wit is every bit as important as business acumen or geopolitical strategic capability. People want and need a leader who can rally and inspire. And the people, if inspired, energized and empowered are an unstoppable force for good.

The potential for such a situation is wildly feared by those who currently hold the reins of power and all of their craven ilk. The opportunity to catalyze the nation's legion of frustrated citizens is presenting itself as clearly as any such opportunity ever has. Hillary Clinton's gender is important and her ascent as a woman in American politics is truly historic. But only as such, she is not as potentially inspiring a leader as Barack would be. And after years of mindless, passive consumption of the same pap that has passed itself off as Democracy, a dose of genuinely thrilling inspiration is what we need.

And, being a sentimental bastard myself, haplessly emotional and easily made to weep at any screening of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington I am going where my heart (and head) is leading me: I am going for Obama.

 
 
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10:04 PM on 02/07/2008
Steven Weber, don't let the door hit you in the ass as you leave!

This nice man whom you wish to become President, will sit across from and speak with really bad men/women, to insist that America is morally correct in her Democratic Rule of Law Republic. He will not be successful!

He will fold like yesterday's newspaper! He's too willing to acquiesce to China, Iran, Syria, Hamas, Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico. They will play him for the chump he will be! He has no experience with really bad, evil, true haters of Americanism! Kim Jung Il will eat his lunch like he did with Katherine Albright and Bill Clinton. Thanks Bill. now Kim's got nuclear weapons. Iran will soon and then what? Whom do we defend if offered cheap oil for the destruction of Israel? China will insist we NOT defend Taiwan while it supports our financial house! Europe can't wait to impose it's stagnent rules and regulations upon American industry; thereby crippling our innovations and competitive spirit.

Putin will carve him up like last year's Thanksgiving dinner! He will dismiss him as a impotent little eunuch! How is Obama going to be tough we he preaches accommodation?
11:12 PM on 02/04/2008
It makes no difference to me if you are inspired.
I am not sure what inspired you. Is it BO's support of Louis Farrakhan, or his close affiliation with a church who vilifies whites, or perhaps that he did not cast a vote 89.4% while calling himself present. It must be his health plan, which is no plan at all, but that doesn't surprise anyone since he has no plans of any sort, except well he did say he would stop immigration, i guess that's what inspired you. I especially liked his continual race baiting and his shout outs to Jesus, and lest we forget his admiration for ronald reagan and the republicans, and their "good ideas". The people will vote for Hillary. That is, those of us who are not inspired.
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deminmo
just looking for answers
09:09 PM on 02/04/2008
Emotionally, I do agree with you Steven. There
is a lot to be said for youth and enthusiasm.
And there needs to be a new direction, new
thought process and especially a vow to uphold
the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
That said....both Obama and Clinton could be
torn apart as they get closer to nomination.
Both have made mistakes or ommissions. In 4
years I might feel better about an Obama
Presidency. I don't know if now is his time.
But until I walk into my voting place, I will
continue to weigh the qualities of both.
08:16 PM on 02/04/2008
"those who currently hold the reins of power and all their craven ilk."

Disregarding the Hillary-Hacks on this thread and assuming that Obama is the 'real-deal' and is elected President, how long do you think the craven powerful elite would let him live.

Do not underestimate what these entrenched and amoral people are capable of in protecting their own interests.
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janmB
INSPIRED
07:39 PM on 02/04/2008
OF COURSE STEVEN WEBB YOU WILL GO FOR OBAMA -HE'S A GUY !!! HE'S A GUY !!!
NO MATTER HE'S A GREENHORN---BUT AN astute, smooth polITICIAN with speechwriters who’ve worked with the Kennedys’ own speechwriter-courtier Ted Sorenson.
If it’s only about ringing rhetoric, let speechwriters run for PREZ
YOu have to KNOW Hillary is the most qualified but ALL THE MALE BLOGGERS on this site have DISSED the WOMAN. I HOPE TO G-D she wins and you men can just SUCK IT UP !!! BUT GOOD.
06:48 PM on 02/04/2008
"The potential for such a situation is wildly feared by those who currently hold the reins of power and all of their craven ilk." -SW

Steven, you have it backwards. Emotionally, I understand this line of thinking despite the curious, cult like fervor. However, the inexperienced albeit 'nice guy' Barack is poised to be the perfect tool for the "craven ilk" to merge the two parties into the even more craven One Big Money Party. With all this hope goin' around, one might miss a few things, like issues:

Who are (among other things) the key players backing him? Looks like many of them see Obama as a quick, 4 year ATM of cheap labor and $$$$ tech subsidies where the Big Dog might have a few reasons to say "not so fast..."? Who personally stands to gain from Obama vs. Hillary?

HOPEbama is one hell of an orator and if Dems want a goddamn preacher, go find a church, for Christsake. He is backed by the same corporateers bent on reaming the middle class. OK for you? Not for most of the country. That said, Hillary is basically no different on most of the same issues (better on healthcare and energy) so we are left with two important differentiators that distinguish her:

1. Experience (combined)
2. Bill

Why do you think the Republicans love to hate Hillary? Answer: They DON'T want the experienced BILL for 4-8 more years. Start writing your version of McCain's 2009 inauguration speech.

I don't want another Repub run as much as anyone, but with this much Kool-aid flowing around Obama, something's gotta give.
03:10 PM on 02/04/2008
It's a real shame that the public and the media don't delve into Obama's history and pick apart everything the way they do with Hillary Clinton. With her, they have left no stone unturned. With Obama, well no one seems to be interested and his questionalbe dealings and purchase of his home and the out and out lie that he passed legislation regarding nuclear power leakages. It doesn't create a ripple. As with Bush, he seems to be a Teflon man. Everyone is so hell-bent on putting this man in office, yet, he has no experience and just a silver tongue. Well, if it should come to pass, Americans will rue the day. He is not what he pretends to be. He is backed by Wall Street money and pulls members of the Republican party. A uniter, you say? No.
02:00 PM on 02/04/2008
I'll say it again: a democracy is such that we always get the leadership we deserve.

Amazing that everyone who vilified the right for voting on emotion can now justify it for themselves.

When all is said and done the media will be blamed for the uninformed decisions that Americans have been making.

Perhaps like the right received it's just deserves with Bush the left needs to receive it's own as well.
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ibsteve2u
Someone who cares - to his unending regret
01:59 PM on 02/04/2008
Why whup on Brittany Spears? She could run FEMA, after all, without requiring that any recent standards be lowered.

If disaster victims are going to have to put up with FEMA bosses that show up late and make speeches for the cameras but accomplish nothing other than padding corporate profit margins, then Brittany is way more fun to watch getting into and out of the limo.
01:20 PM on 02/04/2008
From the days in Arkansas, the Clintons evoked powerful resentment. Most, true enough, not their fault; some sadly, was self induced. The danger is no matter how strong their dedication, skills as politicians, the killing instinct amongst the opposition will move into perfect sync doing the Limbaugh Lockstep and dance forever on the heads of this duo. Wiping the slate clean leaves the hatred and haters with little to do other than to dream up other conspiracy theories for lesser Gods.
12:49 PM on 02/04/2008
I'm with you, Steven! Love Hillary, love Bill and would proudly vote for Clinton if she gets the nom. But I want to be inspired, I want to be united, I want to hope for a better future for my son and I want change.

Obama '08!
12:46 PM on 02/04/2008
Oh, Steven Weber - I've had a crush on you since "Wings," but with this post you have solidified your eternal dreaminess. *Sigh*
12:36 PM on 02/04/2008
Wow, such much disagreement. I guess that's what makes it interesting, and American. I am pro-Obama, and for some of the reasons Steven Webber listed. I think he is potentially transformational, charismatic, intelligent, wise and willing, even interested in unifying our broken political system and image abroad. I think Hillary is smart, knowledgeable, driven, and largely aligned with Obama's policies (policy discussion b/w the two is splitting hairs, and definitely not the most critical factor in choosing the Dem nomination...maybe b/w Romney and McCain, and of course in the general election, but Hillary and Obama are pretty similar, and don't forget, Congress has to agree with their policies, too). The differences are whether one thinks that the Clintons or Obama would be more effective in turning our country around. I think Obama will be less divisive (whether it's Hillary's fault or not, the Repubs like her (a lot) less), less combative, and more reasoned. I think Hillary will be more decisive, highly involved in drafting policies, but also potentially distracted by heavy partisan politicing. I think our country needs to move forward, and really believe that Hillary would unfortunately continue us along a path of partisan politics where little gets done. If you don't believe that Obama has the potential or experience or abilities to lead, that's fair, but I think at this stage, it's a belief in their relative leadership potential, effectiveness at governing, and their overally underlying messages, that will determine who gets the Dem nom. I think Hillary's time has passed. It's time for someone new, and someone who is thinking broad, beyond the Dem party, and for the country. He seems to be this person. I trust him and believe he can get this started. It may take 8 years and another president to continue it. It's gonna take compromise and negotiation, tact and diplomacy, skill and judgment. Hillary is too dogmatic and into "winning" to do these things. Our country does not need a divisive leader. We need the best unifier out there. Then choose.
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lgillooly
12:29 PM on 02/04/2008
Steve,
I love your posts,but they will tear him to shreds. The winning ticket is Clinton/Obama 08' and THEN Obama 2016'.
He has NOT been vetted and when they start to teaer him apart because 6 times he said he pushed the WRONG button in Illinois votes etc etc We will be stuck with another madman McCain
12:19 PM on 02/04/2008
The way I look at it is this. Hillary will push through her agenda from behind closed doors. It will be mostly a Hill-Bill effort.
When Obama speaks of 'change', he's talking about something much broader in scope than making some decisions. He is actually talking about revamping our broken system. So, even if one isn't completely sold on his health care plan, by opening the discussions up to Republicans, Liberals, the public etc. and we will be witness to the process. Finally, the American people can literally feel that they have a voice and an opportunity to be involved.