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?
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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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.
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.
"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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Oh, Steven Weber - I've had a crush on you since "Wings," but with this post you have solidified your eternal dreaminess. *Sigh*
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.
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
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.
I have to say, my respect for you has just plummeted. What are you thinking? Have you not read up on both these candidates? For F-ing sakes: Hillary's policies are much better than Barack's. Plus, it's turning out that he's as dishonest as many other power-hungry, ambitious politicans (have you taken the time to read the New York Time's story on Exelon and Obama? And, for further reading, how about Krugman's excellent analysis of Hillary's and Barack's health care plans. Wait, I just remembered, as a TV actor, you probably don't have to worry too much about afordable health care, right?
"... 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."
How true.
But how is this related to Obama? Or how is this related to Obama in a positive way?
We certainly don't need McCain or any other Republican in the White House. We also don't need Clinton or any other Republican-lite to occupy the office as well.
It's it also important to recognize what you have said as a truism and say that there has been enough compromise with the Republicans?
Thousands of lives lost, billions of dollars wasted, more jobs sent overseas while our country is overrun by illegal immigrants, unnecessary tax cuts given to the uber-rich, and, more importantly, our Constitution and our rule of law has been trashed.
What has Obama done to provide "thrilling inspiration" with respect to any of these issues?
Take just one, for example. Obama tells us that he was opposed to the war at a time when he was not in the Senate. In contrast, as a Senator, when the war-funding bills have come up, he has voted for them. Did he otherwise get up on the Senate floor and passionately oppose the Iraq occupation?
Your mentioned "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Based upon the performance of Jimmy Stewart's character in the movie, I have the impression that if Jimmy Stewart was opposed to the Iraq occupation, he would have gotten up on the Senate floor and said so with some passion.
Obama's speech pattern, with his half stutter or half hesitancy, isn't enough to convince me that he is another Jimmy Stewart or has the principles of a Jimmy Stewart character.
The Republicans in the Senate have shown that they generally vote at a block and that they do not compromise on issues that are important to them.
We don't need McCain or Clinton, but do we need a candidate is telling us in advance with code words that he is going to compromise with such Republicans?
I sort of agree with your premise about how the general election will go. It is all too likely that the at-heart racist republicans will screw up the election. Then Obama will show his light skinned relatives and McCain will show his dark skinned daughter. After that, Iraq, economy, poverty, and health insurance will hardly be mentioned again as the networks foment the battle of the media superstars. The election will be about race and only about race. Good chance Obama will win.
But then he has to deliver. He lacks the connections, the savvy, and the experience to do so. Not because he is young or black or naive. Simply because he hasn't had it happen to him yet. Bill Clinton was in the same position in 1992. He too campaigned on change and hope and bridging the gap to create a more bipartisan atmosphere, and get everybody together. What he got was a blast of sheer hatred and a dogged determination to defend the neocon trenches from any compromise. Just as he was learning how to fight that, the thugs started Whitewater.
Obama will get that in triplicate. So will Hillary, but she now knows their tactics. Let us not pretend that the neocons of the next congress are open to cooperation. Their goal is to bring back 1880, the gilded age of oppression and corruption. A president won't be able to do much. Only a congress packed with dedicated progressives will make a difference.
I think the more likely scenario is that the neocons don't care whether Hillary or Barack is elected. They don't like McCain. Rove and friends will be happy to make the next president a one-termer by blocking and screwing up everything they can. Then Rove and the Media will put another affable neocon puppet in office for 8 years. We need to stop arguing with each other and spend all of our efforts, passion, and money getting a couple dozen knowledgeable, committed liberals in congress this time and another couple of dozen in 2010. Everything else is media drama.
The most significant point in your weepful analysis of Obama's vulnerability to the Republican attack machine is incredibly naive. Recall, if you will that that smear engine was engendered by a $25,000 LOSS that the Clintons invested and lost on a real estate transaction on the Whitewater River. $58,000,000 subsequently expended by these people, at the insistence of the "liberal" media, through 2 successive special prosecutorial exonerations, was total and complete. Every wild allegation during that investigation was leaked to and became headlines and are the fodder for subliminal attacks and inferences today.
Obama's experience in the last bastion of ward healer political machinery has been a continuing source of Democratic vulnerability since the infamous DMC convention of the 70's both locally and nationally--a veritable tinderbox of fuel for Swiftboater's, particularly since he did indeed benefit by his private land investments.
I believe that a Obama/Clinton ticket IN EITHER ORDER would be unstoppable and such is my fondest hope; however, Sen. Clinton's experience in facing such attacks has been consistent, successful, effective, and accurate, and in this context cannot be overlooked. Recall that that the height of the attacks, her approval ratings were often in the 80's.
Love your columns Steve but must respectfully disagree. Hillary Clinton is a class act with a documented history of working with the poor, the disenfranchised.
I am so saddened the media swiftboating of Hillary is playing out this way. I cannot watch a (male dominated) punditry class without getting the game they are playing.
But I respect your right to your choice.
As an educator Obama has not shown me the commitment to public education I want. I believe that without health care mandates, reform is doomed.
Rhetoric and speaking skills are fine. I have heard it before (in hs with the females with the highest academic achievements were not given the chance to speak because "males are better speakers). Maybe it is true. Maybe not. Bottom line women can multitask and women work hard to meet the needs of everyone.
Too bad so many here refuse to really HEAR Hillary.
Steven, Obama's a good guy but--mark my words--if he wins the nod, the GOP will run endless B-Roll of his obnoxiously shrill (AKA "uppity") wife Michelle.
If Hillary can exploit the concept that people hate her but cannot explain why, she might win over some doubters.
Her moment of misting over converted millions who thought she was too hard to be liked.
Even the "Christians" who hate Bill because he's a philanderer have to give her credit for saving her marriage rather than throwing the bum out.
Obama may be too nice to win. Kerry and Gore sure as hell were.
I love this rationale from Obama supporters that they shouldn't back Hillary because "so many people hate her."
Great. By letting this influence your decision, you are admitting that you believe more in hatred than anything else. You believe that hate is stronger than "hope", and you are letting hatred dictate your actions.
Fantastic. Support Obama and a victory for hatred. That is what this country needs.
The last good speech O'Bama gave was at the 2004 Dem convention. I've grown weary of this race, him and Hillarity both. Maybe because, living in I-OH-WAY, I've been exposed to 57 pounds of direct mail and $4 million worth of TV spots already this year. I took part in the caucus process and watch my top three picks get trampled -- not for lack of vision or ideas, for lack of fundage. That's why I turned in my voter registration card the day after the caucus to have it re-done designating NO PARTY. I voted for change in 2000. I voted for change in 2004. The Dem's top two candidates currently sit in the Senate; how much change have they exacted? Webber writes more passionately than O'Bama and Hillarity combined; why don't YOU run for sumthing, Steven?
I laugh when I hear references to 'Inexperience' and Poss. 'drug use'
Let's be real here- Bush had no real experience (Dad got him his jobs), he failed as a businessmen and he appears to have drunk and coked out throughout his 'Presidency'.
As as for another layer to the 'experience' agruement- Experience in WHAT....CORPORATE CORRUPTION???
The Corporate Agenda has proven over the last century that their way is a failure. Start with the Federal Reserve ('34)which was deveolped to cater to their every Whim.
It's not about these Corp's livlihood -IT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE.
Being a Michigander- I have seen the Corp Agenda first hand. They started out as great Tools to uplift mankind, but them turned away from those who gave their blood sweat an dtears to make them great.they will continue to do so, leaving the country like a Dead Whore in a motel room on Woodward. THEY ARE SUCKING TH ELIFE OUT OF OUR COUNTRY AND THE WORLD- I truely believe even Henry Ford is reeling in his grave over the Montrosities these organizations have mutate into.
PURE CORPORATIONIST-no allegience to any thing but the Profit Margin.
Note Henry Ford paid for my 6th grade educated grandfather to finish school and start his own business- in the '20's. Henry was not an idiot- he knew investing in his work force would only benefit the community, thus his business.
Henry knew the Basics about Business, Capitolsim, Free Market.. Rule #1 INVEST in the Workers.
Healthy worker makes for a Happy Health Company. Just like a Pyramid- degrade the foundation, and the top will fall too!
Corporationist hate the Free Market and Capitolism.... REAL COMPETITION AND INNOVATION. We would have access to more fuel efficent and alternative fuel vehicles 20 yrs ago , Hummers?? There is blood on the hands of the Big 3, human and enviro.
As the Middle Class that Henry helped build- we must fight against Corporationism for it does not abid by Rule #1, Nor our Constitution or our principles as a Country
CORP'S WOULD HAVE HATED HENRY
And let us NOT FORGET!
Joe Biden lost his first wife in a car crash, years ago.
His 2nd wife was involved in a non-fatal, crash in Del last month!
John & Elizabeth Edwards lost their son in a car crash.
Their daughter Cate was rear -ended in a minor accident last month!
Coincidence? that ONLY the candidates who had suffered loss, experienced these scares.......?
We were innocent & naive, and we lost JFK, MLK, RFK.
Fool me once shame on me...fool me twice......
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Posted February 3, 2008 | 12:34 AM (EST)