Lurch
Bob Herbert isn't happy. His latest piece in the NYT claims Obama is "lurching right." I know Herbert doesn't like it, but why should Obama care? Because, Herbert claims, he's playing a "dangerous game" and risks a "backlash."
One question, Bob--who you gonna vote for? Even if Obama "panders" ten times as much? I think that answers any questions you have about why he's doing what he's doing.
posted by LAGuy @ 12:16 AM
4 Comments:
"Who you gonna vote for" is the wrong question. The question is "ARE you gonna vote?" The only thing Obama is risking is get-out-the-vote enthusiasm from the left. Oh, and me. He's just about on the edge of losing my vote to Barr with that FISA cowardice and the support of unconstitutional faith-based programs.
I think the main Obama enthusiasm comes not from the old guard follow-the-issues-closely Left so much as the young and African-Americans, two groups who love the feeling of this guy, and don't care so much about every little stance he takes. (Heck, they might like his stances better as he moves to the center). Meanwhile, elections are still settled by the middle, and Obama knows this.
I will admit there is one issue that matters a lot to a large part of his base--his promise to end the war, and soon. But even there, honestly, where can they go? They know if Obama doesn't win, they're totally screwed.
The Old Left (see Jesse Jackson Sr's emasculation remarks) have nowhere but are just now figuring out that his success is threatening their relevancy within their side of the debate I think without the "fight" and the confrontation, these folks feel lost and used up. How else can you explain the phantom sexism charges against Obama by the Hillraisers.
Don't worry QG- I don't believe on Campaign-Obama on FISA any more than I believed him on NAFTA - in fact I'm counting on it.
On the war the only difference on McCain and Obama will be rhetoric- McCain will slowly pull out the troops declare victory and say the results proved the war was right. Obama will say the war was a big mistake and has to pull the troops which he will do slowly so as not to compound the error and create further chaos. Both will go after Iran if it threatens Israel except different networks will characterize it differently. How do I know this- obviously I don't but both these guys seem like they have little use for ideology and are results-based.
"Don't worry QG- I don't believe on Campaign-Obama on FISA any more than I believed him on NAFTA - in fact I'm counting on it."
This is the essence of Obama's appeal. He plays both sides of the issue and his voters hear only the part that appeals to them.
Post a Comment
<< Home