John Edwards vs. Dubya
I like John Edwards, and not just because he, like me, is a preternaturally youthful-apppearing trial lawyer with great hair. No, in addition to being the only candidate with the huevos to purchase air-time for his own rebuttal to Dubya's war speech, he is the only candidate in either party to speak out against the scam of "Free" Trade that is gutting this country's economy. Of course, my endorsement probably dooms his candidacy, since I've proudly been on the losing side of Democratic Presidential Primaries since 1988 (Go Team Harkin!).
Labels: economics, free trade, Iraq, John Edwards, President
posted by The Local Crank | 10:17 PM
5 Comments:
You know... I'm really starting to warm up to Edwards. The more I hear, the more I like. Needs a little more stones in his dealing with the Dems, but overall...better and better.
Oh...on the subject of primaries...me too. 'Bout the only time I've been right was Clinton...on his second run, otherwise referred to as "the 'no-brainer' run".
If Hillary stumbles (not likely given her campaign's mostly Borg-like efficiency), Edwards may be best positioned to pick up the pieces. An Edwards-Obama ticket would be something to watch.
It's funny... of all the senators running, which is damn near all of them except Richardson (I don't include Kucinich as a serious candidate), Biden and Dodd have impressed me the most in the "debates." But because neither of them have that great used-car salesman look/personality that's vital to winning the nomination in the TV/Internet age, they don't have a prayer. Oh well.
Well, that and the fact that neither one of them has any money, any national organization or any visible support. But you are right about looks: who would vote for an ugly, warty dude like Lincoln (who reportedly also had a high squeaky voice) nowadays?
Well, to be more accurate: I think the money, organization and support all tend to flow to those candidates who look and talk the most like used-car salesman, regardless of their levels of experience (no D&D jokes please) and inherent intelligence. Name recognition is a huge bonus, too. Americans have become so intellectually lazy, they'd rather vote for a pretty face and/or a recognizeable name like Clinton or Bush (though, admittedly, the Bushes have probably worn out their welcome for now) than for what are arguably the most intelligent and experienced candidates in any given election (take your pick). I've said it before many times, but the fact that we are looking at a quarter of a century with the same two families in the White House fills me with nausea and near-suicidal depression.
And you're right: Lincoln is one of many great presidents who could never get elected under today's incredibly shallow and shameful nominating process.
Post a Comment
<< Home