I have been an Obama supporter since his 2004 speech at the DNC convention. I was one of those early zealots who turned to their spouse and matter-of-factly said, "That guy's our next president."As such, I was often nervous during his primary debate appearances. I was not unaware of the candidate's downsides: I worried about the egghead label, about the occasional snootiness. When the BHO campaign unveiled its own version of a Presidential seal, I cringed at the delusions of grandeur. I also worried that Ye Olde "Liberal Label" would still work its cynical, cringe-worthy magic on an under-informed electorate.
I don't worry anymore.
Obama has proven to be keenly adaptable. Some douchenozzles call that a sign of wishy-washy weakness; I see it as a strength. But then, I believe in Evolution; I believe that adapting to circumstances and shoring up weaknesses is a sign of fortitude and intelligence.
I also worry less and less about the intractable ignorance of "Joe Sixpack" voters. There will always be a core group of jingoists whose exclusion from the wealth of the nation causes them to reflexively vote against their own interests. Read Nixonland for more on that topic. Anyway, those folks are plumb stupid (as noted on The Daily Show last night).
Any voter with a modicum of brains is finally seeing the light, thanks to intense worries about the Economy. They are literally being forced into enlightenment; thus the momentum towards Obama's column.
This is why you're seeing fewer and fewer posts from me.
I'm not so worried. I am not so pissed off anymore. I am optimistic.
I TRUST the Obama campaign to navigate these next few weeks, through the slanderous seas.
And more than ever I also TRUST that he'll make a fine president.
How are you feeling?
6 comments:
I started to feel that way a little last night. And I got almost giddy listening to him. Could it be true that the next four years will bring a President who thinks for himself? Who delivers policies that make sense? Who holds press conferences we look forward to seeing because they will give us actual information? Who knows how to pronounce three syllable words? But it is not over. I am so fearful of what I call, "The McDonald's Salad Factor." (People bring their kids to McDonald's saying that they, themselves, will order the salad. When they get up to the counter, they order the Big Mac.) I hope this isn't relevant, but I stand guarded.
Wow, well said: "I also worry less and less about the intractable ignorance of "Joe Sixpack" voters. There will always be a core group of jingoists whose exclusion from the wealth of the nation causes them to reflexively vote against their own interests"
Just discovered your blog via @tdefren, will definitely subscribe.
Great post,
Cheers
I've been very open to hearing both sides of the spectrum during this election and every time I hear Barack speak I get goosebumps - with McCain, or mostly Palin, I cringe at the possibility of that being our future.
While Barack is getting slammed by an ignorant, speak-only-what-we write-for-you Palin, he is driving turning the focus back to the issues that matter. kudos to him and I look forward to the next 4 years with him as my president.
There is still an eternity of 3+ weeks to get through until election day. The biggest thing I worry about is that people will see Obama's victory as inevitable, become complacent and stay home.
As we all know, momentum can flip at any point and I'm sure McCain/Palin have a few more grandstand tricks to play to try to divert people from cold reality.
I do hope though that you're correct, that at least some in the Red States are getting kicked hard enough in their economic nuts to make putting dinner on the table more important than putting prayer and creationism in the classroom.
Last week I visited my father, who is always negative, worried and sure that we are all doomed to get more of the same crap from our government. As he sat down for our chat, he said, with a smile on his face "Obama is going to win". I think the feeling is spreading and I hope that it gives people a sense of optimism. I know it does for me. Thanks for the post Todd.
Sadly, I'm still worried. The people who are backing McCain/Palin are the same people who have kept Bush & Co in office for 8 years.
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