Monday, January 07, 2008
Great Work If You Can Get It
So far, the media coverage of Barack Obama has amounted to not much more than his campaign marketing lit run through the thesaurus in Microsoft Word. Of the three leading Democratic candidates, Obama is the least progressive -- verifiably so -- yet that simple fact has been buried in an avalanche of synonyms for "inspiring."
In fact, any mention of his being the least progressive of the three draws incredulous looks from his believers, sometimes in disbelief, sometimes in horror at the presumption that his positions are in any way relevant to his suitability, and sometimes in not-so-subtle accusations of racism.
This is no surprise, given the media's decision to portray Obama entirely in the light of his considerable oratory skills rather than his record.
And why not? It's easier, goes with the flow, and leaves more time to hit the buffet table.
But for those interested in electing a Democratic president whose qualifications go beyond an ability to articulate a vision (enunciate a dream, express an aspiration, pronounce a conviction, convey a faith -- hey, this is easy) we offer a few thoughts:
Barack Obama is the only Democratic candidate whose plan for universal health care does not mandate participation. Without mandatory participation any plan is doomed -- and he knows it.
Barack Obama is the only Democratic candidate echoing the right-wing talking point that we face a "crisis" in Social Security.
Barack Obama is the only Democratic candidate who criticized another Democratic for having the support of 527 groups -- groups without whose money Democrats will not be able to compete against Republicans in the general election.
Barack Obama claims to be the true "anti-Iraq war" candidate, but has yet to reconcile that claim with his decision to support Joe Lieberman over Ned Lamont in the 2006 senate primary in Connecticut. Without Lieberman, Democrats would have a senate majority.
Oh nevermind -- he talks so pretty! And speaks so beautifully!
And converses so attractively.
In fact, any mention of his being the least progressive of the three draws incredulous looks from his believers, sometimes in disbelief, sometimes in horror at the presumption that his positions are in any way relevant to his suitability, and sometimes in not-so-subtle accusations of racism.
This is no surprise, given the media's decision to portray Obama entirely in the light of his considerable oratory skills rather than his record.
And why not? It's easier, goes with the flow, and leaves more time to hit the buffet table.
But for those interested in electing a Democratic president whose qualifications go beyond an ability to articulate a vision (enunciate a dream, express an aspiration, pronounce a conviction, convey a faith -- hey, this is easy) we offer a few thoughts:
Barack Obama is the only Democratic candidate whose plan for universal health care does not mandate participation. Without mandatory participation any plan is doomed -- and he knows it.
Barack Obama is the only Democratic candidate echoing the right-wing talking point that we face a "crisis" in Social Security.
Barack Obama is the only Democratic candidate who criticized another Democratic for having the support of 527 groups -- groups without whose money Democrats will not be able to compete against Republicans in the general election.
Barack Obama claims to be the true "anti-Iraq war" candidate, but has yet to reconcile that claim with his decision to support Joe Lieberman over Ned Lamont in the 2006 senate primary in Connecticut. Without Lieberman, Democrats would have a senate majority.
Oh nevermind -- he talks so pretty! And speaks so beautifully!
And converses so attractively.
