The title of this post is not one I expected to ever write nor an emotion I would experience, but this morning I am most certainly missing being in the loop of the US political scene.
My measly one hour of CNN consisted of commentary of Obama’s speech at the convention, and although it was conducted with more enthusiasm than I’ve seen from some of the folks at the network than usual, I get the sense that an historical moment passed me by … one that I would have enjoyed a whole heck of a lot, too.
As mentioned in my previous post, my daughter is stumping for Obama in North Carolina and thrilled to be doing so. Having not seen her jazzed about national affairs like this ever before, my 1960’s protesting soul is thrilled at her passion, and her choice of direction for aiming that passion pleases me.
I recently read “The Audacity of Hope”, my first introduction into Barack beyond soundbites, and found only one topic to disagree with in the entire book. (I’m not a fan of bio fuels, ethanol especially, and consider them an unacceptable compromise over fossil fuels that’s going to bite the world in the butt big time.)
For the past eight years, I’ve been living as an embarrassed expat apologizing for GW Bush and wondering how in hell such a stupid man got the job of President … TWICE … which caused no end of worry over what the hell my fellow Americans could possibly be thinking.
Finally, finally, there’s something I can understand happening, a process and a conclusion (so far) that makes sense on many levels, and a hopefulness in the air that’s not been detectable, much less breathable, in a very long time.
So, yes, I find myself missing the politics of today’s America, the hype, the groove, the zeal and wholehearted and hopeful commitment that has grabbed a generation with little example in living memory of happy days being here again.
I will, of course, be voting, as every vote DOES count, and following the campaign as I can from here with my limited TV and painfully slow Internet, and while doing so I’ll be envying all of you there the national frisson that’s taken hold, shaken things up and has so many so hopeful.
Enjoy the ride, and keep up the good work!
A collection of my short stories:
I'm in this one, too ...
And I'm in here, as well ...
Paradise Preoccupied 
I cannot understand the hype generated by Obama. I hear lots of “he will bring change”, but I don’t know how this is going to happen, beyond the fact that being the first black US president is change. What is there about Obama, what has he done, that makes you believe that he has what it takes to be president of the US? Would you have chosen him over Hillary, or the other democrat candidates? This following that he has completely mystifies me.
FYI Hilldog, um, Mrs. Clinton, hasn’t given him an endorsement. The Democratic Party is split because of it and many Hillary supporters are going to the McCain side. Not because they like him, but just out of spite.
You see, Hillary knows that if Obama wins this election, she’ll have to wait another 8 years before she can run again and (historically speaking) the odds of winning in 8 years are very slim.
If Obama wins this one but loses a reelection bid, he’ll still be King of the Dems and Hillary will not only have to suck up a bit but she’ll have to run against a GOP incumbent in 8. Not easy.
If Obama wins this one and a reelection, then he’d have to be wildly popular for the fickle American public to elect a Democrat for a third term. (Case in point: George Bush was elected after Reagan served 2 terms but, had Reagan not been so popular, Bush would have never stood a chance.)
Hillary’s ego is on the line. Not only is she no longer First lady of the US, but she’s no longer First lady of the Democratic Party.
American politics is populated with a few idealists but mostly egomaniacs. Sadly, it seems she can’t set her ego aside and do what is best for the Democratic Party. Her lack of endorsement for Obama is hurting his chances and she knows it. That’s her plan.
On a happier note, I must say that Obama’s speech writer is positively brilliant. (Kudos to you speech writer!) And Obama’s delivery as an orator is excellent.
Google Democratic National Convention and go on the official website. There you can click on speech archives and watch all the important speeces… Teddy Kennedy, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Joe Biden, of course Barack, and one I know you will esp. enjoy, Hillary Clinton. There you can see the love fest that the Obamas and Bidens share…its a family affair.
Do you remember, I was hooked on Obama way back in Jan. 2007. I am so psyched!
Love, Jane
The primaries have been exciting this year. People are involved, regardless of the candidate. I’m thrilled with McCain’s choice for VP. IMHO Hillary should have been Obama’s choice – big mistake.
Lisa S.
I like a lot of what Obama says, but I think he needs more experience before he becomes president. I much prefer him over Hilary, however.
Lisa P., did you watch a different speech than I did? In fact I watched it 3 times. I heard and saw a strong indorsement by Hillary for Obama. One of the things that impressed me about her speech was that she took the high road and even though we all obviously knew she was very disappointed and frustrated, she asked her supporters to do what was best for the party and to put their support behind Obama. Where do your comments come from? Jane
This is going to be a momentous election. A first either way it goes.
And now that McCain has shrewdly chosen a woman for VP, it’s going to be close. Or not. Remember that if McCain wins and something should happen to him, we’ll have our first woman president. That thought might just scare some people off – but I hope not.
It’s getting down to the nail biting stage….only three months to go. I hope it doesn’t get ugly. Ha.
Ready, set, VOTE!
Yes, history will be made, one way or the other. First Black president? First woman VP? It could have been both on one ticket, but this is more exciting than a race has been in a very long time.
OK, the race just got really exciting for me. I love McCain’s VP pick! A woman my age who got involved in politics in the first place to make things better for her family and her community. The fact that she took on big business and the Good Old Boy Network in Alaska just makes her more attractive as a VP.
I know I’m showing my colors but I really don’t care. The “gray old man” career politicians have been getting me down for years. I think Sarah Palin is in touch with a majority of voting Americans and I like that.
Wow.
And by “wow” I do mean “wow”.
Perhaps it’s just my mood or my surroundings or the real f-ing world that’s biting at my booty but(t), all this fervor and hub-bub and to-do/ta-da seems sorta, I dunno, what’s the word? You know- when some gal or fella says, “Hey! Look over here! No, really. Stop looking around, forget about that other thing, and look over here!” – whatever the nice word for that is.
I’m not seeking to poop on the prez party (whichever party y’all care to party with, whatever). Huzzah. Folks are getting involved. Our system in action. The passionate, participative vigor of the citizenry. Blah bla bl b.
Ack.
A shit: Who gives? How? Huh?
Isn’t there a war on or something? Did we forget to be a bit concerened when our representatives ceased even the most tacit maybe-anti-war non-posturing and let the executive’s plummeting approval ratings take the place of taking any contrary position?
Let’s hope the apathy is so thick that it can be cut with a P.O.W. guy, or a black guy, or a woman.
Here endeth my catechism.
Cutting the apathy. Does seem historic, no matter what the result. Brilliant thought, my brilliant son!