Let’s Get Political – Obama or McCain?
I haven’t started some controversy in a little while, so let me do that now. As you know, Obama announced his running mate on Saturday – Sen. Biden, for those who don’t know – which means McCain is about to follow. So, let’s talk some politics here.
Now, before we get into this, let’s set some ground rules – well, there’s only one. Don’t make it personal. I want some debate, liven things up a little bit, but no mudslinging!
Now then, I’m a Democrat which means I support Obama so I was interested to see who Obama would choose. I’m a little surprised that the Obama camp didn’t look more closely at Clinton, but I understand the concern that Bill would be too involved and become a distraction. Still, there was a good deal of the population that Obama is currently missing that he could have made up with her. Personally, not a big fan of the Clinton’s, so it’s no great loss to me. I’m just surprised is all.
But, let’s talk about Biden a little bit. He’s an OK choice. I mean, he’s got a lot of experience, particularly in foreign affairs, which is an area that Obama is certainly weak in – and the world tour didn’t help. Biden is progressive with basic economic issues like trade and he seems to get more progressive as the years go by. Because he’s so vocal, too, I’m rather glad that he’s on board with Obama in coming up with an energy policy that takes away our dependence on foreign oil from hostile countries. He’s also been very vocal about opposing a unilateral war with Iran, too. So there are some good things Biden brings to the table.
However, I’m aware of the bad he brings, too. For example, he’s extremely arrogant and always has a comment that talks about him personally rather than for the good of everyone else. Aside from that, he’s made some pretty racist remarks about African and Indian Americans. That comment he made at the beginning of the primaries about Obama being the “only” articulate, intelligent, and well-dressed African American was pretty bad. But, I think Obama took that into account and may have used it as a swaying factor on his choice.
I know that sounds strange, but like it or not, the fact that Obama is African American makes some people a little anxious. Couple that with his background and Muslim upbringing and people just don’t understand him, they don’t really relate in a lot of ways. Plus, the fact that he’s not addressing the issue of race is alarming to people, too. So, those who have reservations may feel a little more at ease with someone like Biden, who has publicly expressed many of the people’s sentiments about the color of Obama’s skin, on the ticket. Even analysts think this will help Obama. I don’t know, I guess we’ll see.
But, let’s talk about the really bad – and the reason I still hold reservations about Biden as VP. He was one of the top supporters for the credit card industry’s written Bankruptcy Bill of 2005. If you remember, that law made it more difficult for consumer’s to file bankruptcy and have their debts wiped clean. I’ve said before I don’t like bankruptcy as a means to get rid of debt unless it’s an absolute last resort, but this law was very much in favor of the credit card industry and did nothing to protect consumers from the sharks already circling. That causes me concern with the new laws getting ready to come into place. If he was so eager to support the credit card industry then, what’s changed now? That wasn’t looking out for middle America when he voted for the new bankruptcy laws.
The other thing that’s a problem for me was his staunch support of the Iraq war. He made a nice speech about how our country couldn’t afford four more years of the Bush administration and that McCain was simply following in his footsteps. I agree, but Biden sort of helped along the Bush administration when he voted for the Iraq war.
The long and short of it is that I’m not 100% sold on Biden. I like the progressive policies and the changes that Obama’s talking about. I like that he’s talking about an energy plan that will decrease our dependence on oil, I like that he’s talking about bringing our troops home, and I like that he’s got a plan for healthcare because it can’t keep going at the rate it’s going. But, I’m concerned about his VP choice and I think many democrats probably feel the same way.
I will say this…McCain does not need to be in office. He’ll keep things the way they are and CLEARLY that’s not working. Bush’s administration has not finished with a bang and I, for one, do not want another four years of high gas prices, high food costs, and rising unemployment. I want the troops brought home, and McCain has no intention of doing that immediately. I want the middle class to be looked after. McCain could care less. He’s got seven houses, after all, so what does he know of middle class? Oh, and the fact that he didn’t know how many houses he had was pretty telling too, don’t you think?
So now it’s your turn. Give me your opinion on the candidates and Obama’s VP choice. Do you think McCain will pick someone not in politics as his running mate?
Related posts:
- Hilary Still A Possible Candidate For VP???
- How to Balance the National Budget
- Obama proposes Credit Card ‘bill of rights’
- Barracking for Obama (Part 2)
- Got a Credit Card? Vote Obama!
Fun with politics!
I think Obama doesn’t bring up race, because it truly doesn’t matter. At least in my neck of the country. I hear a bunch of judgments, as usual, but nothing regarding ability tied to race. Funny, heard a lot of negativity regarding sex – and I didn’t like it.
That said, I feel Obama picked Biden to balance out his in-experience with Biden’s long history. Although, I don’t particularly agree with the Biden choice. To me he is a Republican in Democrat clothing. He votes more in line with McCain. Maybe this is what Obama wants to open our minds to all sides – creating the change in old parties to a new hybrid model????
For McCain, if he wants a lick of chance, he needs to bring in a personality. Someone that can stand toe to toe with Obama and be liked by the masses. A personable soul. Much like Huckabee (sp?). McCain may have experience, but besides resembling a Carol Burnett regular, he is lacking personality. Thankfully, his wife has a ton. :-) She must save him at dinner parties.
I do not believe, with the big spending of Republicans, that our country can continue this path. I believed it 4 years ago and 8 years ago I knew we were being pushed through a liars poll when they altered the votes to put Bush in office. I still believe he is only in office because of his brothers position in Florida.
I would love to see an independent shake up the whole mix and provide us with clear views and directions, outside of the good ole’ boys club. A business man, that has been in business a long time. One that knows the importance of profits and a balanced budget. Our country could be a power again, with a balanced budget. We need to buy back America – TODAY!
An independent could shake things up, but I think Obama is just as capable. He’s already done a little rattling.
Interestingly enough, I read an article today that quoted Biden as saying he “would be honored to run with or against McCain.” Fits your assertion that he’s a republican in democratic clothing, lol.
As far as race and gender goes, it’s an issue for many people. I think we’ve come a long way and I’m glad to see that we had both a woman and an African American in the primaries together because it forced people to look at the issues our country was facing and not focus too much on anything else. But now it’s down to Obama and McCain, who is, as you aptly put it, a good ole boy. That is where the race issue comes into play. While I agree that Biden balances out some of Obama’s inexperience, there are other factors screaming for attention. I keep coming back to the racist remarks that Biden is quite known for. Obama knew that. If race weren’t a factor, why choose someone who made racist remarks? Obama is a smart guy. Obviously a lot went into his decision on the VP nomination, and while Biden wouldn’t have been my first choice, he does bring some interesting cards to the table.
Okay, you’re not gonna get much of a controversy without someone taking the opposition side.
I’m going with McCain – not my first choice but better him than Obama. Heck, better Hillary (definitely not my first, second… ninetieth choice) than Obama. Even if I agreed with you about Bush, Obama doesn’t offer an alternative – he’d have to have firm positions to do that. Basically, he wants ‘change’ – well, nuking Iraq would be ‘change’ – but hardly a good one. The sticky parts of what kind of change and how he’d go about getting it – especially since Americans have a real affinity for divided government – are more than a little shy on specifics.
I’m surprised he hasn’t used ‘bipartisanship’ in his speeches more since it’s one of the claims he’s making (that whole ‘reaching across the aisle’ thing). Yet McCain’s record is head and shoulders above Obama’s for doing just exactly that. Obama has a perfect record – he’s never ‘reached across the aisle’ even once. Yup, that’ll convince those Republicans to support his policies… not.
Assuming he ever gets around to telling us just exactly what those policies are – other than protecting abortion on demand against rationality. Anymore left wing and the guy would be to the left of Lenin (not quite as big of an exaggeration as you’d think) – which is gonna hut him in the fall. I’m waiting for the fireworks of the debates. Obama doesn’t debate well at all and McCain is in his element there. “Change” is a weak debate point without specifics and Obama has the tricky task of not alienating his base while not driving away the all important Center. McCain appeals strongly to the Center so his task is mostly to not make a fool of himself. McCain’s job is made easier by the likelihood that Obama can’t sidestep enough specifics to keep himself out of hot water.
Last thing – running against an outgoing admin is stupid. Drawing parallels between the incumbent and his party’s nominee is like saying that MLK and Malcolm X had the same policies because both were black. Logical fallacy aside, people don’t vote against presidential candidates nearly as much as they vote for one. Obama’s strength thus far relies on that fact – people supporting him largely believe he offers something rather than merely not being as bad as the present admin. To keep that up he needs to start offering substance before McCain pops his balloon; otherwise he’ll never survive the debates.
I think that Obama would have made a better choice had he picked Hillary – I think he would have locked the election. I wonder at the reasoning behind picking someone who had made comments about race earlier. Another thing that bothers me about Obama and the VP choice was all the sensationalism about the choice. The part about signing up to hear it first and then the comments about a few more hours and it took all day. If he’s elected President is he going to say ‘I’m thinking about declaring war – haven’t decided yet. Sign up at my site and you can be the first to hear’? That whole charade bothered me.
I don’t think that Grandpa John has much of a chance against Obama but I believe that he will probably pick Romney or Huckabee. He definitely needs to get some personality in his campaign. My concern with Grandpa John is the torture that he went through. Can you really overlook that – even after all these years? Would that time be considered in his decisions?
I don’t claim to know enough about either to battle issues. Unfortunately, some things don’t come to light until after they’re elected. I’ve had a bad feeling about Obama since the first time I saw him and haven’t felt much of anything about Grandpa John. It has been so long since I’ve been really behind a candidate and looking forward to voting for them. Is Mickey Mouse a candidate?
Just a quick note – Obama was not raised in the Muslim faith. His father, also Barack Obama (which I’m sure is the cause of both unintentional and intentional confusion)was raised as a Muslim, but Barack Jr. never was. Just wanted to clarify, because a lot of false rumors get spread unintentionally!
For future reference: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome
I realize it’s not the most unbiased site, but it is straight from the horse’s mouth, as it were.
I’m not surprised at all that Clinton was not chosen for the VP. I really don’t think Obama and camp ever really considered her. While many (not all) items on her platform are very close to Obama’s, her governing style is completely different. She’s a “fighter”, and represents the epitome of a “Washington insider”.
Yes, you can argue that Bidon is a long-time Washington guy as well. But his style, experience, and straitforwardness (something Hillary really lacks) are all things that nicely balance Obama’s weaknesses.
I’m glad Bidon was the choice, because it shows that the Obama people didn’t make decision solely based on the electoral map. They made the decision based on someone who can be a positive contribution to the top level of government, once the good guys take the white house.
Not getting into the rest of the debate, but Obama was not raised as a Muslim.
I never said that he was raised as a Muslim, but he did attend schools that taught the Muslim faith. So it was a part of his background. I’m aware that he never took the faith as his own, but it’s still out there and it’s something that people are concerned with, which is why I brought it up.
However, this brings up an interesting point. When the campaign really gets under way, do you think the McCain camp will resort to this, the Muslim background, the rumors that he refuses to wear the flag lapel pin, that sort of thing? Or do you think they’ll stick to what they’ve been using which was Clinton’s admonishment that Obama isn’t ready for that 3am call, despite the fact that she’s now urging people to help unite the democratic party?