Sarah and I had an enjoyable time watching the debate last night. Though both of us are fairly adamant Obama supporters, neither of us wants to see Palin fall on her face. I was glad to see that she didn't look totally out of her league last night.
I thought Biden was direct, clear and solid.
Palin was clear and folksy (almost to a fault, I told Sarah that if she winked one more time I was going to jump through the TV and poke her in the eye).
All that said, I think that I'm beginning to really solidify some of my chief arguments in support of the Obama/Biden ticket. In an effort to firm up my thoughts on this, I'm planning on spinning up a series of posts on the issue. Please, feel free to jump down my throat....
Without further adieu, I present:
Why I support Obama/Biden, part I
One of the things that's stuck out in Palin's recent interviews, debates and speeches is her consistent call that she's not one of the "Washington Elite", but rather, she's a "Joe-Six Pack American". Now, I've got no problem with the desire for a candidate to say "I'm like you". I think it's effective and important to make an attempt to relate to the people that are potentially voting for you.
And to tell you the truth, I think Palin is "Joe Six Pack American".....and that scares the crap out of me.
The presidency (and vice presidency for that matter) is a job of monumental proportions. A job that "Joe six Pack American" is flat out not qualified for.
Do you want a Joe Six Pack Cardiovascular Surgeon doing that bypass on your dad?
Do you want a Joe Six Pack Lawyer defending you in a courtroom?
Do you want a Joe Six Pack financial advisor working to get you through this mess on Wall Street?
Hell no.
You want the best and brightest....as you should.
The top two jobs in this country shouldn't be filled by everyday, run of the mill folks, they should be reserved for the best and brightest. And if you look at Obama, he is the best and brightest, and McCain/Palin flat out aren't.
His academic record stands second to none (compared to McCain's "undistinguished, but acceptable" academic record), and all you have to do is hear him speak to understand that he's a well-read, bright guy. On top of that, he comes from a place that is hardly elite. While he may have ascended to the ranks of the political elite over the course of his career, there's no question that he's got a background that screams anything but elite.
(Note: Here's an interesting discussion comparing the backgrounds of the two candidates)
I understand that being the "best and the brightest" isn't qualification enough for the presidency, so bear with me. There's more to this.
dude, i get freaked out if "joe six pack" is my waiter at chili's. the thought of sarah palin being anywhere near the white house terrifies me. while we're talking about appealing to "joe six pack" i'll leave you with some thoughts from`Federalist #1 where Hamilton is discussing the way in which parties will try to convince people:
"For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword."
"...a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidden appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter, and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people; commencing demagogues, and ending tyrants."
Posted by: kenny | October 07, 2008 at 12:28 AM
next in the series, please? :)
Posted by: Jared | October 12, 2008 at 11:52 PM
It's coming.
Maybe I'll write it on the airplane.
Posted by: Matt | October 13, 2008 at 08:54 AM