Search
About This Blog
Resources
Blog Roll
- Captain's Quarters
- Cliff Schecter
- CNN's Political Ticker
- Conservative Grapevine
- Crooks & Liars
- Daily Kos
- Drudge
- FactCheck.org
- Huffington Post
- Instapundit
- Little Green Footballs
- News Bloggers
- Political-Buzz
- Power Line
- RedState
- Slate - Trailhead
- Swampland
- Talking Points Memo
- The Daily Dish
- The Plank
- The Young Turks
- Wonkette
Democratic Anxiety Time
Aug 8th 2008 9:10AM
Filed Under:eHillary Clinton, Democrats, Barack Obama, John McCain, Featured Stories
A slew of recent articles attests to growing sense of unease among America's liberal intelligentsia. The question that everyone seems to be pondering these days is: Why isn't Barack Obama annihilating John McCain in the polls? After all, Obama is a fresh face, has good ideas, and represents change at a time when people are sick of the past. Moreover, his opponent comes up empty in all three of the same categories, and is one of the worst campaigners in modern history. So, what's the problem? Why is Obama ahead by so little? Here's Paul Krugman's diagnosis in today's New York Times:
...the debate on energy policy has helped me find the words for something I've been thinking about for a while. Republicans, once hailed as the "party of ideas," have now become the party of stupid.
Krugman then goes on to do one better, by insinuating that the stupids have also infected the Democratic party:
In any case, remember this the next time someone calls for an end to partisanship, for working together to solve the country's problems. It's not going to happen--not as long as one of America's two great parties believes that when it comes to politics, stupidity is the best policy.
Of course, Krugman's "I told you so" thinking is widely practiced by legions of other Hillary Clinton supporters. Indeed, the "Don't Blame Me, I Voted for X" bumper sticker has become something of a running gag for failed Democratic presidential hopefuls. Yet there are several flaws with Krugman's argument.
Chief among them is his central argument--that playing the ignorant card to manipulate voters is wrong and dangerous-- which is undercut by his conclusion that America is too stupid to come together and create a better society. Therefore, we should have gone with Hillary, who would have pandered to the stupids better than the Republicans.
True, the GOP attack machine is damned efficient. It makes the Democratic attack machine look like a tricycle at times. But does this mean that we are forever committed to low-road politics? Is there no hope of raising our national discourse beyond tire-gauge taunts, and gas-tax holiday mirages?
Maybe not, but I am heartened that the two candidates currently running are the ones who have most consistently talked about working with colleagues across the political divide. Yes, we've watched the campaign degenerate into the red-versus-blue politics of old, just as we knew it would. But, as a consequence, should Obama simply abandon his call to reform our politics? Should the anxiety of losing because one's opponent employs slimy tactics be enough justification to use them as well?
Democrats across the country are collectively wringing their hands. Could Obama really lose? Sure he could. But the election isn't for three months -- and we're already diagnosing what went wrong? Obama has consistently led in the polls, so stop planning his wake. And if you're really so upset about the prospect of failure, then quit with the Monday morning quarterbacking and make sure it doesn't happen. As Krugman points out, no one party has a lock on the stupid vote -- and make no mistake, it's out there. But maybe, just maybe, the country is ready to fight fire with water instead of still more fire.
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 5)FOXYLYNX9:44AMAug 8th 2008
OBAMA IS NO REFORMER - JUST TAKE A LOOK AT HIS RECORD, AS THIN AS IT IS. YES, THE DNC MADE A BIG MISTAKE, AGAIN. TO HELL WITH ALL THE DELEGATES, I THINK IT'S TIME THAT EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL VOTE COUNT. DELEGATES ARE MANIPULATED. AS FAR AS OBAMA'S ENERGY PLAN - BUFFET JUST SAID THIS MORNING ON CNN, DRILL FOR MORE OIL AND NATURAL GAS - HE SAID WE NEED TO DO EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE. SIGNED "AN INDEPENDANT"
Tommkatt9:47AMAug 8th 2008
Socialist,marxist,fascist,communist and elitist,BHO who would not want to vote for such a good guy!!America is no longer fooled by BHO traveling medicine man show!!!! VOTE MCCAIN 2008!!!
Georgette9:50AMAug 8th 2008
The handwriting has been on the wall for months now. Could it be the news media and the DNC are finally getting a clue? Funny thing Millions of Americans have know for months now, that Obama IS NOT ready to lead our Nation. JUST LOOK AT THE NUMBERS.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what is happening here! Millions of Americans “WE THE PEOPLE” are fed up and saying NO!! We the people will choose our next President!
Gee, could it be Senator Clinton was right all along, Obama CAN NOT close the deal?
Seems pretty clear to me!!! Guess the DNC bit off more then they can chew. That’s life what goes around comes around
RIChris9:51AMAug 8th 2008
Every one of us stupid, ignorant Republicans, and even many stupid, igorant Democrats are going to do everything we can to see that Obama isn't the only Democrat not elected/re-elected.
Billy9:54AMAug 8th 2008
I'm voting for Obama.
Debra S.10:00AMAug 8th 2008
Stupid is as stupid does. Perhaps one of the reasons that Obama is not doing as well as, say, Gore or Kerry at this point in the campaign is that a large sector of the Democratic primary vote is being dismissed as silly and inconsequential, with nowhere else to go but to line up behind Obama. It is amazing to me that the "winner's" supporters and surrogates still insist on slamming the Clintons. The lack of grace and bridge-building (why do WE need to do that?) post-win by those who "won" and who are supposedly in a more powerful position within the Party is breath-taking ... and truly stupid. Taking a play from the George W. playbook, Obama and his supporters have taken a very close win and are pretending it was a landslide. Obama is the presumptive nominee, not the presumptive President.
And, to correct a point made, McCain and Clinton are the only two of the three who have actually reached across party lines in their legislative efforts on the Hill, gaining the (sometimes grudging) respect of those "on the other side". As you noted, Obama has talked a lot about it, BUT in his time in the U.S. Senate, not really engaged and performed in that or any other activity.
EGObaMANIAC10:02AMAug 8th 2008
Communist you ask?
(WASHINGTON, DC)(August 8, 2008) Legendary Chicago corruption fighter, columnist, media critic and Obama adversary Andy Martin will hold a 2:00 P.M. Washington, DC news conference Friday, August 8th to demand that Senator Barack Obama make a full disclosure of his relationship with leftist and putative Communist Frank Marshall Davis. Martin is concerned that Obama has used the Associated Press to "launder" the Davis/Obama relationship. Martin is the author of the controversial bestseller Obama: The Man Behind The Mask.
"Frank Marshall Davis was acknowledged by Obama as perhaps the most significant mentor in Obama's adolescent years," Martin says. "The Obama/Davis connection is a ticking time bomb for the Democratic Party.
EGObaMANIAC10:05AMAug 8th 2008
Democratic Campaign PlayBook for Obama
Attention: All Obama Boy supporters.
There will be times when you encounter those who would choose to reveal information about me that knocks me off my pedestal. There is some vinegar in the kool-aid I tell you, but pay no attention.
Never fear help is near...Here are the recommended responses to such blasphemy....
1...You are a racist. Of course the only reason someone would not love me is because I'm black..Play the race card often.
2...You are a liar. Of course there is no foundation for any negative remarks about me. The millions who do not see my brilliance are, of course, liars. We have taken care of the bad stuff on google
3. You hate Obama. What other reason could there be that there are millions who will vote Hillary or McCain.
4.. You are ill-informed. Perhaps they don't buy the garbage I give you on my web-site. The only source for Obama information. Do not look elsewhere..
5... If none of the above work...S T U P I D, idiot, moron are words that should be used often when you are desperately unable to defend me.
6...If all else fails and if they continue to call me a rookie, ultra-liberal, black radical, white-hating, terrorist-loving, liar; and a corrupt pawn of the Chicago Political Machine..you can always
pass it off that they are Republican plants.
Keep the Kool-aid alive even if it is filled with vinegar.
Ponyboy354310:07AMAug 8th 2008
If you let that arrogant millionaire persuade your vote, then politics as usual with no changes to speak of. McCain is a damned LIAR and is very stupid when it comes to real policies. McLiar plays on uncertainties. I have promised myself for over the last 20 years to try to get McCain out of this great countries leadership. He is not for anyone other than himself and the other wealthy people. All he cares about is your vote. I will most certainly vote for Mr. Obama, not John McLiar... JC.
Kenneth10:15AMAug 8th 2008
A matter of experience.
A matter of experience, or lack thereof, has been a major area of focus and debate in conjunction with the current presidential campaign. It has been mentioned many times that experience matters much more than having just a vision for change. Then there are those that contend that the experience does not matter and that all you need is a vision.
In line with the matter of experience, I would like to ask the following;
Has there been a major corporation wherein a junior executive, with less than four years on the job, has become the CEO of that corporation?
Has there been a reputable Law firm wherein a junior Lawyer, with less than four years on the job, has become a full partner or was assigned a major case for that firm?
Has there been a Police Department or Fire department wherein a rookie officer/firefighter, with less than four years on the job, has become the chief of Police or the Fire Captain?
Has there been a major media outlet, such as a newspaper, magazine, or news outlet such as CNN, where a junior reporter, with less than four years on the job, has become the Editor in Chief or an anchor for the news?
The list could run on. The major point here is that in each and every case experience does matter. Across all aspects of our society, it has been proven that those with the experience on the job are those that have earned the right to move up into a position of leadership.
Therefore, it is also true with decidedly the most important leadership job in our country, if not the world. To be the President of the United States requires experience. Having a vision for change is a good thing. Not having the proven experience to see that vision carried out is quite another.
With the current state of our nation, the job of our next President will be one of the toughest in history. The rising deficit, our declining economy and jobs market, the meltdown in both the financial and housing markets, Global warming and its potential impacts, the immigration crisis and the War in Iraq and Afghanistan, are just some of the critical challenges that our next President must address. It is going to take much more than just a vision to take on the issues facing our nation and its people. It is going to take experience, a lot of experience.
I urge that the people of America consider this fact as they continue with the process of choosing who is to sit in the Oval Office come next January. As I have stated vision is a good thing. It has been at the heart and soul of our nation since the founding. It took great vision to challenge the powers of the time and give birth to the oldest democracy on our planet. However without proven experience the vision would have been lost.
Experience does matter.
W. B. Wilhite10:24AMAug 8th 2008
David Knowless is a typical liberal moron who calles everyone stupid when they don't agree with his concepts or follow his dictates. Whatever his problem is, trust yourselves and do what is right for you. In the sum total of all of us, regardless of our collective or individual stupidity, there is genius in our simple participation in the democratic process. Knowless is an IDIOT!
bluemoon in august10:30AMAug 8th 2008
"Saturday, August 02
During July, the number of Americans who consider themselves to be Democrats fell two percentage points..."
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/mood_of_america/party_affiliation/partisan_trends
Appears the Democratic Party may be hemorrhaging a tad
or maybe they're just on a long summer vacation?!
{as GildaRadner used to say on SNL nevermind...}
Ron Nussbeck10:34AMAug 8th 2008
NOOBAMA IS A NATIONAL MOVEMENT AND BEING A LIBERAL IS NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY!
MCCAIN WILL WIN BY THE LARGEST MARGIN IN A PRESIDENTIAL RACE....................
MCCAIN 08
Mad Dog10:49AMAug 8th 2008
Oppss, David Knowles, did it again.
This article starts off pretty well with impartially but quickly degenerates into yellow journalism. David Knowles' Obummer butt kissing can not go unnoticed. Sorry you can't help yourself David.
You state; "After all, Obama is a fresh face, has good ideas, and represents change at a time when people are sick of the past."
Obummer is not a fresh face, he is 47 years old, hardly a spring chicken.
I haven't heard a good original idea from him ever. A Universal Health Care program? Let me see, wasn't Social Security supposed to cure all individual American ills in their old age by forcing them to save? Look at it now, it's ready to bust. I may not be able to reap the benefits from it even though I contributed to it my entire life.
I like the way things are or were before the dummycrats took over Congress. Sure I feel I have to penny pinch for now but I suspect all the high prices will go away once the election is over with.
Paul Krugman can simply go hell.
j11:01AMAug 8th 2008
Billy9:54AMAug
\THE BIG QUESTION IS WHY WOULD YOU VOTE FOR OBAMA?
THE ONLY REASON I COULD COME UP WITH IS, THAT YOU HAVE NOT DONE ANY RESEARCH ON OBAMA. ANY ONE THAT REALLY DOES THEIR HOMEWORK ON OBAMA COULD NOT POSSIBILY VOTE FOR HIM.
JUDY fERGUSON11:10AMAug 8th 2008
With all due respect the MEDIA owned by WALL STREET
are misinforming Americans in the attempt to derail the due process, so when Obama wins in November by a landslide blame the Media. It does no one any purpose to write in Hillary Clinton's name, she will not be the next United States President so take a reality check. If you say you where a clinton supporter but will never vote for Obama, but for McCain you did not support the values of the democratic party to begin with, you where supporting her because she would have become the first female president, or wanted a rerun of Bill in office.
The very ones of you that are complaining that George Bush was liar, and has failed the American people will deserve what you get if you choose to elect John McCain into office. John McCain is a strong proponent of free trade and the general tarriffs and world trade agreement, he is against publicly funded healthcare, and universal healthcare,and the expansion of State Childrens health insurance. He voted yes against 40 billion from the federal budget to improve changes on welfare, and child support and student lending programs, along with voting not to increase funding for our Veterans Healthcare, and GI Bill. Vote for McCain and you will not be a Repulican, Democrat, you will become a McCainian, yep, and do not start complainian!
Sandy11:17AMAug 8th 2008
FOR THE FIRST TIME I AGREE WITH YOU MR. DAVID KNOWLES. THE DEMOCRATS BIG GUYS GOT THE PARTY STUPID WHEN THEY DECIDED THE CANDIDATE SHOULD BE THE STUPID ONE AKA BARACK OBAMA INSTEAD OF THE MORE QUALIFIED ONE. SO NOW I HAVE TO VOTE FOR THE LESS STUPID ONE WHICH IN THIS CASE IS JOHN McCAIN...............
Rick11:20AMAug 8th 2008
After 2 terms of George Bush, the democrats had an obvious shoe in for the next election. However, the DNC manipulated the primary to come up with a candidate ever worse than George Bush. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. What's even worse, they have a chance to remedy the situation at the convention and select Hillary, but the dimwits are so arrogant they probobly will stick with Obama to avoid pissing off the blacks. THEY DESERVE TO LOSE TO MCCAIN.
Ventrue11:24AMAug 8th 2008
From: EGObaMANIAC9:42AMAug 8th 2008
There are also several stories on how the "stupids" outdo the ???????? in every regard when campaigning. How "stupid" can one be to get George Bush elected not only once but twice. As a party, the "stupids" outflank the ????? at every turn.
V -Ummm, that's ELECTED once and SELECTED once. There's more than a dime's bit of difference between the words despite their similarity in spelling and pronunciation.
As for how stupid it is, look at the polls. Dubya's numbers are Nixonian and Carteresque in nature, so clearly, a majority of Americans have come to realize how stupid they were in allowing this man to occupy our White House. Unfortunately for all of us, they didn't realize it until 2005.
Oh, and FYI....Hillary herself has endorsed Obama, so Maniac9, it is time for you to get with the program and follow your candidate of choice's lead on this matter and support him as well.
Unless, of course, you are a coward.......
Latest Elections News Headlines
Latest Politics Headlines
Most Commented On Posts
Most Recent Comments
Politics Video
Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet EmpireWill.I.Am ponders on how Obama and the internet have changed politics forever. (Oct. 3) | |
Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. AbeDolly Parton or Abe Lincoln? You must choose! | |
Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout PlanSenate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Friday that the time has come for presidential politics to leave the negotiating table as lawmakers work to reach an agreement on a financial bailout plan. (Sept. 26) | |
Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal BreakdownSen. John McCain's self-portrait as a bold leader willing to set politics aside to save an endangered financial bailout plan took a pounding Thursday from top Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. (Sept. 25) | |
Street Team '08: Pigskin PoliticsA football game is the last place you'd expect to find political proselytizing, but this year Democrats are ready to make a hail mary pass in Idaho. Produced by Brian Rich of Idaho for MTV's Choose or Lose Streat Team '08 at chooseorlose.com. (Sept. 25) | |
| « See More Politics Video | |
Declare Yourself is a campaign that encourages young Americans to register and vote.
REGISTER TO VOTE NOW AT:www.declareyourself.org
EGObaMANIAC9:42AMAug 8th 2008
There are also several stories on how the "stupids" outdo the ???????? in every regard when campaigning. How "stupid" can one be to get George Bush elected not only once but twice. As a party, the "stupids" outflank the ????? at every turn.
The "stupids" have nominated John McCain, a "maverick" not because he might be the best Republican but because he will appeal to the "centrists" and has the best chance of winning in an ugly year.
We also have another very large group of bigger "stupids" on the other side of the aisle who have decided, wrongly, to send in a rookie, black radical, terrorist-loving, corrupt, inexperienced, white-hating muslim, to solve our problems.
Well, stupid Hillary supporters, join me in continuing to support her candicacy and voting McCain should the need arise.
Join me in exposing the Obama boy for the fraud that he is...