Today, at least for today, I am very pleased that the Establishment is left scratching their heads after the results are in from the Iowa caucuses. If Iowa is indeed the microcosm the media has made it, both Republicans and Democrats want our next president to be different. Sen. Barack Obama and former Gov. Mike Huckabee are of course different, but they are alike in that they spark hope in their supporters. Americans want a president who inspires us and one who is authentic and genuine as best as we can tell.
For the time being Hillary Clinton has been left behind as has Mitt Romney. They come from far different backgrounds than Obama and Huckabee. Clinton grew up in Park Ridge, Illinois, an affluent suburb of Chicago. She graduated Wellesley and Yale Law. One of my sons pointed out that she’s spent much of her adult years living in a governor’s mansion and then the White House. Romney grew up the son of a governor.
Fundamentally, I believe most Americans are tired of political dynasties. It is time for change and the populist tone of this presidential season will only get more intense. And here’s the new buzzword for you: authenticity.
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16 comments:
Very well said Shelia, Obama is too far left for me but I am please to see anyone beat Hillary. We are in agreement on our post today.
it's certainly going to be an interesting election year!
I always thought I'd be behind a viable woman candidate for president, but Hillary leaves much to be desired for many of the reasons you mentioned. It goes to show you have to look beyond gender and race when forming your alliances. It's nice to see some new people out front, and refreshing to see that race isn't a barrier, even in a state that's not known for diversity.
I thought of you this morning when I heard the news about Obama. And I knew you'd have a post about it, lol.
What an interesting time it will be, following this election.
Oh Marion, I do try to restrain myself when it comes to politics but I just can't help writing about it. We Americans seems to think what's happening here is the only thing that matters. I try to take the blinders off and view issues more globally but I am who am I.
Natalie,
Your observations are interesting. JN said that maybe more younger women aren't supporting Hillary because they have not had to fight as hard for a level playing field gender-wise. I thought it telling that Hillary's support among the old lady crowd was stronger than among the young crowd. Well, I'm not young but I do support either Obama or Edwards. Generationally speaking, I think it is time for the Baby Boomers to let go. We haven't done so good a job.
Sarge,
Obama has Republicans switching parties. I don't think he is quite as liberal as folks might imagine. His measured approach leaves doors open as does Huckabee's. I don't know if they can survive but they give me hope.
Palm Springs,
You know it will be that and more.
Gostei muito desse post e seu blog é muito interessante, vou passar por aqui sempre =) Depois dá uma passada lá no meu site, que é sobre o CresceNet, espero que goste. O endereço dele é http://www.provedorcrescenet.com . Um abraço.
I am one of those baby boomers, all I can say is: doggone it, you are correct.
Diane,
I won't be checking out and I'm still involved, but I like that the young people I know seem to be so well grounded. They will make mistakes I know. They care though. They are different--not out on the streets protesting. I hope we don't think that's a sign of passivity. They will just have a different way than we Baby Boomers did. More power to them.
This election has everyone watching Worldwide. I personally hope it is someone slightly to the left that gets in as Human Rights in the States has had such a setback under Bush and it will need someone like Obama to bring things back to normal.
I am pleased to see these results, too. It does represent something fresh and hopeful—on both sides.
I honestly cringe every time I hear Hillary's voice. It grates on me and I frankly don't see what it is that rouses her audiences. We have too many options to settle for that.
KJ
Jackie,
I do also think America needs some good pr. Our position in the world has suffered.
KJ,
Reader Diane from above has a post on how she feels about Hillary that explains why her supporters are backing her. I am not in that camp and am just happy to have a chance to vote on Feb.5 when I feel my vote might still matter.
I tell you, it's not only americans that are fed up with political dynasties. Most of the world as well.
And the election "circus" in US are closely followed here in Europe.
Why?
'cause the president of USA for the present also acts as WCPO (World Chief Police Officer)- that matters
Toraa,
I always love to hear from readers outside the U.S. because they offer a broader view of politics and culture. You are right that our politics have a big impact on the rest of the world yet we are in general so uneducated on the politics in the rest of the world. For example, I don't know beans about Norway's political structure.
For the Democrats, one of the biggest concerns is electability. D's know that on the fundamentals, these candidates aren't that far apart, they just want to know that whomever they nominate, that person is going to beat the Republican's in the general.
Iowa gave me hope. But ALAS. We get a different candidate in each race. We'll end up choosing our candidates by straws. Oh well. Maybe Kansas will actually have something to say about it this time.
Thanks for stopping by Pat. I'm just happy to be voting on Feb. 5 when I still feel like my vote does matter. It does seem so up and down.
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