Obama Engages the Blogosphere
I think it was Ryan, who asked me last week, was there any Democrat that could run for President who would actually be inspiring as opposed to our recent offerings. While he isn't running in 2008 (at least I don't think he is or should for that matter) Barack Obama is just the sort of figure that could in a few cycles be that inspiring candidate.
I remember the first time I heard him speak, I was watching the Democratic Convention in 2004, and he was giving the keynote speech. The more and more I listened to him, the more impressed I was with what he was saying. Then the phone rang. Mensch called to tell me "Dude, you gotta listen to this guy." I screamed up to Janice, "You gotta see this guy." And we were all glued to the TV.
Flash forward to today - the reason he popped back into my head, is because he (or lets face it, his staff) posted a response to some DailyKos community members today. Long story short, some interest groups were critical of another Democratic Senator (Leahy) who didn't vote "no" on the Roberts confirmation. So Obama said something about it on the senate floor, the DailyKos Community reacted(1, 2, 3), and Obama responded. So in addition to saying some cool shit, he is also actively engaging the blogosphere, which agree or disagree with his positions, is the absolute right thing to do for Democratic office holders/seekers.
So this is cool, but add to it some of the best political writing out there today, and you get some effective political speech.
On Russ Feingold
Russ Feingold, the only Democrat to vote not only against war in Iraq but also against the Patriot Act, doesn't become complicit in the erosion of civil liberties simply because he chooses to abide by a deeply held and legitimate view that a President, having won a popular election, is entitled to some benefit of the doubt when it comes to judicial appointments.
On partisanship
How can we ask Republican senators to resist pressure from their right wing and vote against flawed appointees like John Bolton, if we engage in similar rhetoric against Democrats who dissent from our own party line? How can we expect Republican moderates who are concerned about the nation's fiscal meltdown to ignore Grover Norquist's threats if we make similar threats to those who buck our party orthodoxy?
On the effects of polarization
A polarized electorate that is turned off of politics, and easily dismisses both parties because of the nasty, dishonest tone of the debate, works perfectly well for those who seek to chip away at the very idea of government because, in the end, a cynical electorate is a selfish electorate.
Please don't take my word for it. Read his stuff yourself. Those of you that are looking for a "decent candidate" would be well served to take note of Obama now, because my gut tells me that he is that "real candidate" so many people look for.
Posted by: baludealsguy31 at August 31, 2009 12:39 AM