Political Bloviation

In listening to the back and forth in the new tactic from Hillary against Obama I’m struck by a few things. The main point seems to be the “words are not actions” as a means of staunching the hemorrhaging of her inevitability in the face of Barack’s eloquence. It’s truly a false dichotomy. Rhetoric is the best means of inspiring action. Action is what is needed.

While I love the passion of Edwards in attacking the basic unfairness of the Bush years, I don’t think he would be able to get much done with a take no prisoners attitude. The Clinton years were marked by an inability to get much done in Congress that wasn’t part of the conservative agenda, i.e., welfare reform - check, “fair” trade treaties - check, health care reform - hell no. This, I believe had much to do with the GOP strategy of distracting the White House and the public with a bullshit investigation into the Clinton’s Whitewater participation, while kneecapping an attempt at health care reform. Not just honest opposition to mandates or other policy issues, but a refusal to even attempt a compromise that would have undoubtedly been in the best interests of the country. Why? To damage the president and gain political advantage culminating in the second Bush administration and all the damage its done.

This is what both attracts me and scares the hell out of me about Obama. I think we desperately the bipartisanship and reconciliation of which he speaks so eloquently. My fear is that GOP obstructionism will be carried to new heights regardless of the merits of policies. Will he be able to unite and move forward or will the republicans kick his ass and take his lunch money while he waxes poetic about the merits of cooperation? I’m prepared to take the risk. He’s the most inspiring politician in my lifetime and perhaps the popularity that wins will hold back the worst instincts of the opposition. But I’m sure in a room someplace in Washington selfish men are trying to devise the best way to bring Obama down should he succeed and take the White House.

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