Life's Persistent Questions

May 3, Side note

The only thing that feels longer than my rail trip right now is the 2008 Democratic Presidential primary season in the U.S. When I left California, an Obama nomination seemed inevitable. Since then, Slate started a HRC deathwatch, Obama admitted something that Democrats in Blue States always thought about their “less fortunate” brethrens in the Red States, Clinton won primaries in a couple of states to maintain within striking distance in the delegate count, Obama’s pastor opened his mouth and the Clinton came back as the next great “White Hope.”

Oh, and I have switched my preference to Obama. The only three things that stuck out in my mind the last two months were the following: Obama’s speech on race where he compared Rev. Wright to his white grandmother, Clinton and Obama’s promises not to raise tax on Americans making under $200,000, and the gasoline tax holiday proposal. I was impressed by the first item though still waved it off as a mere pretty speech. I was dismayed by the second as desparate pandering on the eve of Pennsylvania primary. The third was a revelation. It was a new low for Clinton politicks, but we have come to expect the winning-at-any-cost mantra from her campaign. In fact, many people supported her exactly because she showed that Democrats can play hardball and dirty politics with the best (or worst) of them. Though one had to wonder, why she chose to align herself with the Republican candidate McCain on this issue.

On the other hand, one should admire Obama’s opposition. There was no cost to concur—it was a safe play, and it has been a tough two weeks for him, according to the media. Coming to term with the real price of gasoline is the first step for the country to move forward on the energy issue. During the early stages of his campaign Obama had stated that he want to be truthful to American and ask them to make tough decisions, but he had moved away from that as he became the front runner in recent months. The empty promise of no tax raise was the greatest departure, but the resistance to gasoline tax break signaled a return. Experience can be learned. Otherwise, there would be no term limit on the office. Integrity can be corrupted—it is saddest when it comes at old age. Principle, while transitory, gives one hope. And what is democracy but a hope for "the better angels of our nature."

posted by hedgehog @ 5:47 PM