[quote]thunderbolt23 wrote:
Pookie,
Many pages have transpired since you replied to me, so I will try not to review ground that Boston covered w/r/t Hagee, etc.
The only question I care about is whether it matters to the Obama campaign. I contend that it does. I contend that if I am on Team Obama, I would be worried about this. Here’s why.
There is nothing odd about delving into topics that are relevant to Obama’s campaign. This relationship with the pastor is one of these issues. So is the Rezko affair. These should have been dealt with long ago, but the media decided that they would tiptoe around Obama until all the other candidates got washed out.
The problem is, of course, how Obama chooses to handle this. The more distances himself from Wright, the more questions are raised as to why he didn’t do it before. That smacks of political opportunism, and cynics will offer the predictable “all politicians do it”. But that isn’t good enough because of Obama himself. Obama has mortgaged his entire campaign on the idea that he isn’t a politician, he is beyond all that, and he transcends such thinking.
So, take that away - we realize Obama is a regular political opportunist, just like all the other guys. Well then, why elect him? He has no other assets to capitalize on. Once he is reduced to mere mortal politician, he has nothing to offer. That is why this story is a problem for Obama - even if we say to ourselves “hey, he has these relationships just like all the other sleazy politicians”, we have taken away the one lone reason to distinguish a mediocre third-year Senator who has done nothing in his professional life to suggest he can lead a country.
Take away Obama’s airy mojo and rhetoric, reduce him to a regular politician, and you are left with one of the weakest substantive candidates in recent political history. This story hurts that whole “transcendent” narrative - so is it a big deal? Unquestionably.
That is what matters. The practical difference between Obama’s and Hillary’s platform is razor thin - it is the usual hodge podge of left-liberal policies and approaches. Very little distinction. If Obama loses his marketing edge, he has no other cards to play.[/quote]
I agree with most of what you say, and no one will argue that being associated with Wright will be an asset.
Where I disagree is when you say he has nothing to offer. That’s discounting his strengths. I think the man has great personal charisma and is a very good communicator.
How useful is that for a president? I think it can be more of an asset than a lot of people think. A lot of international good will has been squandered by Bush; Obama could go a long way toward mending those relations. He might accomplish a lot more through negotiations and diplomacy, rather than brute force.
As for any lack of experience, I don’t see much more from Clinton or McCain… either of those three will also have a cabinet and numerous advisors to help fill any lack of relevant experience. Not having a long history with a lot of friends to whom you “owe favors” might also turn out to be a plus.
So, again, it is entirely fair and expected to question Obama’s weaknesses. But to dismiss any strengths he might have at the same time comes off as biased partisanery.
