Thursday, October 02, 2008

Conservatism Ain't No Easy Job


So folks, substantive realism (Joe Biden) vs. folksy fluff (Sarah Palin)? That's my take, anyway. McCain-Palin seems to be trying to revive the sort of approach Reagan took against Jimmy Carter in 1980. A big difference is this: McCain-Palin are trying to succeed a troubled president from their own party. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are trying to do something a little differently, win outright by offering a different emphasis in political and economic philosophy, and much steadier stewardship. I saw nothing tonight that changed my mind, no specifics about "reform" or "change" from Palin. And though I thought the first debate (i.e. Obama-McCain last Friday) was a draw, tonight Biden won. Why? Because tonight, Biden grasped the issues better, and offered better solutions. He also answered the questions.

Any thoughts out there you'd like to share about this? Glad to see Michigan tilting toward Obama-Biden, by the way. As it should be.


Today's Rune: Journey.

10 comments:

Joe said...

Thank you for the Iggy Pop quote. That's a favorite of mine.

The debate was bizarre. Well, really, she was odd. Just perky as hell, darn it. Aw heck. Doggone it. Maverick. Reform is coming. Change.

Now wink at the camera.

Anonymous said...

Drill, drill, drill. Drill, baby, drill. That's change to me.--Dr. Christian Szell

Anonymous said...

"...and nothing ever hurts",
right Governor?
Hey look me over, give me a break!

JC

Anonymous said...

You would think that Bush did not exist. Palin was using Reagan, the GOP idol as an ideal. You would think that McCain wasn't a republican. Sure she is cute and folksy but can you see her dealing with the titans of the world. Biden had to be so careful not to be sexist or snobby or hurt the ladies feelings. She did not have to be nice and was not. She did not answer some questions, segued into what she wanted to say and most of that was well rehearsed fluff.

Charles Gramlich said...

I definitely thought Biden won, but I did think Palin did better than I expected her to. She was clearly nervous at the beginning but she didn't get blown out.

Synchronicity said...

I think Palin is a joke. How many times does she need to repeat the word "maverick" for us? A drinking buddy we don't need. We need competent leaders. I am disgusted that anyone would take her seriously.

Erik Donald France said...

Thanks all, for the comments -- all points taken!

Anonymous said...

I agree Erik. Much style no substance. Just answer the questions. I have been talked to enough by that big Republican spin doctor the "shrub" and what a mess he will be leaving. Thank God he will be leaving. Unless of course another crisis... MW

JR's Thumbprints said...

It's hard to believe the critics praised Palin's debating skills. She had absolutely nothing to offer, plus I was deeply offended by her "Joe Six-Pack" reference--I'm a whiskey and water man.

Lana Gramlich said...

Charles & I almost made a drinking game out of the debate, actually. Every time we heard "maverick," "nucular" & the like we raised our Cokes. Unfortunately I got the idea too late into the debate. *snap*