My Two Cents on the Prez Candidates
Not that you asked, but here goes.....
John Edwards - Never, not in a million years, too green, divisive class politics, $400 haircut. Yikes.
Hillary Clinton - For me, she brings to mind the phrase "fear and loathing," The Anchoress gave her a scathing review today, "I found my voice in New Hampshire," "No woman is illegal." Whiskey tango foxtrot? Eckkk. My idol Camille Paglia did a little psychoanalysis of Hillary here, it's also delightfully scathing. Hillary is a through-and-through Socialist and she would be a disaster for our country.
Barack Hussein Obama - Nice orator, way too green, try another term or two in the Senate first. I like that he's shaking up the Clinton stranglehold on the Democratic party. The religious affiliation is very troubling. Comparison between Obama and MA governor Deval Patrick here. Be afraid, be very afraid.
Dennis Kucinich - Surely you jest.
Mitt Romney - Not crazy about him, but I would vote for him. Principled man, demonstrated high-level leader and manager. He did an OK job as MA governor, not easy in an overwhelmingly Democratic state with our famously corrupt, wheeling-dealing Legislature. I agree with him on many issues. Too bad he's such a "stiffy," reminds me of Gore in that way.
John McKain - Grateful for his unwavering support of the troops and our military actions in Iraq. I respect him very much, but at this point, he's too crusty and crabby. It's too late for him to be president. The McKain/Feingold amendment was terrible. Remember freedom of speech, Senator? His proposal with Teddy Kennedy on immigration "reform" was equally terrible. Two huge strikes against him.
Fred Thompson - My guilty pleasure. I loved him in Law and Order. He strikes me as presidential, has the gravitas, love his plain-spokenness and sensible responses in the debates. But I don't know why he wants to be president and I don't what his experience really is. Are his enthusiastic followers as deluded as him as Obama's are about their guy?
Rudy Giuliani - What happened to Rudy? I don't understand why he isn't more popular. Again, a demonstrated leader and manager, he made NYC safe and livable again, he successfully prosecuted mafioso in NY. He responded brilliantly on September 11th. I'm willing to overlook the mistress/wife thing, I don't approve of adultery, but it's none of my business and the people involved were all adults (not 21-year old interns). I don't even mind the Bernie Kerik association. (Don't be surprised when the people who effectively deal with skanky low-lifes turn out to have sleazy aspects too.) Is Rudy too "New York-y"? I'd vote for Rudy over any Democrat, but he's going to have to pull a rabbit out of hat to be the Republican nominee. He would make a fantastic head of the DOJ, Department of Homeland Security, or the FBI or CIA. Read his excellent recent article The Resilient Society - a Blueprint for Homeland Security at City Journal.
Mike Huckabee - Never. That family portrait scared me.
Ron Paul? Surely you jest. Amazing fund-raiser. Funny how much mileage some people get out of the Trilateral Commissison. Ooooohhhh, the Trilateral Commission is trying to take over the world!
Hey. Where's my comment?
Posted by: Sissy Willis | January 15, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Okay. As I thought I had commented this morning, Excellent thumbnail analyses!
Be sure to check out "Is Barack Obama the New Bill Clinton?" over at PJM. The answer: Yes, only slicker. http://pajamasmedia.com/2008/01/barack_obama_and_the_politics.php
Fred is definitely the one. I am deluded, therefore I am? :-)
Posted by: Sissy Willis | January 15, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Mitt Romney principled man? Surely *you* jest? The only principal that Mitt stands by is to say whatever it is needed to get elected. Or have yo not been paying attention? And you know NYC hates Rudy, right? The people, the firefighters, the police - everyone. What don't you get about the unpopularity of a guy hated in his own city? And pimps 9/11 in every frickin conversation! Fred is an actor. Just because he can pretend to be presidential on TV doesn't mean a thing. If that's your criteria, might as well vote for Martin Sheen or Kevin Kline. And you misspelt John "McCain". What would happen if you based your vote for president on issues you care about rather than "Law & Order" re-runs? Here's a novel idea: If voters actually informed themselves about candidates and voted in their rational best interests, perhaps we'd stop electing a-holes.
Posted by: Sean | January 16, 2008 at 01:48 AM
You caught me, Sean! I'm guilty of writing my off-the-cuff impressions. Which is NOT the same thing as saying who I'm going to ultimately vote for in either the primary or the election.
I didn't know that NYC hates Rudy, and I'm not sure I believe that statement.
I didn't say I would vote for Fred. I stated my misgivings about his run for office. You're jumping the gun there, me bucko.
Yes, Fred is an actor. So was Ronald Reagan.
Would you care to share your thoughts on who you think would make a good prez and who's out to lunch?
Posted by: mis kelly | January 16, 2008 at 12:42 PM
You don't have to believe me about Rudy, it's well documented.
And I care not to share my thoughts on the presidential race because the issues I care about are probably not the one's you care about. As you can see above, I tend to get on my high horse and become preachy - I doubt my views will persuade you one way or the other.
I don't care if you vote for someone I don't like, just please, for the love of all that is good, vote based on information and issues. Low information voters perpetuate bad government.
Btw, Edwards and Obama are far more "socialist" (a label as useful in the Dem race as calling Bush a "fascist") than Hillary. But you'd know that if you did your homework rather than repeating the anti-Hillary Blogosphere talking point. (And no, Hillary is not amongst my top 5 choices.)
Posted by: Sean | January 17, 2008 at 01:56 AM
We may not agree on what are the most important issues in this election, but I do like to hear what others think. Your views might persuade me, if any of the people you'd vote for are Repubs. Dems are out of the question for me in 2008, although I've voted for plenty of Dems in previous state and national elections.
My vote will be laregly based on the candidate's stated views, and his past voting record and governing or management experience. Personality (as it reflects character) plays a role in my vote too.
Thanks for your comments.
Posted by: miss kelly | January 17, 2008 at 09:28 AM