The Realities of Politics

If you listen to the voices of many Americans, they'll tell you that they're tired of politics as usual. They're looking for "candidates" who will be different. They hear that John McCain is a straight talker and a maverick, and they pay attention. But he disappoints them. Sarah Palin comes along, she's unknown, but has a reputation of being a "reformer." But we look closer and we see that despite the rhetoric and some positive actions, she's a politician too. Indeed, she may have crossed some ethical lines in pursuit of personal agendas.

What about Joe Biden, well Joe has been in the Senate for more than half is life. He's a seasoned politician, and knows the political realms quite well. As for Barack Obama. Many people looked to him early on and hoped he was different -- that is, he wasn't really a politician. They thought maybe he was "pure." Now, he's not been on the political scene long, but he's been there long enough. He's a savvy politician. He's learned what it takes to win.

I think we all need to have a dose of reality. No politician, not even the one I like, is going to be a "saint" (in our commonly used understandings). Politicians will have to compromise. The political system is set up that way -- the only other option is one-party rule.

People say -- well, what about a third party? My answer: well what about them?

Ross Perot tried to start a third party, the Reform Party, got some traction, but didn't get far. George Wallace tried, but his party was rooted in segregationist politics. Teddy Roosevelt and Robert La Follette, both Republicans, tried to launch Progressive Parties. La Follette was successful at a state level, but not at a broader level. All TR did was divide the Republican vote, insuring that Woodrow Wilson won. The current batch of 3rd party candidates are less than inspiring. Ralph Nader has been running for about as long as Pat Paulson -- he probably insured GW's election in 2000, but beyond that did little. Bob Barr is running as a Libertarian, but most Libertarians probably would rather have had Ron Paul (Paul might have pealed off votes from both major candidates, but likely more from McCain). Beyond that the choices are slim.

You could stay home and not vote, and maybe you should if in the end you're going to role dice to decide, but I would hope that most Americans understood the magnitude of the times and make a choice as to who would best lead us at this time. It's going to be McCain or Obama. There is no other credible alternative. So whom would best serve us?

My answer is, of course, Barack Obama. I think he has shown the kind of leadership skills and the calmness that we need at this time. Is he perfect? No. Is he pure? No. Is he the right person for this time? Yes, I believe so. Others of you will likely think differently, and that is your right.

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