I found it! Somewhere around page 160, and just before I was about to call it quits and find something more interesting to read, BARACK OBAMA MADE A POINT. It comes in his chapter titled "Opportunity" and he describes his vision for American Economic Policy, both domestic and international. It made sense, it had punch, it didn't devolve into a story about Obama remembering the time Barack was reminiscing about the time he was being introspective (although, it did include stories about him deciding it was OK to fly on private jets-but he feels bad about it-and the time he met the Maytag repair man). For the curious, or the lazy who want the Reader's Digest version, Barack wants to repair Social Security, provide medical care for everybody, fund more education and infrastructure, and find ways to keep American jobs from going over seas.
I had an interesting discussion with several partners at the Firm I work at about the upcoming election. They range in political persuasion from moderate-Republican to very-liberal-Democrat. Definitely a left-skew to the place. But they made it clear that what they think the country needs is leadership. In other words, they don't think that policy is the important feature of this election, but instead an ability to inspire and unite. I don't know of anybody that really thinks that G.W. Bush is particularly inspiring. I think that post 9-11 being inspiring or looking like a strong leader was probably incredibly easy - people were going to rally around who ever was there.
And, reading between the lines, I think Barrack knows a few things. He is pretty candid about the Dems taking a beating generally in the past 20-40 years. He makes it pretty clear that the message of increased government involvement, increased taxes, increased entitlement programs, etc. has not been a winner with the people. So knowing that, why would you talk about it? Hmm. . . in that light, a successful campaign would be based on personal character, charisma, vague promises about change and leadership. If this is his strategy, it wouldn't be surprising to see him talk less about hard-line positions he assumed during the Primary, or to simply reverse on them. . . how often does he say he is going to pull all troops out of Iraq in a few months anymore? This is also why I would be shocked if Mr. Obama picked Mrs. Clinton to be his running mate.
The Charismatic Leader is nothing new and, really, nothing bad. But I would think that most people are interested in where the Charismatic Leader is going to lead them. But, given the state of affairs, maybe most people are happy to be lead anywhere but here.
All I'm going to say is that Ron Paul predicted everything that is happening with the ecomony and foreign policy right now.
(Edit: I added this picture because I thought the slogan "Judgment to Lead" kind of played to my angle on Obama's strategy. To be clear, I don't think it is a bad strategy, or underhanded or anything. I think it appeals to a lot of people's concerns about the current Admin. He has yet to show me, however, how his judgment, character, etc. will be used, i.e., what are his policies or ideas?
3 comments:
Anybody that takes 160 pages before making a point is probably disqualified from the "leader" category. And his point (I know we got the Reader's Digest version) seemed pretty a little on the vague side too.
That's very nice of him to feel bad about his many private-jet trips, but his inability to resolve his inner turmoil doesn't seem very leader-like either.
As for the strategy, sure it's underhanded. No more than the next politician of course. But if the quality he's trying to radiate isn't there, it sounds like a case of a wolf in "sheep's clothing".
I guess I think that it is a matter of sincerity. I don't have a good reason to think he is insincere, but no really good reason to think he is genuine, either (well, he is a politican).
Leadership is an intersting quality, isn't it? I know you (taylor) have suggested, an honest leader with policies different from your own would be preferable to the opposite. I don't think Obama is for me, but I can get why some people like. . . whatever. . . it is. . . he stands for.
To be fair, I get the sense that he is starting to carve out some policy statements. At least, the media would have me think he is. And he is always clear in his book that he is a capital-D Democrat, for what that is worth.
He's definitely a Democrat with a capital "D". Despite his wonderful "uniter" status, I don't think he's ever co-sponsored a bill across the aisle.
I suppose I don't think he's a wolf in sheep's clothing. Maybe a koala, or a red panda, or maybe just a donkey.
I should add "forthright" to the list of qualities I desire in the leader of the great Unites States.
I can see why people like him for a while. He talks purdy and moves like a preacher-man. But what is there below the surface to grab onto, just hope? I like a little more assurance with my hope.
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