I’ve been urgently resisting the temptation to write about the world of American politics. It’s a real interest of mine, so you could equate this current election cycle with a Superbowl-type event (I’m pretty sure that makes me a full-blown geek, but that’s allright). Superbowl Sunday’s pretty cool. But Super-Tuesday… that’s heavy. Since politics has little to do with life on Maui, I haven’t found a connection to write about, except for the fact that Barack Obama is a native son of Hawai‘i. But I can’t hold it in anymore. So please indulge me as I spin the wax politiki…
When it comes to politics, I’m more of an observer. It’s the same approach I take to life in general. And what better place to observe from than an island? So it was with this perspective that I sat down and watched the Democratic debate last night. And while the two candidates were sitting there politely discussing the real issues for a change, it hit me; for the first time in history, a major US party will have either an African American or a Female American as their party’s nominee. This is truly an historic moment in America, and not because either is just the nominee. What makes this “history in the making” is that both have a great chance of winning the Presidency. Whatever floats your boat politically, you have to admit that it’s exciting to witness a groundbreaking event like this.
The tone of the debate was really cordial, which turned off a lot of pundits who were hoping for a bloody brawl. Most CNN observers said both Clinton’s and Obama’s performances were unexciting and safe. I disagree. The differences between the two candidates became very clear, on issues ranging from healthcare to the war. And more importantly, the differences between the Democratic and Republican sides are extremely clear. Several times the CNN panel pressed the two candidates on how they’d answer charges that are likely to come from the Republicans during the Presidential campaign. In each instance both put forth a compelling argument for voting Democratic this go around. Speaking strictly as an observer, if I were a staunch Republican supporter I’d be worried. The fact is that the Democratic party as a whole is extremely energized going into this election. But based on previous elections, one must ask whether or not they’ll be able to hang on to that momentum, or whether it will be squandered like so many other past opportunities.
The friendly tone was also in stark contrast to the bloodbath going on in the Republican race, and I’m convinced that this isn’t a happy accident. I think it was a calculated move to cast the Republicans in a less-than-flattering light. Who knows if it’ll work, but the strategy is shrewd nonetheless. It’s gotten so bad that Mitt Romney is now accusing John McCain of acting like Nixon (the Republican equivelant to a throwdown). It’s true… McCain is using techniques that border on the kind of underhanded techniques that good ol’ GW used against him during the 2000 election. And Romney’s no innocent either. He’s spent millions of his own fortune attempting to trash almost the entire Republican field, but with little results to show for his efforts. And let’s not forget Mike Huckabee, the charming and witty Baptist minister that pulled one of his attack ads against Romney before it hit the airwaves, then proceeded to show the ad to the media in a news conference in an attempt to illustrate how negative the campaign has gotten. Nice try, Mike.
But all of this peripheral noise doesn’t matter much now. McCain has the momentum, which is more valuable than a treasure chest of campaign cash at this point. And as for Democrats, they have to be pretty pleased with either Obama or Clinton as their nominee.
Phew. Thanks for allowing me to write about a subject that has nothing to do with Hawai‘i… and a subject that may very well bore some of you to death. I’d really like to hear your feedback, so don’t be bashful with the comments. Would you like to see more of this subject, or should I shut my mouth and stick to pretty pictures and amazingly beautiful scenery? Let me know…
