It's up; it's down; it's ugly; it's inspiring: It's an election like no other. I write in a column on the op-ed page today that people are excited about this election in a way we haven't seen in decades. The young, the old, the women, the minorities, the artists, the D's, the R's -- even the historians are hopping on one foot and the other about choosing the next president.
Armen D. Bacon, senior director for communications and public relations for the Fresno County Office of Education, reflects the feelings of a lot of people:
"I felt almost euphoric as I drove to my polling place; I think I broke the speed limit driving to get there, and for the first time ever in my own voting history, I felt this great sense of urgency and empowerment, as if my vote was actually going to make a difference in the world."When I got home, I realized that, for once, I feel as though my voice will be heard, and that my vote will matter. Of course, that will translate into a willingness to get more involved, be more engaged and active on a local, state and national level.
"All of a sudden, I am feeling as though we can definitely move some mountains and change the landscape of our nation. Now when was the last time any of us felt that powerful? I must say that ... I felt proud to wear my little 'I voted' sticker. My grandson, Logan, enjoyed the day, too! And to think ... if all of this is true, the world in which he and his cousins, Arden and Ani, grow up is going to be so much better!"
Read the full column by clicking here.
I’m not excited. How can there be a legitimate election if there is no choice? With all due respect, it’s just the same old thing! It would be nice if we had a choice. I do not call four Democrats - Osama, Clinton. McCain & Nader a choice!
The very word, "choice," assumes a difference. Where’s the difference? It’s a "Tweedledum and Tweedledee" election!
To be sure, it’s an unique and historic election. It’s fascinating, in that, the media response to political chicanery is practically nonexistent (maybe it was planned that way!), but let’s not be so naive to suggest that there is actually a choice!
Opps! I meant "Obama." Sometimes the confusion is understandable!
Asuuming the easily excitable Gail did not vote for Sen. McCain she must have cast her vote for "The Closet Racist" aka. Obama or The Occasional Liar( a lie for every occasion)aka. Clinton.Comforting to know that these folks are being supported by emotion and not intelligence.But hey,"We're making history here!"
"Closet racist"? Do you have anything to back up that accusation, Mr. Murray? Or is this just more conservative fuzzy-thinking?
Personally, I think it's rather amusing how many people who never uttered a peep about racism before are so aghast at a few over the top statements by Rev. Wright. Makes me wonder why they seem to have such a need to find racism among black people. Compensation for something, perhaps?
Leon A. Walker
March 31, 2008
Freelance Writer
Pensacola, Florida
leonwalker@cox.net
“Super Delegates Heading To Obama”
I believe we are currently witnessing an exquisite political strategy being executed by the Democratic Party Leadership. This, in the form of an orchestrated trickle of Super Delegates publicly indicating support for Senator Barack Obama. The recent endorsements in favor of Senator Obama by Bill Richardson and Bob Casey are among the first key indicators. Additionally, that trickle I have suggested may well develop into a stunning trend even before the important primary contest in Pennsylvania. If I am right, not only will this influence the Pennsylvania voting, it will send a clear message of doom to Senator Clinton.
Clearly there is no direct or clear path for either candidate to gain the required number of delegates prior to the Democratic National Convention. This alone, without considering any of the many further impacts is simple grounds for the contest to continue. However there is an obvious and growing advantage in favor of Senator Obama in terms of sheer numbers. This is the basis for the many discussions and comments about the necessity for Senator Clinton to concede and withdraw. Under the current rules she simply can not expect to catch up. Basically, the voters have already spoken. She may say what she likes but a decision (Clinton Nomination) at the convention is nothing more than a pipe dream.
Perhaps more importantly, the Democratic Party Leadership has got to begin consolidating their campaign efforts behind a single candidate in an effort to keep pace with the efforts of the McCain Campaign on the Republican side. Further, the Clinton machine is seemingly most comfortable playing in a dirty sandbox and unphased by any damage their tactics my do to the party as a whole or to Senator Obama should he receive the nomination. One of the interesting aspects of the Clinton campaign strategy is their inability to assess the uniquely new and seemingly different political climate in America. It is clear that Senator Clinton has a well know reputation of being polarizing within some groups. What she seemingly does not realize is that her caustic characteristics are now damaging her credibility within her own political party as well as across the nation.
I am convinced that the bulk of the Democratic Party Leadership have already made their choice in Senator Obama. They must now delicately implement their strategy and show their support individually yet in a way that does not overtly appear to be damaging to the party or to their relationship with the powerful Clintons. Of course there will be continued dismissals and insults from the Clintons initially, but eventually and I believe very soon they will find themselves at a greater and disadvantage that signals to them sure defeat.
The media and political junkies would love to see this contest continue but it has reached a point of diminishing returns for the Democrats. In order to quell the threats of party defections in November and in an effort to get the Obama Presidential Campaign moving as quickly as possible the Democratic Party Leadership has got to abandon the Clintons. I must say that the concept of party defections is definitely being over blown by the media. It is a long way to November.
The media is suggesting that there is no leadership figure in the Democratic Party capable of resolving this matter. I think that they are wrong. We may never know who devised this strategy but I feel confident that it is real and that we will soon see the proof if it.
L. A. Walker
© Leon A. Walker, March 2008
The rev. Wright was over the top? how's that, Mike. I heard him state the obvious, and it was pretty mild, I mean, he IS a christian, Right? Over the top was Obama's heroic effort to distance himself from dissent....T.C., bless your heart,it seems to me, the choice is down to three republicans and one patriot.