Quote:
Originally Posted by skylark
See I blame the media for the fact that it is virtually impossible to communicate a complex idea in this day and age on a news program or in a debate. It's all about spin and getting the sound byte.
I try not to rely on the media clips and often meaningless "debates" to educate myself on a candidates ability to have a plan, and I don't expect a candidate to find a way to give me a dumbed down version of it in the news. I read Barack's last book when it came out and prior to that I read (okay listened to the audio-version of) Hillary's book. I primarily judge them on the ideas they expressed there than from any media clip, so maybe that is why I'm less concerned as to why I haven't audibly heard Barack's plans for change. I've read about how he's changed Illinois politics and what large and small steps he'd like to see the country take. I hear his speeches in that context... not in the context of wanting him to explain himself.
However, I do think there is something to be said for the power to inspire. If you can inspire the american people, that is a huge momentum for accomplishing change. We've had many capable leaders (Dubya excluded) that have been uninspired. I honestly think that America needs someone who stands for principles and that is why I stand behind Barack so strongly. I honestly don't think Hillary stands for anything but the unbridled thirst for power and the willingness to do anything to get it.
|
I completely agree with you re: the media and debates and sound bytes. It is very hard to distill what ANY of the candidates plan for the country based on what's shown or printed in the news. Also, I would add that generally speaking, inspirational, creative, more poetic people, like Barack clearly is, have a harder time expressing ideas in the concrete. Abstractions are more comfortable.
Based on what I've read on his website and blogs concerning him, his lack of definitive plans don't really scare me. It makes me think that he is the real deal and will be able to work across the aisle, building coalitions and really get things done in Washington. A Clinton presidency guarantees more gridlock. But I really do believe that if she's the nominee, that we will have another Republican president. She's THAT offensive to quite a few Repubs, independents, and yes, even people in her own party.
I think now that Caroline Kennedy and her uncle Ted are coming out for Obama, people who will be voting in coming days will give Obama another look.