Obama's Brandenburg Gate
by Mark Shields
One iron rule of political campaigns dictates, "As the candidate, you should always do those things — to your own campaign's advantage — which your opponent is unable to do."
For example, if your own income tax returns are reasonably simple and straightforward with no suspicious tax loopholes, and you have grounds to believe that your opponent's returns are overly complicated, confusing and potentially a problem for him to publicly explain, then by all means make ...
( Back to Article )
Join the Discussion
|
7 Comments | Post Comment
|
Posted by: Paul G
Comment: #1
Fri Jun 20, 2008 3:56 PM
Mark--
Couldn't find a way to send an e-mail regarding your remarks on the New Hour tonight (unlike with David Brooks), but want to note my disagreement that Obama's decision to forgo public financing is a major break with the principles he stands for.
The reality is that Obama will never be able to deliver the change he promises unless he gets elected. We both know that he will face fierce opposition by well-financed 527 organizations--like those who brought us Swift Boat--in addition to the opposition from the Republican party and John McCain. It is rational and prudent for him to turn to millions of small donors instead of the U.S. Treasury to finance his campaign. In your "analysis" tonight, you fail to note his refusal to take money from (or staff his campaign commitee) with lobbyists nor did you address the 527 situation--and the principled and unprincipled opposition he must combat.
Let's not turn this decision into another media feeding frenzy.
|
Posted by: James A, Sweeney
Comment: #2
Sat Jun 14, 2008 4:52 AM
Sir; I have to disagree with you; but if I may say a word for Tim Russet: That, is too bad. It is hard to not envy any man who so clearly loves his work and who enjoys his life. My parent's own his book about his father, and we all watched him often. And the first thing I thought when I heard the news was: He is going to miss the election. I believe the press has only one obligation and that is to the truth, what ever that may be. Trying to send a balanced picture when there is no balance, when one side or the other has been blown out of the water intellectually or morally is telling a lie. If the population is uninformed it is missing one key ingrediant to democracy; and the press, pretending to be fair and balanced, and the government kicking dirt over all their piles make democracy as illusive as the truth. To be a news man is to occupy a place of moral authority, and social privilage, and I think Mr. Russet did that about as well as anybody.
In regard to Mr. Obama let me say that you are wrong. We have this notion in this country that we are benefactors to the whole world, and we resent it when they don't treat us with deference. It does not matter that much of the 'help' we give to people is in the nature of projects they do not need, that do not help the majority of the people, and saddle them with huge debts with high interest. There may have been times when our president has been the president of the whole free world, but that is the last thing any narrow minded and parochial republican wants from his government. By way of example, the last thing you ever want to hear as an ironworker is a pipe fitter saying your business agent is a great guy. The same is true for America. Most of us want our president to be feared and hated, because we have recieved the message loud and clear and often that we have been too soft, too kind, and too sweet to the world. If we elect Mr. Obama, it would be a big sign to the world that we do not have some malice for everyone with brown skin. If they like Mr. Obama that would be reason enough for many millions in this land to hate him. If Mr. Obama wants to be loved, he has to start here. America grows poorer every time we hear a word about international affairs. The quest for empire is breaking us. The key to living right with the world, and having happiness at home is having a government that works, that informs the people fully, and asks for their consent. Thanks. Sweeney
|
Posted by: Blaine N. Rawdon
Comment: #3
Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:03 AM
Another Brandenburg Gate.... If Obama would make public, now, most of his cabinet choice thoughts, McCain would have to follow suit. And if he did not name a neo-con for Secretary of State he'd further split the Republicans. If he did name a neo-con he'd frustrate those who want to change things! Then do the same for State, Health, etc. Or, even better, the whole Cabinet at once. I can't wait!
Incidentally I vote for: Richardson at State and Hillary for Health. That would be something!!!
|
Posted by: James A, Sweeney
Comment: #4
Sat Jun 14, 2008 8:58 PM
Re: Masako
Certainly, If Mr. Obama wants to be a cheer leader for change we might surf a wave of progress into the next century, but it will not happen unless every bitter person clinging to the past out of fear of the future can be brought along gently into a bright and shining day. I don't think we are that far away from each other. I don't think we are the enemy. I'll bet my life that if we were not being deliberately divided, weakened, and sold out that we could all have a great place to call home. Our choices are limited. Countries like ours, invested in empire, devestated by debt, and more hopeless than ever only have two choices. One is to give up and take it; and the other is to rejuvinate ourselves by embracing the revolutionary ideals of our founding fathers. A simple change of forms is all we need. A change of our form of relationship is essential. If we can look at our brothers in this endeavor called America, and can hear their story, their truth, their fears, and take them as our own we can find some just compromise. When a society mourns the past, and finds the vitality of the past is forever out of reach; it is then that they are swept off the pages of history like a flea. Some of my family have been here from the beginning. We are invested right here. I am not giving up on this place, or on any of my neighbors. We have some differences we have to hash out. We need to learn how to talk to each other without an attorney in every pocket. And as you say, We need to climb out of this rut. The standard bearers of the past need to get along home. Its time for a real change. Let us thread a needle with the tie that binds and mend this place for good.
|
Posted by: Masako
Comment: #5
Sat Jun 14, 2008 9:37 AM
Absolutely right Mark. This election could be much more of milestone than many people are allowing themselves to imagine. It is time for the U.S. to mature into a state that actually takes inspiration from what foreigners think about us. Mr. Sweeney understandably fears a backlash, but that's the chance we have to take as we try to climb our way out of this terrible rut. The world is falling out from under us in just about every way an over-populated, under-managed planet can, and I don't believe civilization will survive without a United States acting as a true leader, something it has not done in a long, long time.
|
Posted by: Masako
Comment: #6
Sun Jun 15, 2008 12:26 PM
To Mr. Sweeney: Cheers.
|
Posted by: R.C.Davis
Comment: #7
Wed Jun 18, 2008 6:28 AM
Your right ! Foreigners should vote in our election, we're headed in the same direction ! We can become socialist, just like they are headed ! We'll have to have another 911 before we realize how good we've had it ! We take alot for granted, cheap food, until of late we'ed had cheap gas ! I don't recall any country affording us aid when we have experienced a disaster !! RC
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
- 
- 
- 
