More and More Spinach

One of the things that I have extolled the most is the value of perspective. To me, it requires being secure enough with oneself to consider alternative viewpoints, even if they tend to contradict preconceived (or established) judgments. Having said that, I turned on PBS tonight to witness the rebroadcast of the Democratic Presidential Candidate debate. A panel of three posed questions to the nine (9) candidates currently running for the Democratic Presidential Candidacy. The audience was comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus in Detroit, Michigan.

I thought that I was going to have the opportunity to learn more about the potential candidates. I thought that I was going to gain some insight as to who the eventual winner would be, competing with President Bush in 2004. To my distaste, it was another plate of cooked spinach. I would suffer through about seven or eight minutes before I had to change the channel for a moment. What I learned is that I sure as hell don't want to pay for the pipe dreams that these nimrods are selling! But before I summarize the candidates, I have to express my total disgust at the moderators and authors of the questions presented. It was readily apparent that "hard-hitting journalism" has evolved into epithets in the form of an interrogative. To say that I was appalled understates the physical reaction that was taking place in my stomach. I never supported Political Correctness because it went too far to protect the delicate sensibilities of others, but this effrontery went too far in the other direction. Why is it so hard to find a happy medium, people?

Riverbend, I have a 9-man (read human, as usual) puppet show that rivals yours! (Reference to the Iraqi Governing Council/CPA) You don't have anything on this motley crew! We have drama, fantasy, and delusions of grandeur. We have provocateurs, panderers, circus performers, and ringmasters. At any rate, here's what I took away from the "debate". It's not thoughtfully substantial, just my impression, so take it as a grain of salt...rock salt, that is.

Kucinich: I have no idea where this guy comes from, but the ideas that come out of is mouth are Utopian. What world is he living in that he thinks that a Department of Peace will change the face of this country and the rest of the world? Hey, I respect the work of Martin Luther King, but those days are long gone. It's a different culture, a different society, and these people have different needs. Developing a new bureaucratic system (he proposed a cabinet level department of the Executive Branch, akin to the State Dept. or Department of Interior) to try to affect cultural change in this country has no chance of succeeding, even if you could find a way to measure its success. This man has so many fantasies, he ought to work for Disney. He doesn't project the image of a leader, and in my opinion, would undermine our diplomatic position in foreign affairs. He is the antithesis of Bush; be careful what you wish for.

Kerry: A Senator from Massachusetts, (Didn't I see him on Cheers once?) he extolled the virtues of the Clinton domestic agenda. If I wanted CLINTON back, I'd vote for his wife! One of the few who actually feigned intelligence, Kerry took a familiar approach with his attack of the "top 1%" wealthiest Americans. People, stop already. The wealthiest 10% earn $85K per year; the richest 5% earn $150K per year; the top 1% make just over $265K per year. (My numbers are about 3 years old, but we're still within the realm of reason. Oh, by the way, the top 1%, for whom everyone has so much disdain, shoulders 30% of this nation's tax burden...You're welcome.

Dick Gephardt: So, Kerry isn't alone on the "Clinton Economics" train; he has Dick riding shotgun. I used to think that this guy was a serious contender. His charisma on the House floor was really unmatched. What I discovered tonight was that he spoke loudly but had no substance to speak of. Danny Schechter, whom I'm roasting on another spit, coined the word "jingoism" in his book. Well, Gephardt was full of them. His political assaults on Bush were little more than schoolyard chants that are more irritating than anything....and I quote: "Like father, like son; after four years, this president is done." Who is he pandering to? I mean really? What audience finds that inspiring? I want to know so that I can either avoid them like SARS or take them out back and facilitate some "arbor education".

Joe Lieberman: The self-proclaimed "Independent in a Democrat's body" is a man look for a Party. I didn't understand half of the answers to the questions he was asked. To my fault, I was expecting him to answer the question. It was a moment of weakness... of late night television... yeah, that's it. This guy doesn't stand a chance. He sure as hell doesn't understand the Middle East. "A peaceful Israel right next to a peaceful Palestine..." It'll never happen, my friend. Tell them, Riverbend... What's the first phrase out of a Palestinian baby's mouth? From the River to the Sea!

Carol Braun: My impression is that she's in it for the experience and to benefit the image of the Democratic Party. As the former ambassador to New Zealand, don't expect any ground-breaking foreign policy out of her. She'll learn from this and try it again a couple of more times. In twenty years, it's quite possible that this country will be disposed to elect her or someone like her.

Howard Dean: The only other candidate who abandoned the circus performance and gave the appearance of a thoughtful person. While it is my best bet that he'll end up winning the nomination, I don't think he'll mount a significant challenge to Bush. In the hour that I watched the debate, if you want to call it that, I found myself saying "I'm not paying for that" at least twice for him. (More often for others.) The one thing about Dean is that he's very principled. Unfortunately, that implies that he's unyielding and uncooperative (stubborn, really) in matters where he's already made up his mind. Politicians aren't supposed to have principles; they reflect the whim and will of the people they represent. After watching Carl Levin in a Budget Hearing recently, this became quite apparent. Don't blame the politicians for being bafoons; if they're doing their job right, you should blame their constituents.

General Clark: In order to become a general in the armed services, you have to be appointed by Congress. That would imply that you have to have some political acumen to rise to that position. While retired General Wesley Clark does, in fact, have some acumen, he won't last long with many moderates in this country by dodging the details of his foreign and domestic plans. To say that he danced would be understated, but it was less like Fred Astaire and more like "Elaine" on Seinfeld; spasmodic describes it best. The guy just doesn't know if he's coming or going.

John Edwards: You know, it's late, and I should be going to bed, so all I'll say about Edwards is this... No more confederate southerners, please!

Al Sharpton: The thing about Al that concerns me the most is that he has the capacity to exhort a large enough population, especially in the urban areas, to be dangerous. He's far and away the most charismatic and his dancing is very smooth. If you're smart enough to lift the veil, you won't find much substance to this provocateur, but his run for President will garner him a lot of political power, which he can either wield or yield for the right price. For certain, he will be able to pave the way (much like Carol) for those who would follow in his footsteps in future elections. Beware of this character... He is the Ross Perot of the poor folk...

Good night...