Ok, the score is one Obama surrogate dumped and one Clinton surrogate dumped. Both for remarks made that got their candidates in hot water. In one case a promising potential Obama administration official lost a chance at the big time. In the other, a Democratic heroine forever diminished her standing. At least neither was involved in a prostitution ring, as far as we know. The Democrats are beginning to eat their own in grand Republican style, and I think that's because they can't figure out any real issues to debate these days. Consequently, the Follies have devolved into a game of who can find the most surrogates to attack.
Now, admittedly, I think the Geraldine Ferraro comments were just wrong, wrong headed, and yes, racist. As it turns out there's actually a history of her making that kind of faux pas, so better to toss her overboard and try to sail on. But Ferraro's brief moment in the Follies spotlight points to something we all knew was coming for some time, following a script Big Bill pulled out in South Carolina. Playing to racial fears in politics works and the Clinton's are proving more than adept at it, and the media is lapping it up simply because there's no joy in reporting a stalemate. Which is what they will be doing until August. The folks are losing interest.
Keith Olbermann's Special Commentary on the subject hit the points hard. Perhaps just a bit too hard. I admire his passion, I detest his smug style, and I think they defeat his message by and large, which is a shame. Because the message needs to be heard. He lightened up on the smirk a bit, but I still think he's reading these things like they were sports stories occasionally.
The Twittersphere is a buzz with calls to action, mostly on Obama's behalf. I imagine the Newsgang talk is doing more of the same, as host Steve Gillmor searches for some way to convert Twitter, Facebook, and podcasts into some form of tangible action or pressure that might be brought on the super delegates. (I haven't had a chance to call in or listen much this week, which is a shame, although I caught a bit of the podcast that seemed to be attempting to organize some form of action. No, Steve, I haven't done my homework.) Frankly, I'd rather see a call to action to confront the larger demons that are the real issues as I think the benefit could be bigger. But perhaps I'm just tilting at windmills. But here goes.
Once again, I think Obama can score here by actually practicing some of what he's been preaching. Talk tough and honestly about some tough issues. Clinton could score here as well, if she had any real instincts beyond survival. But neither has the courage to go for it and we all lose because of it. Face it. The wound is open and festering and will continue to do so until the Republicans pour salt on it and try to spread the infection.
So, I'll issue my challenge that no one will hear or pay attention to. Obama and Clinton should grab this as an opportunity. Sit down on a couch with one camera and discuss the issue. No talking heads asking questions and stealing the spotlight. Just the two of them. Throw racism and sexism on the table and talk about it. Talk it to death. It is not like these issues will not be confronted in the general election. It is not like these issues will go away after the election is over. There is actually plenty substantive here to discuss that could mean more and have greater impact than who's surrogate screwed up today.
First one to issue the challenge knocks the other one on his/her heels and forces him/her to play defense, but he/she has to play. I don't think either has the guts to do it and the campaigns are already in a mode of playing not to lose. Grab the bull by the horns here, open up the discussion and quit hiding behind debates and surrogates. Show us what you got where it counts. Discuss something complex, painful, and real. You know, like something you might face if you actually win the damn job. Take the food right out of the Republican's mouths before they even get a chance to chew on it and spit it out in their patented vile ways. And maybe, just maybe, show some real political courage, some real leadership, and a real reason for someone to vote for you. Obama and Clinton both and each have a chance to lance this boil on our nation's backside and, potentially make some headway on something of real value.
But then that's not how leaders are made or marketed these days. That would be bold. That would be powerful. That would be potentially beneficial to the common good. And that would be risky and cowards and politicians avoid risk.
Good night and good luck? Hardly. More like good night and good grief.
Recent Comments