DNC

[n0es]

Preface: Although I'm reveling in the Democratic spirit this week, I will reserve final judgement until I give the Republicans a fair chance. But I've been watching too much politics in the past week or two, chiefly the past few days, to not collect my thoughts. Thank you to Abhi for getting my political engine revved up like it hasn't been since

Comments

[sandyeggo]

First off, very well-written dude, props on that. I am impressed. That said, 'tis time to respond to your points.

• As to the "well-meaning Democrat", I agree there. I think one way the difference between Dems and Reps is that the former are more in touch with their social conscience. Well, that might sound a bit unfair, but basically it's just that they tend to want government to look out for the people, whereas, like you mentioned, Reps say that you gotta make your own breaks. While I can see the merit in both, I believe that in the real world, sometimes giving it your all simply isn't enough, and that's why government needs to assist the people. As for Bush...I think he has alienated some Republicans as well with his insensitivity to many things, esp. America's position as a leader and moral voice in the world. Oh, and "compassionate conservatism" my ass!
  
  
• John Edwards' soft Southern drawl is very attractive, and yeah maybe his plain-spoken Southern ideals can attract voters down South, but even then, this will be a very, very close race. I'd love to share the optimism that you see Kerry triumphing, but I just don't see it yet. Way too soon to call, I'd say. But a Ton depends on how well Kerry lays out his plan for the country in tonight's speech. It is absolutely essential that he does a terrific job of explaining to voters, most of who don't know where he stands other than he's running against Bush, what makes him different and why they should vote for him instead of the other guy.
  
  
• Hehe, I guess it's cuz I'm from India and all, so I don't see outsourcing as such a villainous practice. After all, it's helping my homies back in the old country get jobs, so what's to complain? Of course, folks back home in the good ol' U.S. of A. don't like it, and that's perfectly understandable. At a time when people are having a hard time finding jobs, no one wants to see any more jobs given away outside of the country. I think free trade w/o barriers is a good idea because it promotes healthy economies. However, when our own domestic manufacturers get the short end of the stick (they can't compete w/ foreign manufacturers), then people are gonna want trade barriers. They've been having this fight in this country since even before we became a country. Interestingly enough, I remember early in his term, George W. was a big free-trade proponent, encouraging other nations to remove their barriers. Now that outsourcing has surfaced as a big issue, I guess he won't be trumpeting free trade anymore.
  
  
• Al Sharpton. Quite a cool guy. I'm sure a lot of people would love to lampoon him as a clown and as a "token black guy", but he has actually become something of a political star in the past year. Contrary to many expectations, he not only didn't make a fool of himself during his presidential campaign, but he was actually often the most eloquent speaker and best critic of the Bush administration. His speech at the convention yesterday was quite good, and the parts where he repudiated Bush's statements at the Urban League were downright awesome. And the crowd loved him. Hehe, is it weird to say that Al Sharpton is the "new" Jesse Jackson?
  

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[n0es]

The Daily Show put it best...

"Sharpton spoke concise elegant circles around his opponents but alas... he was black."