So here goes, my first attempt at a diary, but I guess we all start somewhere.
My wife and I had this conversation yesterday, and I thought it might be worth putting it in front of a larger audience.
My wife is not politically active whatsoever, she gets the majority of her political news from the daily show. I think in some ways she really does represent the majority of the voting public. She has always thought that GW was an idiot, to the point that she shows disgust anytime he comes on the television, she cannot see how people don't get that. I was on my soapbox, again, telling her about something I had read here and expressing my disgust at the lack of democratic response to the obvious failures and corruption. (she is very patient considering her lack of interest in politics)
To get to the heart of the matter, I was complaining about how we have seen the most true leadership from Kerry and Gore, after Katrina. They both said what needed to be said at the time, and in Gore's case, he got into the thick of things to do what he could. I mentioned that I wished Kerry would have been as scathing in his criticism during the campaign. Then I went on to say that I wish our party could put forward a candidate that gave up some of the polish and PR spin for some substance. I want a candidate less in the mold of Lieberman, and more in the mold of Halsey, Patton, or Hackett. I think it may be time for someone to step outside the PR machines run by consultants, and change the rules.
What would be so wrong with changing the way the game is played, or the game entirely. We have not been too succesful playing a game by the rules of Rove and company, so don't. I want a Candidate who calls a lie a lie, not a misrepresentation of the facts, and who calls incompetance failure of leadership. in my opinion Kerry could have dismissed the swift boat ads in a single press conferencce, He should have said "I am a decorated war hero and Bush is a draft dodger who hid from the war in the air natioanal guard, and failed to even meet those obligations. Let the record stand, contrary to what some political hacks who never served with me have to say." Would it have caused a firestorm in the press? sure, but it would have put the onus back on Bush to support his record, and more importantly would have earned at least grudging respect from the undecided.
My wife argued that it would have been political suicide, for Kerry, and anyone who tries it, but I disagree, I think its time to change the game to one we can win, and win respect and the hearts of the people while we are at it. You can respect someone who fights for what they believe in even if ,you disagree
Thoughts?