The next American elections are important to everybody, even non-Americans, because we do not want another idiot becoming President. We don't want someone who will effectively use 8 years to demonstrate a total lack of foreign policy comprehension and utter uselessness. And for someone who has always admired the Clintons, I am appalled by the different steps they have taken so far in the quest for the Presidency. They are driven by ambition not conviction.
Having observed the race for the democratic nomination heat up in the last few weeks, I have a few observations I want to make and in doing so, I will express my disgust at some of the occurrences I have seen play out. Starting with the debate on the 30th of October, which was definitely a turning point in the race. It established a few facts, this is not going to be a coronation as previously thought, and Hillary Clinton, while an astute politician, is driven more by ambition as opposed to conviction. I can substantiate that assertion with a few facts if anybody asks. Her triangulation and propensity to address issues directly were fatal. It provided an avenue for Obama and Edwards to chip away at her with crafty rhetoric subsequently. The most recent debate in Las Vegas was shameful for democracy. It was essentially set up for her to regain lost momentum. I find the fact that Wolf Blitzer did not follow up on the driver's licence question disturbing. It reflects negatively on his understanding with specific regard to whether or not he is in the wrong profession.
Additionally, I watched the Governor of New York state give a speech on CNN in which he stated he had withdrawn his proposal. I have to say, the first thought that came to my mind was that: "Clinton has put pressure on this man." Now, my major problem with the debate in Las Vegas was the booing. How did that happen? How did the organisers let all those Clinton supporters get in at the expense of Obama and Edwards? The answer to this question is a corollary of the well established notion that Hillary is an astute politician, but the problem is I do not want an astute politician, I want a genuine politician. I desire that the race for the democratic would produce the best candidate. And I am inclined that Hillary is attempting to stifle this process. This inclination is also underscored by the latest back and forth between Clinton and Obama.
Of course, I do not know what is responsible for this but is there a remote possibility that the individual who claimed Hillary had some dirt on Obama she was not using pulled that out of thin air? If so, is this not a violation of some sort of journalistic ethics? This is why I am inclined to believe that this whole scenario may be traceable to Clinton. Thankfully, Obama's response was swift and the thrust of his statement was decisive and distinctly sharp. Thus leaving Clinton with the option of either repudiating the initial rumour that she had something or exposing the said dirt. Her campaign did the former, though, not before describing Obama once more as 'inexperienced'. This is what is frustrating. Notice how she cries against personal attacks but would not hesitate to have her surrogates personally attack other candidates. It is this underhanded tactic, in addition to her continued attempt to manipulate the media that frustrates me. People who refer to CNN as 'Clinton News Network' are not wrong. As an international observer, CNN has always been the only news outlet I can depend on for what is close to fair, balanced and ethical reporting. I have watched Larry King for many years. I loved CNN. But the way they have covered this nomination race, and the crap they pulled off on November 15th leads me to question the agenda of the handlers over there.
The next American elections are important to everybody, even non-Americans, because we do not want another idiot becoming President. We don't want someone who will effectively use 8 years to demonstrate a total lack of foreign policy comprehension and utter uselessness like the present gentleman in the White house. And for someone who has always admired the Clintons, I am appalled by the different steps they have taken so far in the quest for the Presidency. They are driven by ambition not conviction. The planting of questions is a reprehensible act. I cannot fathom how Clinton's campaign came to the conclusion that this was a good idea. They are simply stifling the process and this is frustrating. This indicates that she is not even as progressive as I initially thought she was. As someone who was open to her winning the nomination initially, I am beginning to dread the possibility of a Clinton presidency for reasons Obama described as 'Bush and Cheney-lite'. Additionally, I am beginning to detest Hillary Clinton personally. Obviously, I do not know how Obama and Edwards are faring right now as far the possibility of them winning, but I am hoping that one of them defeats her in Iowa, because any dunce knows that Iowa where it is going to be decided. My fear for Edwards, however is that I understand he may not have the funds to compete strongly even if he wins Iowa, so it has to be Obama.
The role the media is playing in this situation is gut-wrenchingly disturbing, especially, CNN. I have to say, the spin is incredible and it vitally important that true progressives see bullshit for what it is. When a campaign attempts to influence the media in their favour, you have to question their motives. Of course, this is politics, Obama too would be pulling moves behind the scene but nobody should attempt to stifle a democratic process, which is exactly what Hillary Clinton is attempting to do. The Obama campaign has, to my mind, handled the rumour situation effectively, it demonstrates that Obama is in it to win it, amongst other things. He is not running for number two. However, while he attempts to get his message out succinctly, his campaign needs to pursue a more aggressive yet subtle approach in highlighting fundamental differences between Obama and Clinton. If they are to win this thing, they also have to consolidate upon their organisation in Iowa. They have to aggressively pursue people who will caucus for them. They have to get more people on their boat. Inevitably, Bill Clinton will roll into town, this is evidently, their last minute joker but Obama and his campaign have to be ready to handle this situation head on. This is where solid organisation comes in.
As an international observer, when this race started, all I wanted was for a democrat to win, because I am what can be described as a 'liberal'. So, I was happy with either Obama or Clinton or even Edwards winning the nomination. But I am also a progressive and the true content of Hillary's character is coming to the fore and I am hoping she does not win this thing. I am not confident she would pursue a more progressive foreign policy. Simple. With Obama essentially emerging as the Anti-Hillary, he needs to consolidate and draw distinctions more substantively. And yeah, some more speeches like that JJ one would not hurt.