I often like to begin a diary here by stating up front that the main reason I blog here is to explore my thoughts rather than to broadcast them. Most of my diaries are written before I really have settled on what I think. I like the process and discussion. So what follows is an exploration, not a pronouncement. Let's talk.
Here are my thoughts on the race at this moment.
On Florida:
Some of the people on the left are saying that it is a mistake to disenfranchise voters in Florida by not seating those delegates. Clinton, not surprisingly, did not rule out going to court to seat them. I have heard arguments saying that it is a mistake for Obama to claim in any high profile way that this was a 0-0 tie. The concern is that the democrats(and particularly the Obama Campaign) could face a backlash from Florida voters. It makes me wonder how that backlash would compare to the backlash from blacks across the country should the national party decide to change the rules mid-stream to the detriment of their candidate. What happens to a dream deferred indeed.
More after the fold:
On Edwards:
Let me first say how much I respect the candidate, his wife, his campaign and his supporters. Brilliance and class all around.
Having said that, let us now turn to the road ahead.
Personally if I were working at framing for either of the candidates, I think I would revive the 1941 FDR message of the Four Freedoms Speech. Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Religion, FREEDOM FROM WANT, and FREEDOM FROM FEAR. Those last two should appeal to Edwards voters in that they highlight the two Americas and draw a clear contrast between the Dems and the Republicans. Frankly I am amazed that this is not the up-front cornerstone of most progressive campaigns. It is a message that unites us. Any ideas why this great message is not invoked on our side as much as Reagan hare-brainery is invoked on the other side?
Disclosure--I am totally in the Obama camp but would love to see him move in the populist direction.