I have often wondered why the last 50 years has produced so few Democratic Presidents, especially considering that they seem to fare well and make the world a better place when they are in office.
In survey of ten US presidents, Bush fares badly (Reuters, 2005) - President George W. Bush ranks as the least popular and most bellicose of the last ten U.S. presidents, according to a new survey. Only nine percent of the 662 people polled picked Bush as their favorite among the last 10 presidents. John F. Kennedy topped that part of the survey, with 26 percent, closely followed by Bill Clinton (25 percent) and Ronald Reagan (23 percent).
These are some things I'm pondering in my heart (and I am a Republican), and maybe you can glean some nuggets of truth if you want to make the jump
Democrats are pretty lousy at winning elections. Now even though this may be hard to hear, I'm sure it's not news to you. If George Bush getting elected (in spite of his lack of intelligence and experience) didn't convince you of this, I'm not sure what will.
So, in my opinion the first step in recovery is admitting that you have a problem with this.
And then there is a 6 step recovery plan to win this current election if you care to read further.
- The American voter is NOT well-informed. Repeat that after me...The American voter is not well-informed. Most of you are committed to canvassing, and lecturing, and blogging, etc., and that's great for the country. I hope that this fact will someday change...but I doubt it very much. Much more people...much more, make up their mind about who they will vote for (if they vote), on an emotional level. It doesn't have to make sense to you, you just need to accept it.
- The American voter likes to keep his/her money. When Barack Obama says that only the very wealthy will see an increase in their taxes, no one REALLY believes this. Universal Healthcare (as much as our country needs it) will never become a reality as long as he skirts this issue. Most people find it difficult to care for something (anything) that will cost them money unless they are convinced that it is a sacrifice worth making (and will benefit them as well). Barack Obama would do well to convince us all to listen to our better selves because sacrifice has always been the gateway to true prosperity, and that even if it costs us a little more in the short run, our children, and our children's children will be blessed by our choices, as difficult as they may seem.
- The American voter doesn't really care that much about the earth. This doesn't make it right, and hopefully, in time, opinions will change. But as long as we can look outside and hear birds chirping, and see grass in our yards, and find a place to take walks on a lazy Sunday afternoon...the we're good. We are capitalists by the way. convince me that a greener and better earth is better for me financially, or see point #2 on how to speak to my better self. what Barack obama should be saying is that he would drill a hole in his own backyard if he thought the oil there would save civilian lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, and keep America's money from people who blow up mentally handicapped kids in front of other innocent people.
- The American voter will actually believe a lie if it is mentioned long enough. Barack is a Muslim. Barack is a liberal who has no respect for hard-working Americans. Barack is "uppity." How the Republican Party stole this position from Barack still astounds me. Barack is a loving father, a devoted Christian husband and someone who understands overcoming adversity through grit and determination. Does John McCain have great character. I'm not sure. But I know he did. And people change. So what does his ex-wife have to say about John? "How did it feel to have John cheat on you after you were critically injured in a car accident?"
What about his time in the "Hanoi Hilton?" Why did he sign the confession that read, "I am a black criminal and I have performed the deeds of an air pirate. I almost died and the Vietnamese people saved my life, thanks to the doctors."??? Okay, so you have two choices: fight like hell on the defensive (see John Kerry), or start some stuff on your own. Do you want to win this election or not?
- The American voter loves family. Repeat after me. The American voter loves family. This election...AGAIN...will come down to how we "feel" about the candidate who is before us. Now this may not be reality...but right now the Repubs are kicking your ass on this front. While we sit and watch Hollywood stars, rap singers, and scary black church leaders speak for you...the Republicans serve us country singers, soldiers, moms with bad hairdos, and guys wearing cowboy boots. Guess who wins? Middle America will decide this election. You don't have to like that on the East or West coast, but they do get to vote. Do the Republicans care more about families? NO. Does John McCain? NO. But see point #4 for how perception beats reality.
- The American voter loves faith in God. Okay, I know this is offensive to some, and you don't have to agree. But this country is still a country that believes we have been blessed by God. The earliest settlers and leaders all believed this, even as we raped the land and Indians to claim it as our own. When a candidate taps into this area in our collective spirit, we emotionally respond. It's a DNA thing. We are not European. And I'm not saying that's a good or bad thing. But we still believe in a God that blesses this nation. I happen to think that Barack Obama has more to offer in this regard than any candidate since Ronald Reagan.
This is what Barack obama wrote on the Wailing Wall during his recent trip to Jerusalem. A local newspaper removed it from Wall and published it which created a lot of controversy as this is against the normal practice. Nonetheless, the note said:
Lord — Protect my family and me. Forgive me my sins, and help me guard against
pride and despair. Give me the wisdom to do what is right and just. And make me
an instrument of your will."
Where, O where is that Barack Obama? And will you (on the left) allow him to shine in this way?
I hope Barack Obama gets elected because I think he is the best man to lead this country.
But he's going to have to do anything and say anything and fight like hell, and get a little dirty if he wants this. And you are going to have to let him do it.