Just read the text of Kerry's prepared speech - not the transcript of the one actually delivered which varied slightly - and can't help but think in terms of the poetry slam: 4.8 for content, 3.0 for performance.
Which in this image-obsessed, media-driven world, one where George Bush is able to successfully present himself as a "regular guy," is a scary thing.
For those that worry about how my vote will ultimately be cast, understand that intellectually, I realize Kerry is exponentially better than Bush, hands down. Philosophically, though, it offends me that he is my only "viable" choice, as it should offend every American forced to contort their ideals to fit into one of two cramped boxes. It offends me that the media has successfully cast this 20-year political veteran as an underdog, a comeback kid; the same media that summarily dismissed him while swooning over Howard Dean, before dropping him like a music video hoochie not open to group sex. The same media that openly dissed the more progressive voices in the campaign and now cynically reports the many similarities between the two parties' nominees.
In the rush to support "Anybody but Bush," Democrats ended up with a nominee that was simply that. Not a principled individual they could believe in and rally behind, but a blank mannequin that could be dressed up as needed.
"Anybody but Bush" may be fine for rabid Democrats but I'm not convinced it's what people on the fence are necessarily looking for. At the least, it puts Bush's destiny in his own hands, a risky gamble I wouldn't bet on.
I have to wonder if Kerry's rallying cry of "Help is on the way." may end up being a reference to the Clinton/Obama ticket in 2008?
About Me
- Guy LeCharles Gonzalez
- Bloomfield, NJ, United States
- Guy LeCharles Gonzalez works in publishing by day, world domination by night. Over the years he’s lived in Staten Island and South Beach Miami; served in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, US Army, and Dennis Kucinich’s ‘04 Presidential Campaign; won poetry slams, founded a reading series, co-authored a book of poetry and launched the coolest online literary journal ever; prefers Pumpkin and India Pale Ales, Jim Beam, and Dona Paula Shiraz Malbec. He’s a devout Mets and Jets fan from the Bronx now living in New Jersey, and has a beautiful wife and two amazing kids.
4 comments:
Keep on marching, Lefty McLefterson! You make it easier for those of us in the center to actually make a difference.
True. I also make sure you don't drift so far to the right that an election becomes pointless. ;-)
I totally agree with loudpoet...and it's why I can't help but admire, and to some extent support, Ralph Nadar. I don't necessarily agree with his positions on most issues, but he's struggling to provide the people with an alternative to two corrupt, disingenuous political parties. He does not pander to the special interests with deep pockets. He doesn't have to pretend he's a strong and pro military like Kerry does...he doesn't have to pretend he's sensitive to the needs of average people like Bush does...He doesn't have to pretend he's anything. He and he alone in this election can concentrate on what he believes in. So there, I admire that. Will I vote for Kerry? Probably, but only because of my complete distain for the Bush administration particularly Dick Cheney who's exceptionally shortsighted and self-interested, and who seemed to hold the reins to an unintelligent, somewhat disinterested George Bush. I'm not in a swing state so I guess my vote wont make any difference anyway, will it? So maybe I will vote for Ralph Nadar after all. Anyway, good luck everyone.
That's a tough one. While I totally understand their feeling that way, I certainly couldn't justify their proposed action. I'd rather they voted for Nader or simply stayed home. There's a big difference between thinking Kerry's not the right answer and thinking Bush deserves another four years! The last thing that fool needs is grounds to claim some kind of a mandate and that's exactly what he'd get if disaffected Democrats voted for him out of protest.
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