Thanks to John for this link to a very worthy interview with Bill Moyers on Democracy Now.
It is so very frustrating that the media has focused almost exclusively on the horse race instead of the issues. Frustrating, but not at all surprising.
I've grown so tired of the entire "electability" debate. Why is having thoughtful ideals and being an articulate thinker a negative? Conversely, why is having the support of the uneducated voter somehow better than the support of the intellectuals?
After nearly eight years of an administration that consistently "thinks with its gut" and has provided nothing but short-sighted, ignorant, and outright self-serving policy decisions, isn't it time to start leading with our brains?
I am not saying that uneducated voters are unimportant. Quite the opposite, in fact. I think what we need in a leader is someone who can thoughtfully and skillfully encourage intelligent policy that benefits everyone. Someone who can articulate the complexity of the problems facing this republic of 300+ million to all demographics, and not merely pander to the working class like some kind of 17th century colonialist with a pouch of shiny glass beads.
I happen to think that Barack Obama is the best candidate for that job at this point, and that his biggest shortfall thus far has been that he and his campaign haven't taken enough time to expound on his thoughts about the direction that this country needs. Just about every time the man does speak at length on a topic, I gain more respect for his understanding of complex issues and his ability to articulate that understanding to anyone willing to listen.
We need to stop playing into the hands of those that want politics to remain nothing more than a flim-flam diversion of black and white, full of 30-second soundbites, delivered by polished automatons who answer to nothing but the almighty dollar and their own enormous egos. We need to have the bravery to address problems that can't be solved in a day, a month, or an election cycle, and the discipline to craft thoughtful, inclusive, and flexible solutions that won't fit on a fucking bumper sticker.
I want a high-thinker for that job, not a car salesperson.
