Past, present, and future (via Twitter)
Grapevine
- http://twitpic.com/pgrh
- My first liqour purchase! 4 hours ago - Slow journey home. 2 days ago
- I got a Xbox 360 Black Friday deal online! I’m sleeping in! Good luck to anyone choosing to brave the cold. 4 days ago
- I like the traditional Thanksgiving meal (minus the turkey) way more than I should. 4 days ago
- “The Grasping: The sorry reality of ‘Black Friday’” (The Beast): http://tinyurl.com/65sur7 5 days ago
- “I don’t sound a bit country.” — Paula Deen 7 days ago
- The Food Network is mesmerizing. 7 days ago
- “Nobody gave Heather $20 dollars, I don’t see why she’s gonna blow this thing.” — Lacey, Charm School (VH1) 23 Nov
- Bought two more iPhone apps: Classics and Tweetie. Hesitated after buying Solebon when the App Store launched, then its price dropped 90%. 23 Nov
- Alive. In other news, Panera’s tomato and mozzarella panini is boring. 21 Nov
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Keep Fighting the Good Fight John
John Edwards spoke to me and many others in a way the other two candidates, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, could not. In a field of personalities, he wrote aggressive, progressive policies on issues like healthcare and immigration and engaged with his audiences with clarity and determination. He represented the commoner, the middle-class, who wanted to leave this country better off for their children and grandchildren. From law to legislature, he had a profound record of helping these people who had long been exploited by corporations and special interests.
When he made mistakes, like his now-infamous 2002 decision to authorize the invasion of Iraq, he admitted to them. His honesty was not masked by clever rhetoric or ambiguous concessions. The campaign he ran was based on a solid platform: poverty. His policies were detailed, balanced and focused. Taxes would need to be raised, but America could be united. His optimism and transparency resonated with his supporters. Unfortunately, Edwards could not be the first female or African American president. The media would not idolize him, and the much better funded campaigns would supersede his.
I will not be endorsing another candidate today. Both candidates have far too much to prove, and there are plenty of reasons to hesitate picking sides.
Obama’s support relies largely on deft expressions such as “hope” and “unity.” With key issues being largely split along party lines, he must do much more to convince me and others he can deliver on his promises. I do not appreciate his faux universal healthcare policy, his relationship with one Mr. Antoin Rezko, or his nebulous allusions to former President Reagan. His avoidance of substantive policy matters borders pandering at times — especially when addressing independents. His experience leaves something to be desired. Also, the electability of a man whose middle name is “Hussein” and written about his recreational cocaine use has yet to be determined.
Clinton, on the other hand, must show she’s willing to pick up baton where Edwards has placed it. She must genuinely engage in the discussion of poverty in America. She must also be willing to sever ties with media moguls such as Rupert Murdoch and own up to deficiencies in her past politicking (e.g., her Senate vote to authorize the invasion of Iraq). In order to convince the public she’s prepared, she has to stop accepting money from corporate lobbyists and focus on embracing a wider spectrum of people from various political backgrounds without jeopardizing her message. She must bring something new and exciting to the table that interests everyone.
I wish them both good luck, as I’ll be watching the debate tomorrow night with fresh eyes.
To Mr. Edwards, thank you for making this strenuous process insightful and engaging. I do not regret having supported your campaign; America is much the better. Keep fighting the good fight John.