At first I thought this campaign season was going to be boring. Ho-hum. Hillary would be the Democratic nominee of course, and the Republicans would experience some jockeying for position but maybe Romney would win.
Of course we know it didn’t turn out that way. The campaign has been especially exciting on the Democrat side because it was so close and so bitter and featured the unusual candidacy of Barack Obama (unusually not only racially, but in terms of his personality and approach).
But the Republicans ended up nominating someone perhaps even more surprising, John McCain. Why surprising? Because he looked like such a has-been early on, and because of his maverick rep. He’s colorful, too (although not in the same way as Obama—pun intended), although his playful and engaging personality and sense of humor have yet to be in evidence in his boring public addresses.
Nevertheless, now that the primaries are over, there’s a sense of tiredness. No doubt the candidates themselves are exhausted, but they’ll be running on adrenalin for quite some time. For the rest of us, I’ve sensed a certain staleness on the subject.
This is the seventh inning stretch, perhaps, in a game where the innings are each many months long. The candidates have yet to reveal themselves fully as rivals.
When the game resumes, after we all have a beer, what will happen when they meet face to face (or face to chest, in the case of the much shorter McCain facing Obama?) Will the venue feature set pieces that showcase Obama’s strength in that medium or will it be the less controlled setting of the town hall meeting that pundits feel favor McCain? Will there be more revelatory skeletons in the Obama closet, and will anyone except those already not planning to vote for him care? Will the press become more evenhanded in its coverage? Who will slip up first, or worst? Who will be the running mates, and will it matter? Will the bitter Hillary clingers ultimately cleave to Obama’s side?
It’s a long long while from June to November, but the days grow longer when you reach September.
Previously a lifelong Democrat, born in New York and living in New England, surrounded by liberals on all sides, I've found myself slowly but surely
June 11th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I like how you incorporated Frank Sinatra lyrics into your post. After all, he campaigned for Reagan a tad.
The communication age has bombarded us with non-stop coverage of the campaign. Every single statement by either candidate is considered “Breaking News.”
This could hurt Obama though. It gives him more chances to slip up.
Great blog. Stumbled across it recently.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
The dread has set in…the republican nominee, barring some miracle, is the old war horse…John McCain. McCain is the only candidate with ideas old enough to make Obama’s 60’s style socialism look fresh.
McCain is compelling evidence that the GOP primary process was deeply flawed.
Is there anyone or anything that can call McCain’s errant campaign a mulligan? Can we try again?
June 11th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I think the protracted campaign hurts Obama. There’s only so long one can keep the young in a state of frenzy and adoration before their notorious fickleness kicks in. Any member of a boy band can tell you all about it.
June 11th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
since songs are being worked in..
DrKrbyLuv said:
Can we try again?
so this request is for you
(with a slight license)
I’ve been living to see him
dying to see him but it shouldnt be like this
this was unexpected
what do i do now?
could we start again please?
I think they made their choice now
theyve even gone a bit too far to get the message home
before it gets too frightning
we ought to call a halt
oh, could we start again please
ive been very hopeful so far
now for the first time i think were going wrong
hurry up and tell me
this is all a dream
and could we start again please.
June 11th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I can understand being weary–young girls, they do get weary–I just wish Obama would try a little tenderness…and honesty too while we’re at it.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:00 am
I don’t think that an empty shell like Obama really knows what honesty is. The political machine that raised him up sure doesn’t.
June 12th, 2008 at 5:28 am
There is a saying among actors that if you can fake sincerity you can fake everything. It looks like this ability is the only Obama’s qualification for the job. Reagan, too, had this ability, but also a lot more for his credit.