reply to post by dgtempe
Well, since we're talking about discerning the lesser of evils, let me try this logic on you:
One of the principle problems with Obama is that he so willingly ignored the voice of nearly half the Democratic electorate by not selecting Clinton
as his VP choice. (Now stick with me, because I'm not really a Hillary fan, but you'll see where I'm going with this...)
What does that really say about him? The man? His thinking?
He campaigned as the change candidate.
A principle theme of his speeches was to claim he would reach out and heal the divisiveness in America and abroad.
He claimed to want to give a voice to those who had none.
Yet, when the most material decision arose where he could actually demonstrate his commitment to these principles (and well after his nomination was
already assured), he selected a Washington insider (Biden) and ignored the voice of nearly half the Democratic party.
Think about that for a moment.
He couldn't even reach out to someone WITHIN HIS OWN PARTY. How can anyone credibly expect him to do better with those across the aisle?
Moreover, think of the arrogance his decision required. I think few doubt that had he selected her, McCain would not have been able to produce Palin,
and Obama would be well on his way to the White House.
But he disregarded her and a pool of voters nearly equal to his own.
Now, again, I'm not a Hilary fan, but from my vantage point, the fact the two of them were not exactly buds was actually a plus.
From day one, I have always bristled against the almost blind loyalty Obama supporters have shown Obama. (We saw the same thing with Bush supporters
and look were that got us.

) Clinton could have served as a kind of check and balance in an odd sort of way. They would have challenged each
other.
Now Obama only has his adorers surrounding him. Kind of scary for one so untested, imo.
If history teaches anything, it should be to fear the adoration of political figures.
I've been pretty consistent on this.
(It's why I soured on Paul. He wasn't the problem. It was the almost religious zeal of his followers.)
In any event, in my view, McCain's principle advantage is that his Party still really doesn't like him...and surprise of surprises, he did PRECISELY
what Obama wouldn't-- he reached across the divide within his own party and selected a nearly perfect amalgamation of someone they might approve of
....and someone genuinely normal.
I find that pretty damned ironic and oddly reassuring.
[edit on 4-9-2008 by loam]