I really hesitate to blog about politics. It tends to be a controversial topic, although I don't really mind controversial unless I feel like I'm not well prepared to defend my stance. With complicated issues on the economy, health care & foreign policy, I'm just not an expert. Mike is the Political Science guy (albeit international), not me. Nonetheless, I watch the news, I read quite a bit, & I have thoughtful & reasonably intelligent conversations with my friends & colleagues about the issues. But still- there's the fear & insecurity that I might just say something stupid, or be misinformed, or simply just illinformed. Especially since I don't read The Economist cover to cover each week. Like the aforementioned Mike.
That being said...
I was totally enamored with the Democratic National Convention last week. I mean, with their soaring rhetoric (I found it inspiring) & the convention being so well produced, who couldn't have been (except maybe 99.7% of the people who read my blog, & are likely die-hard Republicans)? I loved Beau Biden's speech on his father. It brought me to tears. I think that Michelle Obama is terrific- classy, poised, sharp, but warm (albeit warm after a bit of coaching). I fell asleep during the middle of Barack's speech, but let's face it, watching a Denver-based convention on the East Coast meant that I barely slept all week thanks to staying up so late every night. Anyway. My husband, growing increasingly concerned at my apparent enthusiasm said one night- Sweetheart, are you a democrat?
(I'm on the fence.)
I've dedicated an equal amount of time to the Republican National Convention this week. In contrast to the slick feel of the DNC, all of the speakers were initially coming off as folksy to me. I was bored, I couldn't get myself to be really interested, & overall, it felt like it was a convention that just lacked... luster.
That changed last night. I think someone spiked the punch. Did you see Mitt Romney's speech? I thought it was amazing. Has he ever spoken with such vigor? Has he ever been so aggressive? And Rudy Guiliani? I kept saying to Mike, Did he really just say that?! I don't think I've seen the Republican Party be so bold, but really, last night they were appropriately so, & finally. Sarah Palin. I was on the fence about her, concerned about the vetting process with which she was selected (really fast, & potentially not very thorough), but after last night, I'm so impressed. She's sharp. She's driven. She has experience that allows her to understand what life is like for the average American. I felt a strange surge of pride as I saw her walk across the stage, becoming the first female Republican Vice Presidential candidate - not to say that I would vote for the McCain/Palin ticket because she is a female- but I'm really proud of something so historic. I like that she told her critics that she could care less about their approval of her in Washington. I thought her style was absolutely refreshing. Drudge Report's headline this morning was She Did it Her Way. She absolutely did, & I think it really worked. The Times published an article this morning that was actually complementary of her for once. I appreciated that she tackled actual issues last night, I liked that she spoke on foreign policy, & I especially liked her (off the cuff) pit bull vs. hockey mom joke. It showed that she was okay with who she is, even in the glaring midst of the nation's spotlight.
I've never claimed to be politically savvy & I don't have the most sophisticated opinions. I really want to know this year though, & I really want to make a solid, informed choice in the November. I've spent a lot of time in front of my TV over the last two weeks wanting to understand what change really means, & who is simply throwing around rhetoric vs. talking about real solutions. I feel like I'm getting there.
10 comments:
I will watch, read and observe what happens next with REAL interest. Let the opinions roll forth! Dad and I really liked her speech too - for all your aforementioned reasons.
I am with you on wanting to be informed and make an educated decision. I have a lot of reading to do.
I didn't get to hear all the speeches. I usually have to look it up online or wait for snippets on the UK news. But I did listen Obama's speech... and I think I fell in love (but not yet sure if for the right reasons:).
As for Sarah Palin, I have only listened to part of her speech. Initially though, I am like how you were - concerned about the vetting process and if picking her is just some ploy rather than out of sincerity...
Anyway, I need to do some googling to catch up on the speeches you mentioned! I have to vote early as an absentee! Yikes.
Me too! I've been pretty on the fence about Sarah Palin, particularly since she has small kind, one with a newly diagnosed disability, and I think she should probably make them her focus. BUT, made, she was amazing last night!! Loved it. And loved her joke... loved her whole demeanor! Go SP. I wish she could lend McCain some personality.
:)
I have been stuck to the tv the past two weeks too. I feel like Sarah Palin is more regular American and not "Washington" and that is what I like about her.
I see why people like her, but her speech reminded me of a high school student body president speech.
I have a lot of reading too but the thing that gets me right now is what people like about her are the same reasons some people dislike Obama: young, likable but "not presidential" (which personally, I think is an unfair label for Obama!) Interesting though how both Palin and Obama are becoming historically significant (first woman vice president candidate for the Rep. party/first black man to win the nomination of a major party). I like that about our country right now.
I love that you are getting into the conventions.
Eric got over the fact that I AM A DEMOCRAT! a long time ago. I don't think my mom knows though!
sigh. here i go. OK, I have a secret. I was actually sad when Hilary dropped out. I even felt a sense of despair. Yes. I was going for Hilary. I ADMIT IT.
like I mentioned in a previous post, while listening to Obama speak, he wowed me and I couldn't help feeling a little selfish for dreading the tax raise that will come with him in office. he really sounded like he wants to help those in need. BUT, it scares me to think we might get a president in the office who, when it comes to war, wants to bend over and throw tea parties. And then I get a little bugged at all the people out there who seem to want something for nothing. who aren't willing to work for it. this is America people. Land of opportunity. If you want something, work hard, go and get it.
on the other hand, while watching the more recent republican speeches, I got chills.
I really enjoyed Sara Palin's humor and real personality. I loved how critics tried to bash on how that speech had been written weeks prior for whoever was going to be the VP nominee but to later find out she wrote it herself. pretty cool.
And last but not least. I am getting sick of people saying that she should be at home with those kids. Yes they are her first priority, BUT, some people were meant to do different things on this earth in different ways. The fact that she wants to be a change for good should be rewarded, not used as judgement.
Sorry, lots of rambling.
holy crow that was long!
i'm in the same boat. so, this year... i will vote Ruth White for President. it's decided :)
-patrick
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