It is an interesting time in politics. The regular two party establishments have started their Primary/Caucus process, and the results are now starting to trickle into our minds as we ponder who our next Presidential candidates will be. Iowa is over, and New Hampshire is in full swing. Our candidates sling their viewpoints, and it is time we take a look at them.
Democrats are faced with three real candidates at the moment. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards.
Hillary is faced with a tough battle right now. Her name obviously precedes her, but the country is trying to figure out if they want another cycle of the Clinton years. Many view the Clinton years as some of the most prosperous in our visible lifetimes, while others would argue it was defined and put in place by a series of Republican administrations that set up the success with their “conservative” philosophies. Hillary’s problem may well be her traditional old school democratic song which she sings. She wants to emphasize the “change” slogan, but her debates always lead back to old Washington politics which she definitely knows how to play. Granted Hillary as President would certainly be change as being the first female, but I am unsure the old school Washington political game would be any different. She continues to discuss universal health care, troops coming home, and discussing her 35 years of experience. It will be interesting to see if she can win the nomination with her political machine.
Barack has taken the first caucus by following what many label the populist philosophy. He has focused in and appeals to the younger generation. He has excelled at getting out the young vote by his "on the ground" tactics inspiring many with his speaking abilities and working to keep his campaign on a positive note. He is a fantastic orator. He gives speeches reminiscent of JFK that can and do inspire many. He has also to this point done well with the independent voters by emphasizing change. He has opposed the Iraq war from day 1 and is certainly on the universal health care initiative. Iowa caucus goers opted for the new guy, rather than the same old excuses on these issues. He is one to watch in New Hampshire as he is shaping up to take this Primary as well. His weakness (or so the pundits will tell you) is his inexperience. Many see this as an advantage as well saying he is not buried in "old Washington politics".
Edwards has recently backed up Obama in the “war against Hillary” as he realizes the strength of his campaign is her not getting the nomination. He has much work ahead of him being behind once again in New Hampshire polls, but as well is focusing on change. It appears his focus theme for New Hampshire is he will not allow any special interest corporate lobby in his administration. I look for him to go all the way to the convention, but I doubt we will see him nominated, but alas, we have been shocked by these races before.
In summary, it is interesting the discussions as the primary level really have not revolved around the core of what America is generally concerned with right now, which seems to be the economy. It seems we have had many discussions on health care, pulling troops out of Iraq, and more than that, conversations on who is more for change than the other. These are certainly important items, but gas prices at $3.00 per gallon, our companies closing down in the US and moving overseas, and the devaluing of our dollar (better known as inflation) are the issues that seem to have an effect on our daily lives. Things which affect our pocket book everyday are the things I believe are important to Joe Average in America. Up next? The Republicans.
Beliefs – Stand up for them, or Suck.It.Up.
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