Getting Political

Democrats caucus in Colorado. I've been a slacker about attending these in the past because the nomination has already been decided before the caucus date since I moved here in 1993. It looks like it's going to be an interesting process. At the very least I'll get to hang out with my activist neighbors for the evening and visit the Junior High School that my daughter would attend should we stay in this end of Fort Collins.

I would have liked to see Republicans pick a kook like Huckabee or a patent phony like Romney, but it seems like they are going to select the strongest of their options after all. McCain doesn't demonize minorities and immigrants, he's not anti-science, he's sensible about climate change and the environment, he's taken a stand against state use of torture (including the shameful and criminal torture practiced by agents of the US), and the media fluffs him like there's no tomorrow. He can run hard to the center in the general election without losing credibility with the right-wing base -- he's got the magical "Maverick" card -- and that will make him extremely hard to beat.

While McCain may be less terrible than his peers, he's still far from me on important issues, and I'll be voting against him. For me, the choice of who to vote for comes down to "electability". I admire both Clinton and Obama, but I think Obama is the better Democratic candidate this year, this campaign. His youth contrasts well against McCain's age, and I can't help but feel that the Republican base won't fire up against him quite as hotly as they would against Clinton. It's going to be a close election, and every single-issue Clinton-hating voter that stays on the bench counts.

Ha! The Denver Post feels differently about McCain. Probably a Colorado River rivalry thing.

Comments

Re: Getting Political

Author: Matt Ball

I'm in your camp Sean. I just attended a jam-packed Caucus in my Denver precinct where parking was hard to find. The turnout was tremendous, which is encouraging for both the state of mind, and voter empowerment. I'm happy to report that in my precinct Obama received 100 votes to Hillary's 37. I'm pleased with the quality of the candidates this year, but can't stand the thought of another dynasty win. We need some fresh ideas, enthusiasm, optimism and passion. Can't wait until the convention here in August.

Re: Getting Political

Author: Justin Bornn

he's taken a stand against state use of torture (including the shameful and criminal torture practiced by agents of the US)
Sorry Sean, I'm gonna have to call you out on this one. McCain was one of the U.S. Senators (along with Lindsey Graham and John Warner) primarily responsible for one of the worst pieces of legislation ever passed in U.S. history -- the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (MCA). Not only did the MCA legalize torture it also abolished habeus corpus, a foundation of Anglo-American legal tradition since the 13th century and a right guaranteed by the constitution (making the MCA prima facie unconstitutional to anyone with a shred of legal knowledge). Specifically, McCain's so-called "stand" was no more than:
capitulat[ing] almost in full to the White House, "winning" only the most meaninglessly symbolic linguistic changes to the bill while acquiescing to its most Draconian provisions
McCain, a POW who endured years of torture in North Vietnam, is an enabler of tyranny who crafted a law allowing the President to torture and detain American citizens indefinitely. In essence, McCain sold his soul for a bid at the presidency -- I bristle with disgust at the prospect of him taking office.

Re: Getting Political

Author: Bryan

... go the democrats! (Isn't McCain supposed to believe in Intelligent Design to the point where he could be a problem?)

Re: Getting Political

Author: Sean

The number of people at the caucus last night was nearly overwhelming. Obama won my precinct (and the state) handily. I wasn't listing the things I like about McCain, I was listing the qualities that will let him run to the center with some success. There's no doubt in my mind that if elected, he would continue to trade away our civil liberties in the name of security.

Re: Getting Political

Author: Justin Bronn

Sean, I knew you weren't promoting McCain -- it's clear from your post. I just wanted to address the misconception (perpetuated by the mainstream media) that he took a stand on torture, when the opposite is true. Needless to say, it's an issue I'm passionate about. I need to start my own blog rather than polluting your comments w/political links.

Re: Getting Political

Author: TimB

The choice of who to vote for comes down to "electability"? Sounds like the prom queen popularity elections in high school. I try to maintain faith that society will eventually back and vote for the candidate that has the best problem solving skills, ability to work with others, and views that best mesh with the voter. Yet, I am always saddened that candidates are elected based on popularity. I guess we get the government we deserve in the end, as incompetent as it may be :-(

Re: Getting Political

Author: Sean

Justin, do start your blog: I'd be a reader. Don't sweat the links. My blog has always been about politics, open source vs proprietary in particular. I'll use James Snell (who I read regularly for insights into AtomPub) as an example of a person who might stay at home on an Obama-McCain election night, but who will more likely come out to vote against Clinton. I'm not saying that this kind of political calculus should be the main factor in choosing, or that it necessarily selects the best presidents, but you can't ignore Clinton-fever any more than you can ignore gravity. Read George Packer's New Yorker article yet? That's a good one.

Re: Getting Political

Author: James Fee

Caucus seems like a hassle. I voted in our primary months ago (heck I can't even remember who I voted for). AZ automatically sends out absentee voter forms. I vote before they can start calling me asking me to vote. :)

Re: Getting Political

Author: KoS

Primaries are a waste of time and money. Put all the individuals who want to run for president on the ballot in November. Vote once and be done with it. One comment thou. You admiration for Clinton is way misplaced. But not surprising. KoS

Re: Getting Political

Author: Sean

Caucusing is time consuming indeed, but does put some humanity back into the political process.

Re: Getting Political

Author: KoS

One other comment. Might want to brush up the political commentary. "He can run hard to the center in the general election without losing credibility with the right-wing base" You do realize he already lost credibility with the righ-wing base? Guess you have missed all the caterwauling against McCain from the right. And it didn't start recently, been going on now for years. I can't vote for McCain, he has a few screws lose. But more importantly, the way he treated his first wife, sorta did a Newt. Plus some of his policy stands. I would love to vote for Obama, but can't due to some of his policies and his past voting stances while in IL. Otherwise seems like a good guy, granted he has baggage like the rest of them. So far, it would seem, his bags are much smaller than the rest. KoS