Political theater is NOT the answer
Published by Fred Soto• July 23rd, 2007
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The you tube debates: a new forum for comedians and clowns?
Remember when Clinton and Edwards were caught on tape talking about minimizing the debate field? I think she was right, now, it’s getting a bit out of control. I didn’t get this feel in the past, but it may be time to cull the group some. Also, I don’t need ten Democrats telling me how much Bush sucks and how evil Republicans are. We’re fueling the sound-bytes-for-America election system and we need to put an end to that.
My view on the “second-tier” candidates
Senator Joe Biden earned my respect for his tough act, but he doesn’t strike me as the sharpest tool in the shed! Mike Gravel is a nice person and he is right, he isn’t getting a fair shake, but maybe there is a good reason for that. It seems that Joe Biden and Mike Gravel are engaging in a theatrical performance rather than serious debate. Mike Gravel is no Ron Paul, I’ll visit the circus if I need some clowns to entertain me, thank you very much!
The Democratic “front-runners”
John Edward’s answers impressed me. I see why he enrages Ann Coulter as much as he does. John Edwards is probably the biggest lefty of the group, he is eloquent, intelligent, and carries himself well. He reminds me of President Bill Clinton, back when the country was enamored with the “underdog.”
Hillary Clinton was sharp, witty, popular among the audience members and continues to gives me the ‘I’m a front-runner vibe. The nomination is hers until someone shows her up. I think if anyone is in a position to give her a run for her money, it’s Barack Obama. Barack emanates an aura that is ‘presidential’ the way Hillary Clinton emits an aura of ‘intellectual strength and leadership.’
The Winner, Barack Obama by a nose
Senator Barack Obama provided the most complete and sincere answers of all candidates. His voice projects authority, he sounds reasonable, well-grounded and seems intelligent enough to take America in a new direction. Sure, there were a few miscues here and there, but nothing that would send his campaign into a panic.
The Losers
Trim the field, already!
Top 5 (and their qualities I like)
- Barack Obama - calm, generous, authoritative, genuine, charming
- John Edwards - intelligent, strong advocate, excellent answers
- Joe Biden - witty, funny, tough, fresh
- Hillary Clinton - sharp, prepared, experienced, authoritative, leadership
- Bill Richardson - kind, intelligent, passionate, “a good vice president / cabinet”
On the bubble
Bill Richardson will play a role in, but I’m not so sure he has a shot at winning in 2008. He seemed timid and weak at times, although he is very likable and seems to have great heart. I wouldn’t cut him out of the debate just yet, but he needs to man up, a bit!
The Losers
Dennis Kucinich is a tough guy with a tough message, but he just doesn’t ‘appear’ Presidential and that’ll hurt him with voters. He is also pretty far left of center and I’m not so sure America is ready to abandon it’s somewhat conservative leanings.
Chris Dodd sounded loud and desperate, he was argumentative and not my favorite candidate tonight. He calmed down some at the end, so that was good. I had a hard time hearing his message over his argumentative barking. It detracted from anything positive he could have added to the discussion.
Mike Gravel was fun, and I really like him. My feel is he’s trying too hard to ’separate’ himself from the pack. I realize that that may be the best strategy for a second-tier candidate, but his act is transparent and he just doesn’t have the positive, optimistic, faith in government that Americans right now. Finally, his arguments come off as dismissive, condescending, and rude rather than intelligent, strong, and witty. (like Senator Joe Biden)
Too many clowns, but between Senator Biden and Gravel, I’d choose Biden!
Best Comedic Relief, unfortunately this came at the end of the show!
“say something good and bad about the candidate to your left”
- Joe Biden — “The thing I like most about Dennis Kucinich is his wife.”
- Bill Richardson — “I think all of these candidates would be great,.. as my Vice President!”
- John Edwards — talking trash about Hillary Clinton’s coat.
- Anderson Cooper suggested that noone was more left than Dennis Kucinich!
Fred Soto is an Attorney and Entrepreneur from the Silicon Valley.
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