Politics are Not Civil!

I have both participated in as well as observed much of the dialog the past few days revolving around Jerome’s diary.  First of all, to get things out in the open I am a John Edwards supporter.  I want that to be clear to everybody in the ongoing Edwards/Obama Beef.  I am not here however to deliver a long winded critique of ether candidate.  Bottom line is they are both carrying themselves well thus far.  

Please note I wrote this diary before the threat and in no way mean to criticize anybody in the context of the threat made to Obama.  It is a tragedy and I hope he is safe and can continue his campaign unhindered.

Politics are Not Civil
I have both participated in as well as observed much of the dialog the past few days revolving around Jerome’s diary.  First of all, to get things out in the open I am a John Edwards supporter.  I want that to be clear to everybody in the ongoing Edwards/Obama Beef.  I am not here however to deliver a long winded critique of ether candidate.  Bottom line is they are both carrying themselves well thus far.  

Please note I wrote this diary before the threat and in know way mean to criticize anybody in the context of the threat made to Obama.  It is a tragedy and I hope he is safe and can continue his campaign unhindered.  

My concerns arise out of the crap that has been flying between people on this site as they talk to each other about the 2 men.  I don’t think it is as simple as calling for civility or pulling a Rodney King speech asking people to get along.  C’mon people THIS IS POLITICS!!!  Now does that let everybody off the hook?  NO!  We need to censor ourselves, not each other So far, I have been a participant and I need to police myself more.  The flipside of this however is I see too much complaining and finger pointing by people when it comes to accusing people of being offensive and derogatory.  The terms like Cult of Obama etc. are the typical name calling that comes with the territory of the political arena.  Should people dwell on these terms for eternity?  No.  However if somebody participates in name calling give as good as you get and expect the same.  To the people that are whining quit it and either respond to the people with thoughtful relevant comments and evidence to support your case or better, just ignore the comments.  Politics are the method humans use to make decisions as an alternative to war.  Talking is much better than fighting.  We ALL know that given our shared horror the past 6 years.  However, the talking will get ugly on occasion on a site such as Dkos.  

Another issue I have is that while I am not making stereotypes or generalizations, I do believe that a significant number of Obama supporters are entering politics seriously for the first time and are experiencing their first candidate "crush."  I do not say this in a demeaning way or as a "dis."  It’s a wonderful experience.  Now please don’t accuse me of saying that everybody that likes Obama is like this.  Obviously many of you have are seasoned political veterans.  Those of you that are new though, please relax take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.  My first crush was Jesse Jackson in ’84 and then more so in ’88.  I took things very personally during his campaign.  So bottom line is get used to the fact that your candidate is going to be poked and prodded and if he wins the nomination, you are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of barbs and attacks.  Keep in mind that when Hillary starts to sling mud, Obama will be the first one to catch it in the face and she is a Clinton so she knows how to sling mud and get dirty.  So to Obama supporters brace yourselves for criticism and if you don’t like something that is said call the person on it and back up your comments with solid evidence to refute the person’s statements.  Be ready for Edwards supporters to be aggressive and quick to make a point.  Your guy after all, is a front runner with Hillary and he’s gonna get hit.  Believe when I say I wish my guy was where yours is right now nationally.      

In much the same way I feel about Obama supporters, I feel a significant number of Edwards supporters like myself are former Dean supporters or "deaniacs" which was one of the somewhat negative terms used to describe those of us that were such ardent vocal supporters of him last time.  The term eventually became a badge of honor.  After his demise many including myself were disillusioned and frustrated, but I voted for Kerry with a smile on my face.   Speaking for myself, I am drawn to Edwards for many of the reasons I still like Dean, but that also means that I’m like a pit bull and somewhat paranoid about criticisms of him due in large part to the pain and anger I felt as I watched Dean last time go down in a Ring of Fire and under what I felt were suspicious circumstances.  So I say to Edwards supporter chill out and be aware if you were a Dean supporter like myself you might have some baggage from your last political crush.  Attack Obama, but for the right reasons and as I learned a few weeks ago make sure you are backing it up with facts not just recycled Rethug talking points.  Seriously, the Cult comment is getting old and it’s the same kind of comment that was made about Dean supporters 3-4 years ago.  Come up with something new and more witty!

As a point of interest for everybody caught up in the Edwards/Obama Drama, I strongly recommend the following article.  It is an insightful book review of his most recent book Audacity of Hope as well as a commentary on the speculation at the time it was written in November of his potential as a presidential candidate.  For Obama supporters, you owe to yourself to read a fairly neutral piece on his strengths and weaknesses from one of the finest journals in intellectual discourse in the  country, The New York Review of Books.  For Edwards supporters, the article does an excellent job showing how formidable Obama can be if he is able to transcend current criticisms about his abilities and ideas.  He is a dynamic, intelligent and unique politician.  

http://www.nybooks.com/...

In addition, if Obama supporters can’t handle a diary by Jerome about his view as a European about potential pitfalls of an Obama Administration, how are you going to handle the Repthug war machine in the Fall of ’08?  Jerome has a long history of writing thoughtful and well researched diaries on this site and deserves respect.  Disagree with him, but provide evidence to support your ideas and opinions.  He is right to raise the questions he does and eventually if he raises concerns about Edwards, people will take notice.  The bottom line is there are immense long lasting consequences for Bush’s foreign policy that we are all responsible for in that we are citizens of this country and, as a nation, this is the man we elected...gag...twice.  Out next president, on the world stage, will have to be ready to atone for the last 8 years and start to rebuild national reputation that is currently less than zero in the eyes of the world.  Jerome just might have identified what will be the greatest challenge facing the next president.  Obama may or may not be that man.

Finally, remember:  IT’S ONLY MAY OF 2007!!!!  This election has not even started yet.  It is early and damned near impossible to make any accurate predictions about the election.  Obama may win this whole thing, but we also may be a year from fearing a split convention because none of the big 3 is able to gain a significant majority of votes in the primaries.  And if that happens, believe me, things will get rocky and deals will be made, and feelings will be hurt, and, in the end, we’ll all have to get behind whoever wins.  So to everybody, keep up the discourse, sling mud but be ready to get dirty and enjoy the ride!  This is going to be a campaign of historical significance!