Reply #57: With or without you - there's the rub. Plus a note on time travel!

[mrbluto]

Because who likes to work for a group that could care less whether you were a member?

I'm certain it's been the policy of many admirable political groups in the past to lead with that idea.

"With or without you."

That's so inspiring!

I just know that's a group that has my interests at heart!

I just know I'll have a voice in that group!

I just know that's a group that will never suffer an epic fail due to groupthink!

What am I waiting for? A written invitation?

Let's all join the group that doesn't need us!

So, "with or without you",do they really mean it? Of course not. It's only a fraction that enjoy the swagger of saying things like that.

So, are they responsible for "convincing us that Obama is more desirable than McCaine"? No, of course not. But if they want Obama to be the nominee they might consider it something to while-away the time. You, know a hobby, practicing that whole "making a rational case" thing.

I don't know about you, but one thing I look for when asking a supporter "why your candidate?" is the ease, consistancy and appeal of what they go on to say. If it's tough to articulate, is self contradictory, or is repellent, then I take it as a sign of the candidate's stance. If they just go on about "You just ought to." while batting their eyes then I get even more worried because the next step after that is a goose-step, that or some saffron robes and a committed vegetarian life-style. The "F" word worries me as much as the "C" word. ("Fascism" vs. "Cult") Both have an irrational base.

This brings us to an observation about time travel.

From what I understand the nominee is chosen at the convention.

Until the convention there is no nominee. Unless one is a time traveler.

One might reasonably argue that Obama is the presumptive nominee, but not that he is the nominee.

To habitually do so is much like Bush Jr.'s people referred to him as president while the supreme court was still hashing things out.

People have be straining to perform a similar operation for Obama since February. It sets off my radar, and it's only because I dislike McCaine so much that I've been able to avoid an impulse to be contrary. Yes, some strained to perform the same sleight of spin maneuver for Hillary as well up to "Super Tuesday". I didn't like it in either case. The presumption of the Hillary campaign may be one of the factors that helped Obama make it to where his chances are today. If we try that presumption crap in the GE you can bet there will be backlash.

Anyway.

My suggestion to Obama supporters?

Don't let the jerks among you define you.

And don't let certain ego-boost hungry Demagogues get in front of various parts of your parade and lead it astray for their own gratification.