Reply #6: Idealism vs. Realism

[nyhuskyfan]

Ideally, our candidates would try to be positive, discuss where they stand on the issues, offer some insights, and, yes, once in awhile, criticize the other person for their policies and their plans. Realistically, though, the vast majority of the American people completely tune out on matters of economic policy as soon as they hear the words "economic policy". They need simple smears -- and a platform that can fit on a bumper sticker "More Bombs, Less Taxes". Our party, for all its strengths, can't simplify everything it stands for.

The challenge of trying to enlighten and raise the consciousness of 50 million people by staying above the fray is nearly impossible, but noble. It is less noble to get in the gutter, but in this culture, its more effective. The candidate who comes along one day who can just simply run on ideas and charisma and an honest, optimistic platform without the attacks and smears will be a revolutionary. I hope I see him in my lifetime. I don't want to put too much pressure on Barack Obama just yet, but he has that spark about him -- that's why the GOP sent a hatchet man to run against him to start chopping away now and weakening him for later. So far, it hasn't worked.

The problem we run into is that the Republicans are experts at gutter politics. It's like the old saying -- never wrestle with a pig, you both just get dirty and the pig likes it. I was hoping that Kerry would be able to win by taking the high road most of the time, but it may take some trips to the gutter. I wish it wasn't that way, but it is -- and that's too bad.