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Category: Politics (Page 21 of 35)

The Caroline Kennedy fiasco

January 22, 2009 /

What a mess.

It’s painfully apparent that Caroline Kennedy lacks the political skills possessed by her famous father and uncles. Her rollout was terrible, and she’s done nothing to help herself along the way. Now she’s pulling out, and every story suggests a different reason, depending on the source. Can’t she just go on Larry King like everyone else and field some softball questions?

Meanwhile, Governor Patterson looks like a bumbling fool. Why has he stretched this out so long? Why does he keep contradicting himself? In one sense, Kennedy put him in a tough spot, but he also made matters worse.

I initially thought it was a great idea to appoint Caroline Kennedy. Sure, she didn’t have the usual credentials, and it’s probably not fair that she’s benefiting from her famous name, but she’s the sole heir of one of our most influential political figures, and I felt she could be a powerful and unique advocate for Obama’s agenda. She emerged as a real force during the campaign, and this presented an interesting opportunity for her to begin a career in politics.

Unfortunately, she really wasn’t ready. She was too uncomfortable in front of cameras. She never took command of the process. I thought she would seize the moment. I was wrong.

Democrats, Politics

Spying on Americans by the NSA

January 21, 2009 /

I’m watching Countdown and Keith Olbermann is interviewing former NSA analyst Russell Tice. Tice has been explaining how the NSA has been snooping on ordinary Americans, including phone calls, faxes, emails etc. He specifically stated that the NSA was tracking major American news organizations and their reporters.

This is outrageous and scary as hell. It will be interesting to see what the Obama administration does with this.

Civil Liberties, Media, Policy, Politics, War on Terror

Obama’s speech

January 20, 2009 /

This passage jumped out at me.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience’s sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

It was a complete repudiation of the Bush presidency.

Politics, President 2008

Barack Obama sworn in as 44th President of the United States

January 20, 2009 /

It was quite a spectacle, as it should have been, given the historic nature of the event. Millions of people descended on Washington D.C. to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama as our 44th President.

Obama and Chief Justice Roberts managed to flub the swearing in, but Obama rebounded nicely with a sober and forceful speech that called on Americans to put aside childish squabbles and get to the business of tackling the nation’s problems.

He made it clear that he’s ready to get to work.

Politics, President 2008

Good riddance

January 18, 2009 /

George W. Bush’s farewell tour has been just as pathetic as his actual presidency. In several days, we’ll finally be able to turn the page on one of the worst presidencies in American history.

As I’ve said repeatedly for the past 6 years, Bush’s failures have little to do with ideology and instead can be traced to his utter lack of competence. He screwed up practically everything he touched.

The Republican Party helped him along. Most Republicans are so consumed with partisan bitterness that George W. Bush still gets an approval rating in the 70 percent range with Republicans. Republicans also went along with massive spending and deficits and an ill-conceived war that has crippled our nation.

I’m very optimistic about Barack Obama’s ability to chart a new path for our country that will return us to peace and prosperity. Many Americans share this optimism according to the polls. Obama’s leadership skills have been on display throughout the transition, and thus far he’s been impressive.

I expect Obama and his team to hit the ground running on Wednesday. They face huge challenges, and yet they will not shrink from doing big things like health care reform and transitioning to a green economy.

Policy, Politics

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