Sunday, October 26, 2008

Would the rhetoric be different if....?

  • If the Obamas had an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?
  • If Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
  • If Obama was the candidate who left his first wife after she had a severe disfiguring car accident?
  • If Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while he was still married?
  • If Michelle Obama became addicted to painkillers and had acquired them illegally through her charitable organization?
  • If Obama had been a member of the Keating Five?
  • If Obama was known to display publicly, an issue with his temper?

Would the educational backgrounds of the candidates be an issue if they were reversed?

Educational Background:

Barack Obama:

Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations.

Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude

Joseph Biden:

University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.

Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)


John McCain:

United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899

Sarah Palin:

Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester

North Idaho College - 2 semesters – general study

University of Idaho - 2 semesters -journalism

Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester

University of Idaho - 3 semesters -B.A. in Journalism

If you are like most, your partisanship would skew your response. I, of course, raise an eyebrow at this stuff.... but I am sure there are those with an opposite list that I would shrug off. It makes you wonder.

What I find most interesting is that, one way or another, this election is about Obama. I meet few republicans who are behind McCain... they are simply against Obama. What is sad is that many of the reasons they articulate against Obama are false. I have heard from two different Christians in the past few days that they are nervous about his Muslim ties. Good Grief!! I guess those endlessly forwarded emails do work their magic.

In fact, one Christian I know feels it is still appropriate to paint Obama as a Muslim (regardless of his conversion to Christianity from an agnostic tradition) because "When you study the Muslim culture, you know that Obama is a Muslim (CULTURALLY) because of His father. The Muslim faith travels through the fathers line."

Well .... I guess it is okey-dokey then! :)

11 comments:

Steve H. said...

That Republicans are against Obama and not "for" McCain is just one of the many reasons Obama is going to win this election. I am dismayed at the lack of intelligence on the "right" towards Obama. Its like a party full of Napoleon Dynamites

Redlefty said...

Stereotypes work, man. The dude's middle name is "Hussein" so he MUST be Muslim, regardless of what he says.

It's like with me -- I'm a tall white dude from midwest suburbia. That comes with certain expectations. And sure enough, I love a good steak and I'm a terrible dancer.

Prejudice isn't just accurate, it's a time-saver too! No need to learn the "facts".

Andrew said...

"I am dismayed at the lack of intelligence on the "right" towards Obama"

I think what would be most dismaying is the mocking of intelligence that happens within a segment of the Republican party. I watched an anti Obama video that is being circulated and 3 times inside of seven minutes they referred to intelligence and education as if it were a bad thing. The intelligentsia within the Republican party must feel like they are being overtaken by the village idiots. William F. Buckley, Jr. must be banging his harp against his head.

Anonymous said...

"When you study the Muslim culture, you know that Obama is a Muslim (CULTURALLY) because of His father. The Muslim faith travels through the fathers line."

We all better hope that's not true. :) My kids are screwed for sure :)

Reminds me of the generational curse preaching prominent in some Evangelical circles.

Steve H. said...

Its funny you mention Buckley Andy because I've been simmering a blog entry on that very topic. What happened to the great conservative thinkers like Buckley?

Andrew said...

I thought of it cause I recently saw an old round table discussion that included Buckley and Cornel West and others. It was an incredible discussion.

Contrast that to the folks calling in to Hannity I heard the next day. I am frustrated because I still have some republican leanings and I believe there are valid points to be represented at the table... but where have the classic republican voices gone? The ones who knew how to debate and persuade rather than shout down?

I know they are out there, but Joe Sixpack only wants inflammatory rhetoric.

Redlefty said...

The party of Barry Goldwater is gone for now, but I think it'll be back someday.

Necessity is the mother of invention. When the Republicans lose, badly, in the upcoming elections they will hopefully be forced to get their act together if they want back in the game.

The Metzes said...

Good post! Everyone likes to look at the "forefather's intention for our country" and I'm sure none of them envisioned the two party political machines that have evolved in our nation leaving our country deeply divided. The commission of Christ is more of a challenge than ever! I'm so afraid to be too forthcoming with my political views with people because they so quickly lose their mind!

Andrew said...

I want to address that thought of "losing one's mind" when someone holds a different political (or any) view. What is it that makes to friends be able to be friends while holding polar views; whereas many cannot have anything but a feeling of irritation and animosity for someone who holds a different view?

wellis68 said...

My eyebrow is lifted as well.

OneSmallStep said...

**I meet few republicans who are behind McCain... they are simply against Obama.**

It almost seems like the reversal of 2004. I didn't know many people who were passionate about Kerry the way BUsh supporters were behind their candidates. Rather, many people just seemed to be voting against Bush.

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