So I've been thinking about "Batman Begins" over the last few days and the discussion about symbols -- how symbols are important because they can speak in a way that reality cannot. And as I've been thinking about this, I find myself wondering how many people voted for Obama as a symbol as opposed to Obama as a man with policies. Take away his race, make him white. And forget about the higher turnout of black voters for a moment. Take all of that away. Are the youngsters still as excited? Are we still seeing the record turnout? My suspicision is no. And that's why I think we've elected a symbol. His policies, which are solidly in line with a long history of Democratic policies, are not new. There is no real substantive "change" that he is bringing about. Just a change in which party controls the nation. But that too will be fleeting.
So here's the interesting piece. If most economists are right and the slowdown begins to trend upward in a year or so, that will perfectly time with Obama's arrival in the White House. He and the Dems will have been around for just long enough to claim responsibility for the upturn and the symbol will become even more powerful.
So here's the interesting piece. If most economists are right and the slowdown begins to trend upward in a year or so, that will perfectly time with Obama's arrival in the White House. He and the Dems will have been around for just long enough to claim responsibility for the upturn and the symbol will become even more powerful.
posted by Just a Few Things about Scott ... | 9:15 AM
3 Comments:
Do you think it was the symbol, or the media message?
Undoubtedly, symbology was involved. But when nearly every single media outlet is biased and citing opinion as 'truth'... I just wonder if there's a certain amount of brainwashing going on.
Lastly, McCain gave a classy concession speech.
I'd also be remiss if I didn't bring up the variable of out-and-out deception. Like Obama's promise to "not raise taxes if you earn less than 250k".
This is a complete falsehood. He's going to (passively) allow Bush's tax-cuts to lapse, thereby resulting in a tax increase for all of us. I could go on, but you all get the point.
Liberals win by moving toward the center. That's what his most merciful pretended to do here; and since McCain was already in the "center", there was really little difference between them.
I here what you're saying about media outlets and I actually agree that they are terribly biased and often cite opinion as "truth." But, having said that, I honestly believe that this election comes down to a symbol.
And the scary thing for me is that there doesn't seem to be a great way out. If the economy continues to slide and actually moves into negative growth, what do we gain? The chance to say, "I told you so?" Heck no. The ongoing slide would just get blamed on Bush and Wall Street. He's untouchable.
On the other hand, if the economy rebounds, the symbol grows stronger. And that, almost certainly, leads to another four years.
So choose your poison. Or choose Greenland. I hear its relatively nice.
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