With just a few months left until the general election the talking heads are busy hypothesizing about minutia. Of course the truth is that both the McCain and Obama campaigns are largely on hiatus. They are fund raising and building networks while Americans enjoy the summer.
I think the media is doing their best to keep this race interesting. In fact, most people believe it will be a blowout. I think we’re talking Bush vs. Dukakis numbers for Obama in November. Bush won 80% of the electorate in 1988 and I think Obama may win more than that.
Here’s why I’m predicting a landslide. (Please note, I’m not “endorsing a candidate.” Truth is, I’m voting for GW Bush. He bought my vote again!)
In 2000 and 2004, the media said that evangelicals like me elected George W. Bush as president. It’s my prediction that a massive shift will happen in 2008 as young evangelical voters decide they are ready to cease single issue voting. And the truth is, once you get to non-abortion issues that evangelicals care about… the pendulum will shift.
The last weekend prior to the Indiana and North Carolina primaries have been particularly ridiculous. It seems that the new strategy of both the Clinton and Obama campaign has been to out-promise one another.
It reminds me of 5th grade as people ran for student council. “If elected, I will give new uniforms to the basketball team and cheerleaders.” [insert applause] Of course, when that girl got elected no one got new uniforms. It turns out the student body president doesn’t get to decide stuff like that.
It also reminds me of the countless stories I’ve heard from people joining the military. They will promise you whatever you want to hear so that you will sign on the dotted line. Of course, a recruiter has zero say in what you actually do once in the military. But their only job is to tell you what you want to hear so that you join.
It’s the same with these political candidates. They don’t care what they promise, they only care that you punch their name at the election. It’s impossible for them to say things like “I’d eliminate the gas tax.” or “I’d pull soldiers out of Iraq the day I get elected.” or “I’ll tax you less while giving you more.” One candidate tries to look presidential in front of flags while another drinks whiskey and pretends to like country music. It’s all just marketing. Of course, the thing is that the President of the United States can’t just pull soldiers out of Iraq or cancel a gas tax or cut taxes while increasing benefits. The President is not a supreme ruler as there are two other equal levels of government. Do you really think that Congress would allow the President to abandon a mission in Iraq? Do you really thing the Supreme Court would consider it lawful to force corporations to pay more taxes?
Ultimately, politicians only care about one thing. They care that you will walk into the voter booth and punch their name. They will tell you whatever fantasy you want to hear.
Let’s hear them argue about something important! Which mac-n-cheese is the cheesiest?
