Senator Barack Obama is doing something I admittedly did not forsee in a new and very much improved primary system, making the next year and a half extremely unpredictable and exciting to watch. While Hillary was able to raise $26 million in the first quarter of 2007, Obama has exceeded the fundraising expectations of many of the “experts” by raising $25 million himself. Quite a feat for the junior senator from Illinois.
Traditionally, the presidential primary season’s early focus was on Iowa and New Hampshire where the nation’s first nominating caucuses and primary are respectively held. This year, bigger states with more electoral votes (specifically California, New Jersey and New York), usually more sought after for campaign donations rather than votes in presidential primaries, have moved the dates for their primary elections up to early February, throwing a huge monkey wrench into the whole process. Combine that significant new development with the new “YouTube campaign” internet model and the fact that for the first time since 1952, no incumbents are seaking the presidency, and we can all discard the so-far-accumulated knowledge we have about the current presidential primary system (that we’ve had in place, basically unchanged since 1968 when the Democrats witnessed riots at their nominating convention in Chicago).
Obama, with a strong financial showing and all of the above factors, could pull off the previously unthinkable and defeat Hillary for the Democratic nomination after all.
The left and their media allies have become strong on image and weak on substance, when it comes to the issues. Its not a mystery why Obama is raking in millions.
Senator Obama has had a honeymoon with a biased press mob touting his photogenicity and articulate English vocabulary; as if he were a celebrity of some great accomplishment. Speaking of which, he snorted it? Then wrote a book about it? So, what!? That’s the Jr. U.S. Senator’s accomplishment and track record for a run at the Whitehouse? Although, pop culture criteria may be to vote for someone because they are good at avoiding controversy and being “cool,” that isn’t an accomplishment nor a reason to elect a candidate for president.
America’s video press corps has turned Obama’s campaign into a reality show/media circus. He collected some bling and he appeals to black voters formerly thought to support Hillary. Now what? What is episode two gonna be about? What does he stand for? Haven’t heard or seen any substantive initiatives or legislative genius from him to date. Maybe its too early to put it on the line. The day is comming, when he will have to put it on the line. Question is, can he deliver? I don’t think he has the stones for it.
As for Barack and Hillary splitting the black vote, what difference does it make? Either way, the nominee will get their votes. And, either way, if nominated, they will lose. The Dems are going to have to come up with a serious challenger if they hope to win the presidency in 08; someone with substance and image appeal. That, ain’t them.
I’ve always been of the opinion that what this nation’s electoral system needs is an abstention line on the ballot.
It would be a fine day when 90% of the eligible voters turned out and 65% of them cast an abstention vote.
Now THAT’S what I would call the ‘the American people speaking out:
“Go back and try again”!
DAD, ya just stepped on the electoral college. JR is concerned about the states “subverting” it. I like your idea; a voter veto, “none of the above.” Maybe it would bust up the biparty system and open the way for statesmanship over pandering, lobbyists, and cronyism.
The electoral college’s time has come and gone. It’s elimination would not only serve your observations, but obliged candidates to win the popular vote, not just endeavor to carry the states that matter.