So I'm not going to go ridiculously in-depth on any issues, but I do want to blog a little bit about some of the more important things that went down this week. So what's important? (and by important, I mean important to me. I understand very well that the most important issues in the world are controlled by the mainstream media. These issues may or may not be important to you, it's a matter of opinion). I'll touch on the "Bailout" and the VP Debate.
Is this all that went on? NO! But This is my first post, and I can't let this week go unnoticed, so we'll play cafeteria politics.
The "Bailout"
Boy, was this a political disaster. You couldn't say two words about the bailout without someone up in arms about it. It was such a roller-coaster ride, but I guess we're finally at a conclusion (or, at least, a temporary resting place). So how did we get here? Was it good, bad, decent, unnecessary? That's for you to decide, reader. I'm just here to push you along.
So the thing that bothered me most about the bailout process was the increasing level of partisanship shown in what should have been an entirely non-partisan issue. The economy of our country is one of the most important things in sustaining our standard of living. Whether you are a free market capitalist, a socialist, a communist, or a government interventionist, it shouldn't matter when it comes to saving our system. Both the Conservatives and the Liberals claimed to be working towards a bipartisan solution, but as the days dragged out, the party lines were outlined, the bolded, the highlighted, then underlined, etc. Reaching across the aisle became almost a joke.
Did any politicians win/lose on this legislation? It's hard to tell. Really, it's too early to tell. Do I think I have an idea? Yea. I think the Congress' miniscule approval rating (now down below 10%) could dip EVEN FURTHER. Yea, it was that painful. Know the worst part? 3/4 of the leading presidential figures are straight outta the Congress. Senators Obama, McCain, and Biden are all a part of this radically unpopular arm of the government. Is this bad for them? Not really, because it's mutual failure. One can't accuse the other of being a part of one of our nation's most unpopular legislatures. (Gov. Palin could, but she's a different story. Disclaimer: I love her).
I know the title of this segment was 'The "Bailout'" and I really didn't talk about it much, but I more wanted to express my displeasure at the way it was handled. Once we see the results, I'll have a better grasp on the effects of the legislature. For now, though, we got there in one of the most inconvenient ways imaginable. And I could spend another page on Nancy Pelosi. Oh Golly, I could. but I won't. That's another barrel of worms
The Veep Debate
This made my week, it really did. It solidified everything I love about Gov. Palin. She really may be the best thing to happen to politics since Alexander Hamilton. She may be the most relatable person to run for a federal executive office in my lifetime. (Sidebar: I really like Bob Ehrlich and Michael Steele, they are also excellent and relatable). I know a lot of people don't like her, and think she's a ditz/unqualified/a ridiculous choice for VP, but I really really like her. And one day this week, when I don't have a whole lot to write about, I will write about Gov. Palin. But for now, allow me to take off my bias-hat and write about the debate.
Both candidates came in after having played "the expectations game" heavily in the preceding weeks. The Obama/Biden campaign had tried to paint Gov. Palin as a "leviathan of a debater". The GOP camp did the same thing with Biden. By raising the expectations for the other candidate, both parties had set each other up for quite a carcrash. (For those of you who don't understand, if you paint your opponent as a fantastic debater, then go in and beat them, it makes you look a lot better. The same is true for if your opponent makes a horrible mistake). Did this strategy pay off for either party? Not really. Neither candidate made many mistakes, and as for the winner? Eh. It's up to you, personally.
But really, Conor, who won the debate? It's really hard to say, both candidates came out with COMPLETELY different styles.
Joe Biden: He's an enigma. Why Barack Obama picked someone who has been in office since 1973 as the Vice President on a ticket for "Change" is beyond me. It boggles my mind. That aside, he did present a very good debate. He is a straight talker (a lot like John McCain). He says what he needs to say, and then says as much extra as he can to fill in the rest of the alloted debate time ("I need to wrap it up, the light is on"). His style is very heavy on facts, and not so much on personality. Obviously, it's the campaign choice to send him out with so many facts. Is it bad? No! A lot of Americans love a knowledgeable candidate (on the other hand, a lot of Americans love Barack Obama. Har Har. But I digress) so this strategy works well for Biden among those voters. Among people like myself, not so much. I value personality (I value Sarah Palin, again, I digress) which is something that Joe Biden felt to be lacking in the debates. His eye contact with the camera was awkward, his jokes were very dry, but his facts were solid (for the most part, but if you fact check the debate, everyone flubs).
Sarah Palin: TOTALLY the opposite of Joe Biden. She's a newcomer to the scene (Fun Fact: She was 9 when Joe Biden took office in the Senate), but she is so full of life and energy that the GOP is witnessing an infusion of support behind her (20,000 people came to hear her speak in CALIFORNIA. WOW!) Anyway, her debate? Different style. She attacked the questions in a different manner, and a lot of people feel like she gave little or no effort to actually answer them. She did answer them, just not like Sen. Biden. She was snappy, quick, and to-the-point, and filled her time with personality, rather than factual substance (some people hate this, I love it). She was WAY more comfortable looking at the camera, and made me smile more than once (She's an adorable debater).
It usually takes around a week for the real debate results to be finalized, but so far, there's no question that Gov. Palin has benefited the most. A recent poll (by recent, I mean I just saw it on FOXnews) showed her approval rating above 50%, her perceived ability rating above 50%, and her likeability above 60%. WAY higher than in previous weeks. The Palin-Pop (As FOXnews called it, that's probably copyrighted or something...) is really helping her image, as well as the image of the party. Although Obama maintained his lead through the weekend, anything can happen. (Disclaimer: Most polls released this weekend were conducted, in majority, before the debates. More accurate post-debate polls will pop up soon.
Have A Good Weekend Everyone!
0 comments:
Post a Comment