High Noon

The contest for the Democratic presidential nomination is a gripping tragedy. Fundamentally, wining the nomination is not an end but a beginning; and finally being elected the leader of the free world, especially at this sensitive time, will not be akin to the period which finishes a sentence. There will be no victory parade.

The world has problems, and America – with its own unique grief to quell – is just a piece in the global contest. As pompous as it may sound, our international friends and enemies are following this race closely. They say “America, help us,” or “America, stop meddling,” or “America, apologize!” But from Europe, to South America, to Africa and Asia, heads are turned toward the steadfast beacon of liberty (or imperialist savagery depending on whom you ask) for the first time since before the Cold War got a little out of hand.

It’s quite possible that we the people will change the face of politics from its historical fair-skinned white-haired patriarchal caricature. If we do not vote for a white man, we will need to justify that departure from tradition, not to convince others but to be sincere in our choice. So, everything our presidential candidates say, on stage and off, must be closely inspected. Whether we vote on character or policy, issues or values, the 2008 contest will be expressive if not conclusive.

Reps aren’t necessarily jumping on any bandwagon, but the Dems are getting hardcore in a subtle way. The Obama and Clinton fight has been an uplifting one, hesitant to come to blows. But underneath a support for one is a repudiation of the other’s being. Yet the competing platforms are “95% the same” on some issues, as we heard in Thursday’s Austin, TX debate. The format sat the two idols like school children, on tiny glass writing tables dwarfed by the massive wooden desk holding a gang of moderators. It was but a sweet-tempered visit to the principal’s office.

Fortunately for the viewer, it was a forum of straight-talk. Barack was displaced from his sermon-style animation, and Hillary was spared of articulating any body language (which is always awkward and robotic). In this new environment, we learned many things: neither candidate will explicitly commit to a sit-down with Castro’s successor; Obama kind of likes Hillary’s healthcare plan but wants every American to have the right not to; Clinton is confident in her experience, and Obama is just plain confident. Each senator took notes and spoke in turn, save a denial uttered under a breath here and there.

Wait a minute! Barack explained that a campaign adviser wrote lines for the Democratic frontrunner to regurgitate, making Clinton’s plagiarism accusation bogus. “Change you can Xerox” is not even a good line. Nothing lasts forever, but nothing is original: especially a Clinton presidency. Still, if that’s the only squabble the gentleman and gentlewoman can generate, then it’s going to be a long walk to the DNC this summer.

Consider the following carefully. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton very much want your money. You may not visit their respective internet addresses without first being asked to contribute. I can assure you that Barack has a better web-design team and, arguably, better marketing. Upon arrival, Barack and family greet you and ask to spam your inbox; after skipping that foolishness, the actual informational site features a Obama, sans jacket, challenging the sun to a staring contest. The accompanying quote asks you not just to believe that he can change Washington, but that you can. How poetic. It then strikes me, that the senator from Illinois had the audacity to use Sam & Dave’s “Hold On” at rallies without permission. Dude, you’re a lawyer, c’mon man. Now, a vehemently cautious Sam Moore has written the campaign to say he does not wish his musical legacy to be attached to a purpose he is not passionate for, but probably would have allowed the play if the change-guys had had an inkling of professional courtesy.

Hillary Clinton’s contribution request is quite a bit lengthier. Beside a petition of urgency is a wide angle snapshot of a suited Clinton wearing a contrived smile that would make The Joker blush. Next you are forwarded to another sign-on/contribution form and a close-up of the senator that’s actually quite flattering. The embedded link directs you to an uninspired webpage and crude chart begging you to help Hill match the Obama camp’s ad budget in the Birthplace of Aviation.

I’ll spare you the sites’ contents, lest you should read each one. The tragic element is that American politics is no longer black and white, Whig and Tory, Patriot and Loyalist, Yankee and Rebel, or Conservative and Liberal Commie Bastard. The intricate network of small factions pushing big issues in conflict with one another ensures that any victor, McCain included, will lack mainstream sway. There will be no landslide, no reconciliation. But in all likelihood the Democratic ticket boasts a female and a black man against John McCain and whomever. I only wish that certain Obama supporters refrain from Uncle Tom name-calling against black Americans who read the positions and give their money or votes to Missus. AWS