Whoa!
In following the discussion here of the drastic reforms needed under the next president, I really ought to add a "whoa" before continuing. Like others, I anticipate that any major changes (good or bad) would only come with an Obama presidency and, probably like others, I predict that he will, indeed, win on Tuesday.
However, I don't take this as a given and I believe that the mood for change will vary significantly based on the size of his victory (if indeed he wins at all).
A true landslide - and a corresponding sweep for Democrats in congressional races -- would suggest one thing, but Obama barely pulling it out of the (literal) fire quite another. And, of course, he could yet lose.
If he wins big, one could argue (as I suggested in my first post below, in regard to the political influence of new media) that we may really be at a turning point in terms of a mild shift to the left. After all the dirt thrown at Obama, his race, and now the repeated cries of "Socialist," it's clear that Americans face a stark choice. If they overcome all of that, and give Obama their votes in overwhelmingly numbers (necessarily this would include a lot of whites, working-class folks, Reagan Democrats, old Jewish ladies in Florida, etc.), it would really be a mandate for at least pursuing things like some form of national health insurance, a swift withdrawal from Iraq, and all the rest. To continue one argument mentioned here already: Bob Gates goes. And Joe Lieberman.
But a very narrow win (despite a big new/young voter turnout) would signal something quite different--that people who were tempted to sign off on "real change" pulled back and still have very strong fears about that and/or personal prejudices. Bob Gates stays -- and so, quite likely, does much of the way things are done now in nearly every other area. Unless Obama turns out to be another FDR in his first 100 days.
"The First Hundred Days" -- one dumb program after another all to await the dictatorship of WWII with its designed wage destruction and forced savings.
October 30, 2008 1:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, and isn't it terrible how awful the nation did with FDR? The shame of it all, Ellen. Success across the world in an actual just war, the building of America's industrial base at home and prosperity for decades. My, my, we can't have all that again now, can we? Ellen wouldn't approve!
October 30, 2008 10:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can't help noticing that you don't refer to the New Deal in your encomium to FDR.
Note: You may wish to trade your freedom for a crust of bread and a jingoist thrill -- I don't.
October 31, 2008 10:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Regardless of how big Obama wins (if he wins)a mild turn to the left won't occur until after the public sees what the Democrats do with their control. There are many out there that wouldn't turn to the left if Jesus and Ronald Reagan were standing over there.
Obama and the Democrats can achieve a great victory....provided they do what we hope they do.
October 30, 2008 3:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Everyone's voting in a few days. Their minds are made up. Barring some massive event (like a stroke), nothing is going to change between now and Nov.4th. Anyone undecided at this point is ignorant and impulsive anyway. They are either going to cast a knee jerk vote for McCain or against Palin. Obama has made his case, and convinced those he's going to convince. So... essentially, the campaigns are over.
CAN we begin to focus no the next real issue?
WHOEVER WINS
Round up the corporate thieves, take back their stolen money, balance Bush's bull**** budget,
Spit upon all of them as we throw them in jail! OIL Goons, Bank Leaches, and the Executive Admin that paved their way. Pitooooey!
http://thetruthburns.wordpress.com/2008/10/24/put-these-wall-street-criminals-where-they-belong/
October 30, 2008 4:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Your take on a close victory sounds like a prescription for more half-assed, cowardly, corporate centrist crap that does nothing for regular people in this country. It's time our side showed they had some balls and do some of the things they have been saying they are for now for 30 years or more (60 in the case of national health insurance). If Obama is elected and the Democrats increase their margin in both houses we don't need any further affirmation regarding moving ahead withe the liberal/progressive programs we know the nation needs. There will be absolutely no excuse if the Democrats fail to do those things and some wishy washy "we didn't have enough of a mandate" excuse will not cut it with voters. If Democrats fail this time, why should voters bother supporting them in the future if they don't come through when they have full control of the legislative and executive branches of government? And don't try and give me the argument that "at least" Supreme Court appointments will be marginally better. The fact is, for the average American they see no difference in their daily lives whether Democrats or Republicans control the Supreme Court. It will be time for Democrats to put up or shut up once and for all.
October 31, 2008 1:34 PM | Reply | Permalink