Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and the Same Old GOP Tactics
I voted last week via absentee ballot in my 5th presidential election. I voted for Barack Obama. I voted for him not because I think he is the be-all and end-all of presidential politics, but because I agree with much of what he has to say. In spite of that, it wasn’t my agreements with Obama that pulled me over to his side – it was the negativity and hatred on the McCain side that pushed me away.
Politics can be a dirty, ugly game and it’s not for the faint of heart. But for me, the McCain/Palin camp crossed the line by fanning the flames of hatred and equating Obama with America’s mortal enemies. Frankly, I expected more from a third generation Naval Academy Graduate, decorated veteran, and 26 year member of congress. Then I got to thinking – some of this stuff sounds familiar.
Flashback to 1992 – Bush (41) v. Governor Bill Clinton
In a television interview on Wednesday night, President Bush criticized the Democratic Presidential nominee for participating in rallies opposing United States involvement in Vietnam while he was studying abroad. Other Republicans have also raised questions about Mr. Clinton’s travel to the Soviet Union and attempted to paint him as a Communist sympathizer.
Bill Clinton a communist sympathizer? Not even close. A womanizer who has trouble controlling himself? An egomaniac? A liar? Yes. But an enemy of the United States – no way.
But the ridiculous accusations didn’t stop there:
Correspondent J.R. Nyquist, writing in World Net Daily, recounts how he was told in 1982, when he was still in college, that Bill Clinton was picked to be a “stealth” Marxist President.
Sound familiar yet? Read on:
Bill Clinton’s State of the Union speech reveals a socialist who wants to take away your freedom. Bill’s speech drips with his contempt of our free market economic system. Bill’s speech is a declaration of war against America’s heritage.
Am I the only one spotting a trend here? When the GOP is in trouble (like they were in 1992 and like they are now) they go as low as they possibly can. If you’re not American you have to understand something about us when it comes to patriotism – you’d rather be labeled a pedophile than a traitor. Treason is an offense punishable by death and – if there is a hell – the hot-spots are reserved for traitors.
Barack Obama is not a traitor. A leftist? You betcha. A “smooth talker?” Absolutely. But whether or not his words are simply populist rhetoric remains to be seen. Regardless, he loves our country just as much as John McCain. Perhaps more because he’s lived the American dream. Obama was not issued an acceptance letter to the U.S. Naval Academy with his birth certificate (Yes, Obama has a birth certificate.) Obama always had to earn his spot and – let’s face it – that’s not always easy for a black man in America. But he did it with humility, class, and a first-class temperament – the same attributes that will make him the 44th President of the United States.
Barack Obama is no more a socialist than Bush is a fascist. Sure, universal healthcare is arguably a socialist-type policy, but 8 years of Bush has given us much more ammunition to play the fascist card and yet most of us don’t because it’s just not true.
Perhaps as frustrating as the morose accusations coming from the McCain/Palin campaign is the ridiculous notion that this election is close or “tightening.” It ain’t. Just look here and here and remember that presidential elections are determined by states – not the national polls that glorified bloggers like Drudge have been pushing.
My prediction – McCain struggles to break 200 electoral votes. What do you think?
Halloween Humor
So, if Obama isn’t the Socialist candidate for president then who is? Watch this Stephen Colbert clip to find out and thanks for reading.
About the Author: Randall H. Miller is an American college educator/blogger. He is also a former U.S. Army officer (82nd Airborne) with a M.A. in Diplomacy (focusing on International Terrorism) and a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Use the form on the right to sign up and receive notifications of new content. The words and ideas expressed here are 100% his own and not those of his employers or affiliated organizations.
Johne37179 | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
I hate to say it, but you’ve been sold a bill of goods. I’m an academy type of the same vintage as John McCain. I went to the Air Force Academy and my son is a graduate of the Naval Academy. John McCain had to go through the same competitive process to get into the Naval Academy that we all did. Having family connections in the service has not greased the path to admission to the service academies in generations. For the last fifteen years I have worked with the Admissions Office of the Naval Academy and for 10 of those years I served on the Service Academy Selection Board for a Democrat Senator.
RHM | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for your input, Johne.
I did not mean to imply that he was literally born accepted to the academy and I have no doubt that he was required to walk through the process. However, I think most would agree that because of his father and grandfather (both flag officers at the highest levels) his acceptance was a foregone conclusion. Few would disagree with the assertion that McCain (with the exception of 5 years in The Hanoi Hilton) has lived a privileged life – especially when compared with Obama.
Thanks for adding your perspective. Happy Halloween.
RHM
JRMirador | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
Come on now, Johne, that was a paltry thing to say about Randy’s reasoning for voting. No wonder you’re all for McCain.
Starburst | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
I don’t see how Obama could me called a socialist based on his health care initiative. It’s not universal care for all Americans instead its a halfway position to appease liberals and make sure not to outrage conservatives and libertarians. I think the only one to push true universal coverage was Hillary Clinton as first lady.
*Starburst*
RHM | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
@ Starburst
It funny that you say that because I had a similar discussion with a friend (and reader)today.
IMHO, as a supporter of absolute universal health care, I don’t think Obama goes far enough with his proposal. It’s a tough issue to get elected on. But don’t worry, after he’s elected and he reveals his true communist agenda its bound to come up again.
JoeTheRunner | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
“Absolute universal health care”
So I have to pay for illegal mexicans who wants sex changes? Or how about abortion? Would universal health care cover abortions with tax payers money? I think we habe the money if we cut other things but I just dont see why health care is something to be provided by the government. ..especially absolutely universal.
chris tejeda | Oct 31, 2008 | Reply
Sorry… forgot, Randy.
Here is my prediction:
McCain 290
Obama 248
Electoral map as I see it:
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-votemap,0,2338623.htmlstory?usergen=110100010111111010111010101110100000000001000000010
RHM | Nov 1, 2008 | Reply
@ chris tejeda,
I’m not sure which election you’ve been following for the past year. Trust me, Comrade Obama will easily win on Tuesday. Then we will set up “re-education” camps for “you people” who have trouble seeing the beauty and purity of the revolution. If you want to avoid that, I suggest you be seen somewhere this weekend wearing a Che Guevara t-shirt, perhaps at a protest.