BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

Tonight’s Democratic debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton can do little for either candidate, except possibly create a stumbling block.  And, that’s the point. 

Hillary will have to do everything possible to create an image more appealing than Barack’s and there is little hope of that.  I suppose the warm embraces, subtle smiles, and nods of agreement will be traded in for cat claws, hissing sounds and the role of the Wicked Witch of the West.  That’s about all she can go for.  I’m not dismissing her intelligence or her policies or her experience.  This is just the season for new blood and like it or not, between the two Hillary represents the old.

It would be far more pleasant to see the two candidates debate policy issues and give explanations pointing out their differences, but those days are gone for this primary season.  The policies are so close on most points that only a word here or there separates the candidates’ positions. 

Call it the defining moment, but when Barack managed to get applause for blowing his nose we all knew that he was unimpeachable.  His following, to quote others, is cult like.  I see people reaching out to touch him as he passes through a crowd and I’m reminded of the Pope touching his masses.  I dare not go so far as to imply anything more messianic, but it’s getting damned close.

In this year of change we are experiencing a rush of new opportunities, real or imagined, on the political front.  It’s our only hope in what has begun as a dismal year.  With foreclosures, the exportation of jobs, governmental scandals just waiting to gain momentum and gas prices soaring, excuse us for grasping at the voice of hope.  The national mentality has embraced it.  And, because Barack Obama has no political baggage and has outed himself on the use of drugs (although for many of us, his foray into the mind bend wouldn’t even count), he comes to us representing a new start, a new beginning.

I’m too old to be swayed by his handsome face or his rhythmic rhetoric, but I’m also old enough to remember a time when the country needed a new face and new enthusiasm.  Sometimes it takes a motivational speaker to get us on our feet and into action.  We have survived suppression by old men for so long that some of our younger people can’t imagine what it’s like to live in a country that is moving forward, listening to the people and giving them a voice.  This is our year.