Friday, September 26, 2008

More Random Musings

Oh my, the goings on in our government continue to get “curiouser and curiouser.” Here are more random thoughts from my overtaxed mind:

-- I do not like the term “bailout” and conceptually I am not in favor of it. But I am also the first to admit that much of this goes way over my head. I am a lawyer who happens to work for a bank, so I have a basic understanding of regulation, but as for all the other economic stuff, I am next to clueless. I’m with those who believe that, with regard to how we got here, there is plenty of blame to go around.

-- I thought Bush did a relatively good job of conveying the gravity of the situation in his speech Wednesday night. It is ironic that he, who has espoused smaller government, is spearheading what is perhaps the biggest government intervention in history. I don’t think it’s what he wants to do, but I believe he thinks it is what he has to do. Again, I don’t understand enough to even venture a guess as to whether he is right or wrong. I hope he is right about the part that, once the government buys all these bad loans, they will eventually get their money back. Especially since it’s our money.

-- There was no way this thing was not going to get political. And I think this has essentially sealed the deal for Obama. No matter the reality of the situation, he's been able to use it to his advantage (with plenty of help from his media admirers). Unless something unpredictable happens between now and Nov. 4 (which is, of course, quite possible), I believe he is going to be our next president. The election is going to be decided by the undecided voters. I believe the majority of them will probably look at this situation and decide that we have had a Republican administration for eight years and things are not looking too good. Maybe it’s time to give the other side a try. I really hope I am wrong but that's my prediction.

-- Not sure what I think about McCain’s latest moves – “suspending” his campaign, going to Washington and trying to put off the debate. Did he really do this in the best interest of the country? I like to think he did but that’s really between him and God. The part of me that wants to think the best of him, though, believes that he had to have known that the mainstream media -- who are, let’s face it, in the midst of a love affair with Obama -- would blast him for it, which they have, and that it could/would ultimately cost him the election (which I think it will). He’s not stupid, so maybe he decided it really is more important to participate in this process and let the chips fall where they may as far as the election is concerned. Who knows, history might treat him kindly for it. But for now, the sky is falling and a Republican is in the White House (see previous bullet point).

-- I thought the account we got of Obama trying to call McCain on Wednesday was rather comical. Of course each tried to put his own spin on it but it appears that Obama called McCain at 8:30 a.m. and McCain called him back around 2:30 p.m.. Just how are those calls placed? Does each carry his own private cell phone? Something makes me think they are not in each other’s “five.” I would guess there are a few layers you have to go through to reach either of them, no matter who you are. They do each have a few irons in the fire right now (although Obama has assured us he is quite able to multi-task). If they were able to make connections within a six-hour time frame, that seems pretty good to me.

-- I am ready for it to be over. I have, since I was a very young person, always enjoyed the process. The first presidential election I remember is Lyndon Johnson and Barry Goldwater. Needless to say, things have changed drastically since then, especially the way we get information. And I am somewhat addicted to getting that information. I don't get near as upset about it as I used to, but I can get pretty worked up. I need to get over it.

-- Well it looks like the debate is going to happen. It wouldn't look too good for McCain not to show up. Word is that Obama's going to go at him fully loaded and, in his most sanctimonious way, question why in the world McCain would want the two of them to high-tail it to Washington and do their respective jobs as senators when they needed to be telling the American people what they'll each do as president. As I said -- and I really hope I'm wrong -- I think we're headed for an Obama presidency.

7 comments:

Pam said...

I think you're probably right, and I think this past week just sealed the deal.

Actually, the House Republicans are doing a good job of putting the stamp of defeat on McCain's forehead.

All in all, Washington is doing what Washington does best: Quibble while Rome...er America burns.

I might try to watch at least a part of the debate. I might gag and give up. Frankly, I don't believe either of them, and I don't think either of them has a clue how to handle the many HUGE problems facing this country.

At the moment I'd love to be able to sweep the whole Washington lot and start from scratch. But, I doubt that would even be feasible since it takes a fortune to run for office, and I doubt any newcomers could afford filing fees these days.

Pam said...

Bob,

I watched the debate, thought it was pretty much a draw. Most pundits called it a draw, but, somehow, Obama was deemed the winner.

Seems that because McCain didn't hit it out of the park, he lost.

Yep, looks like Obama has already been crowned king.

Redlefty said...

Pam, that's because of this first debate's planned topic (foreign policy). That was the one area that McCain was supposed to have a significant advantage, and if he didn't clearly win this particular debate, it would by default be a "victory" for Obama.

It didn't help that much of the evening was diverted to economic issues, which McCain has confessed is not his strong point. On Tuesday afternoon he still hadn't even read the 3-page Paulson bailout proposal, even though it'd been available for two full days.

I agree with you that neither ticket seems prepared to deal with the magnitude of what they'll be facing.

Kelly said...

I agree with you, Bob. I'm afraid all the economic woes of the past week have just sealed the election for Obama. I just wish I felt more confident about the idea of his leadership!

I chose not to watch the debate... figured I'd have all the high and low points rehashed on the news for me adnauseam. (like everything else in this campaign) I've already had two family members give me their take on it and even they didn't agree!

Bleh! November 4th can't come soon enough!

quid said...

Honestly, there is really no one person who is prepared to deal with the all of the situations this country finds itself in. Let's hope we all dig down deep and approach each problem positively as the new year begins. We did survive the Carter years.

I'd consider the debate a draw on words only, and I'm pretty left leaning right now. However, on body language, there was a clear winner. I think that sanctimoniousness came out, Bob, but in the way McCain handled himself on stage. Or was that just suppressed anger?

quid

Bob said...

Did not watch the debate myself as I was watching my youngest on the football field -- playing and as part of the Homecoming Court at halftime -- one of those proud parent moments for which I am using this forum to unabashedly brag!!!

Anyway, good points all here. I have caught bits and pieces of commentary and believe it really was a draw. We each bring into it our own views and prejudices. I am traditionally more right leaning/Republican. I have been much more open minded and critical of my brethren this election season -- and still struggle with how my faith plays into it all -- but as we come into the home stretch I am more and more entrenched back in the Republican camp (but very enlightened thanks to my good friends who feel otherwise).

I have fallen hard for Sarah Palin for reasons I have previously stated. Despite the attemtps from all sides to discredit her, she continues to distinguish herself. And it's just killing the left that a REPUBLICAN woman is making huge strides for women!

Thanks to all for your comments.

Kelly said...

Congratualtions to Son #2 on the Homecoming events!! I know you and your wife are proud!

I'm glad to hear I'm not alone in still liking Sarah Palin. *sigh*