The 2008 Presidental race shows a perfect example of how the electoral process affects the eventual nomination and acceptence of a candidate. On one hand, the democratic party is convinced that it's time for nominating against the normal grain of the standard white male: the party pitted a woman vs. an African-American. Citing party polls and opinions, the democratic brass tried to feel out which candidate has the best chance for office, using Obama's minority status, eloquent cander, stances against the current administration, and position on foregin affairs versus Clinton's women vote, experience with past administrations, and plan for health care reform. The party then polled and polled and polled and even called in the Legion of Super Delagetes to decided who has the best chance to win office, or to put in more specific terms, who has the best chance to sway the votes of the moderates.
In this sample case, was there really another chance for a different voice to be heard on the left side? Clinton and Obama have been setting up their high office run since 2005, when Bush was sworn in for his second term. All the Dems have heard where these 2 main candidates , not much other real possibilities where ever presented ( Kerry, Gore, Edwards, ugh...). Did the 08 dem primaries present any suprises or outside thoughts or other options? In my mind, a party should be open to the possibilities that numerous people could be the right nominee, not just 2 over 3 years. In this sense, the primaries are bad for the voters, having little to chose from in the way of a candidate that suits their views the best, but good for parties, in relaying the best possible winner in the election to the forefront, a best of the best, survial of the fitest competition.
Does Obama provide the W desperately needed for the left wing? That remains to be seen. But for the power of the highest office in the country, you better believe that any political party with beat the electoral institution to death in order to satisfy the party's demand to win electoral office.
1 comment:
As far as choices for the Democrats this year, I don't think it's really fair to say that the Clinton/Obama thing was set up from January 2005 and destined to happen. They happen to both be hugely attractive to campaign donors, but any number of things could've have gone the other way. For the GOP this time with Cheney not ever intending to run it was always supposed to be Giuliani, and then Romney...where are they now? Sure there can be concern for whether or not people have choices...but sometimes they have them and just don't like them.
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