Comments on: Bill Clinton & the Problem of Democratic Unity http://www.gaypatriot.net/2008/08/27/bill-clinton-the-problem-of-democratic-unity/ The Internet home for American gay conservatives. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:43:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.1 By: heliotrope http://www.gaypatriot.net/2008/08/27/bill-clinton-the-problem-of-democratic-unity/#comment-299674 heliotrope Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:47:16 +0000 http://www.gaypatriot.net/?p=3565#comment-299674 I watched the audience during the William Jefferson Clinton address last night as I listened to the speech. This morning, I can not remember any of the words spoken, but I clearly remember the faces of the audience. What I saw was adoration, people pumping their heads in spiritual affirmation, folks who were being transported to a Shangri-La. I don't think any Republican convention has ever produced such a scene. Conservatives have their feet firmly planted on the ground. They may cheer sound logic stated brilliantly. They may huzza a bit of red meat bravado. They might rise to their feet in response to a promise of cutting taxes or government. But I can not image Republicans swooning, ascending to rapture, being overcome with ecstasy because of a political convention speech. Democrat slogans are paeans of the heart: The man from Hope, The audacity of Hope, Yes We Can, etc. Republicans speak from the brain: Tear down this wall, Trust but Verify, No New Taxes (o-o-o-p-s, you had best mean it!) So, the Democrats preach a great sermon. But they have to keep the rapture, the ecstasy, the higher beatific spiritual transmigration alive and instilled in the hearts of their minions. The Republicans have to pound away at making common sense to their voters. And "independents" have to be lured to vote with either their hearts or their minds. The Democrats will try to scare independents into their camp. The Republicans will try to raise the spectre of an economy and services being managed by professional politicians with no practical experience. Can Obama keep the sermon fresh and renewing? Can McCain cut through the miasma of sprititual gobbledygook and make common sense? That is the game that is afoot. I watched the audience during the William Jefferson Clinton address last night as I listened to the speech. This morning, I can not remember any of the words spoken, but I clearly remember the faces of the audience.

What I saw was adoration, people pumping their heads in spiritual affirmation, folks who were being transported to a Shangri-La.

I don’t think any Republican convention has ever produced such a scene. Conservatives have their feet firmly planted on the ground. They may cheer sound logic stated brilliantly. They may huzza a bit of red meat bravado. They might rise to their feet in response to a promise of cutting taxes or government.

But I can not image Republicans swooning, ascending to rapture, being overcome with ecstasy because of a political convention speech.

Democrat slogans are paeans of the heart: The man from Hope, The audacity of Hope, Yes We Can, etc.

Republicans speak from the brain: Tear down this wall, Trust but Verify, No New Taxes (o-o-o-p-s, you had best mean it!)

So, the Democrats preach a great sermon. But they have to keep the rapture, the ecstasy, the higher beatific spiritual transmigration alive and instilled in the hearts of their minions.

The Republicans have to pound away at making common sense to their voters.

And “independents” have to be lured to vote with either their hearts or their minds. The Democrats will try to scare independents into their camp. The Republicans will try to raise the spectre of an economy and services being managed by professional politicians with no practical experience.

Can Obama keep the sermon fresh and renewing? Can McCain cut through the miasma of sprititual gobbledygook and make common sense? That is the game that is afoot.

]]> By: Leah http://www.gaypatriot.net/2008/08/27/bill-clinton-the-problem-of-democratic-unity/#comment-299669 Leah Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:32:08 +0000 http://www.gaypatriot.net/?p=3565#comment-299669 I heard Rush yesterday say that when the Republicans stick to the conservative message they win big. That is his big problem with McCain, he is not a real conservative. On the other hand the Democrats have to run and hide from their true message and beliefs - liberalism, progressive politics. Most Americans do not want the Nanny state, they want to be left alone to live their lives. All the stories being told at the convention are sob stories, not a single success story. Once again, years ago Rush did a whole week of people calling in with their stories of how they overcame adversity and tragedy to rebuild good successful lives. But of course they did it on their own or with the help of friends, no government help involved. I heard Rush yesterday say that when the Republicans stick to the conservative message they win big. That is his big problem with McCain, he is not a real conservative.

On the other hand the Democrats have to run and hide from their true message and beliefs - liberalism, progressive politics. Most Americans do not want the Nanny state, they want to be left alone to live their lives.

All the stories being told at the convention are sob stories, not a single success story. Once again, years ago Rush did a whole week of people calling in with their stories of how they overcame adversity and tragedy to rebuild good successful lives.

But of course they did it on their own or with the help of friends, no government help involved.

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