Demagogues and Primaries

Lots of primaries and many Obama wins. He seems to have momentum.

I have been trying to figure out why and the word demagogue keeps coming to mind. I tried to look it up but I couldn't spell it, so I used spell check to learn. Finally found it.

Webster defines a demagogue as 'leader championing the cause of the common people...' and ' a leader who makes use of common prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power.' Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, 1984.

Pretty much every claim I have heard him make seems patently false and obviously appeals to common prejudices. For example, his claim that he was against the Iraq war seems to rest on one speech in 2002. But,it was not followed up with votes.

This is very disappointing since his policy positions are pretty sound.

So, why do the media and many voters accept his claims at face value?

Probably because no one challenges him on his statements. Seems an unchallenged statement is accepted.

Here we have a leading Democrat presidential candidate who is unchallenged on his claims.

Remarkable.

I do not think it will continue. Either Hillary will go after him as he has begun to do to her, or he will win the nomination and the Reps will tear him up.

Either way is bad for the country, but the least unfavorable alternative is for Hillary to school him. Hopefully the schooling will gain her the nomination, but, if not, then he will get practice for McCain at least.

What will happen?

Hillary must do very well in the Texas/Ohio/Pennsylvania races to be in the running. Then they will be neck and neck.

But, the country cannot afford to give McCain a three month headstart while Hillary and Obama are feuding.

So I think Howard Dean is right, the Dems must broker a deal in April and not wait until August for a nominee..

Two possible deals:

1. One agrees to bow out.

2. They both agree to refrain from attacking each other and double team McCain.

While number 2 may be easier to negotiate, self interest will probably doom it in 30 days.

Logical choice is number 1.

Here's a method: Choose leader on popular votes plus delegates including Florida and Michigan. The other bows and retires or agrees to VP or some other consolation prize.


What a mess.