Stalwarts of the Democratic party whose influence once resonated throughout America are being sidelined, either by their own undoing, or by the natural process of elimination brought on by illness and physical wear and tear. These are the pillars that the party could lean on to boost its chances in the presidential elections in November, and whose achievements could stand as its foundation for a better America. But they are slowly being taken out of the equation, and this absence may weaken the Democratic party's quest to wrest the White House from the Republicans.
Former President Jimmy Carter, considered one of the most successful ex-presidents for his many peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, has recently been widely criticized for his reported plan to meet with Hamas; considered a terrorist organization. His office neither confirmed nor denied the meeting but had said that no one in the State Department, including Secretary Condoleezza Rice had warned him against doing so, a tacit admission of the plan. The bad publicity created by the planned meeting with the enemy was viewed as treachery by some sectors in the US, and is being used as ammunition against the Democratic party.
Former President Bill Clinton and his actuations in the course of the Democratic primaries, had diminished his
stature as a former Head of State and statesman who should be above the fray in the party's political infighting. The memory of his substantial contribution to America as President together with the 8 years of prosperity that he generated is eroding. In the minds of the electorate, what looms as a possibility is a desire to seek a third term and the return of the manipulative ways of Washington. Or, that he and his wife will say or do anything to get the nomination.
The most telling blow for the Democrats is the illness of Senator Edward Kennedy whose cancerous brain tumor will greatly reduce his participation in the general election. Kennedy is a skilled and highly respected politician, whose power and.jpg)
influence in Congress allows him to successfully push sponsored Bills even in a Republican controlled Senate. He is also a tireless campaigner and a formidable fund raiser whose capacity to generate financial support for the party's candidates will be sorely missed. The current divisions in the party resulting from the bitter primary contests requires a huge effort of unification and consolidation that perhaps only Kennedy can mend. But his expected absence may not make this possible.
It is difficult to conceive of a Democratic campaign without the constant presence of Senator Kennedy. He is a crucial element and an irreplaceable keystone of the party's platform and program of governance. In his closing statement during the Democratic National Convention in 1980, considered one of the most stirring and eloquent speeches he has ever made, he said: "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die".
Former President Jimmy Carter, considered one of the most successful ex-presidents for his many peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts, has recently been widely criticized for his reported plan to meet with Hamas; considered a terrorist organization. His office neither confirmed nor denied the meeting but had said that no one in the State Department, including Secretary Condoleezza Rice had warned him against doing so, a tacit admission of the plan. The bad publicity created by the planned meeting with the enemy was viewed as treachery by some sectors in the US, and is being used as ammunition against the Democratic party.
Former President Bill Clinton and his actuations in the course of the Democratic primaries, had diminished his
stature as a former Head of State and statesman who should be above the fray in the party's political infighting. The memory of his substantial contribution to America as President together with the 8 years of prosperity that he generated is eroding. In the minds of the electorate, what looms as a possibility is a desire to seek a third term and the return of the manipulative ways of Washington. Or, that he and his wife will say or do anything to get the nomination.The most telling blow for the Democrats is the illness of Senator Edward Kennedy whose cancerous brain tumor will greatly reduce his participation in the general election. Kennedy is a skilled and highly respected politician, whose power and
.jpg)
influence in Congress allows him to successfully push sponsored Bills even in a Republican controlled Senate. He is also a tireless campaigner and a formidable fund raiser whose capacity to generate financial support for the party's candidates will be sorely missed. The current divisions in the party resulting from the bitter primary contests requires a huge effort of unification and consolidation that perhaps only Kennedy can mend. But his expected absence may not make this possible.
It is difficult to conceive of a Democratic campaign without the constant presence of Senator Kennedy. He is a crucial element and an irreplaceable keystone of the party's platform and program of governance. In his closing statement during the Democratic National Convention in 1980, considered one of the most stirring and eloquent speeches he has ever made, he said: "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die". Senator Kennedy's words spoke of his vision
of America, one that offered hope and its unsurpassed potential to reclaim its rightful place of dignity in the international community. These are the same ideals being echoed by Barack Obama, stated in the same inspiring vein. The difference is, Kennedy ended his campaign with it, Obama cannot put an end to his. The painful path that the current democratic primaries are going through is heading towards harmful consequences that could be irreconcilable come November. And, without the strong influence of a masterful party pillar who belongs to America's "Royal Family", danger could lead to disaster.Senator Kennedy's dream and the Democratic party's visions may never die, but it may also fail to find fulfillment.
Harrrwwwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!
4 comments:
It does even out doesn't it. Conservatives won't vote for the Geriatric candidate, while the Latinos and Blacks may split the Democrats. Bob Barr would reduce McCain's total, while the Dems lose their top guns in crowd draw and fund raising. Did Hillary suggest wanting Obama shot like Robert Kennedy? Perhaps. Just like the suggestion of some conservatives to bury John McCain. It flattens out real nice.
This is an excellent article. But, I do think we Democrats will be successful.
Bush has almost single handedly wiped out The Republican Party.
And I am the mother in law of a soldier who just finished his tour in Iraq and is also a vetran of Desert Storm.
And now I am ex Republican as well!!
Great post but I'm casting my vote for Obama!!:-)
Hi Anonymous,
You've been here before but haven't revealed your identity, even a username, until now. Can't help being investigative, but I respect your decision.
I don't really know if it will square off evenly. There would always be last minute changes based on developments during the campaign itself.
I cannot venture any comment on Hillary's intentions, only she can say for certain what the intent was. But I'd agree it was not very tactful to make mention of the RFK event. As for John McCain, I can give him endurance after being imprisoned by the Vietnamese for over 5 years and tortured with both arms broken. Aside from that, I think he's an intellectual lightweight.:-) --Durano, done!
Hi Shinade,
WELCOME!
Thanks for the kind words. I'm happy to know your son-in-law has returned to your daughter alive after 2 tours of duty. You and your brood must be very proud and relieved as well.
The Republican Party seems to have run out of worthy candidates to run as President. Ex-Republican Bob Barr is now the Libertarian Party's candidate, although he could hardly be referred to as one himself.
This has always been considered by me to be a Democrat year provided they don't make a mess of things and disintegrate like what happened with John Kerry's candidacy.
Ted Kennedy's absence or limited presence could be a big loss, I hope someone can fill in his shoes. His message of thanks to all those who wished him well was read by Obama at Wesleyan. To those who wish otherwise, he says, "Don't get your hopes up". :-)-- Durano, done!
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