Electing a President

Background: One of the email lists I'm on had a short exchange on politics this today. One of the members brought up Nader (!), Obama not wanting to debate, and democracy in America. This is my reply.

There's only problem with your analysis: In the national presidential election there is no such thing as a three-way race. There's not even a two-way race. Either you win all the electoral college votes or you win none.

I understand that you want to see someone speak truth to power, but it's not really possible if you're seeking power in the first place. What I want is to elect someone who will use power constructively.

I'm sure many people have pointed out the vast differences b/n Obama and McCain. In the end, one of them will be president no matter how many votes Nader/McKinney/Barr/Various Write-Ins get.

So which one do you prefer?

I really think that we on the left have to get over our need for perfection in our candidates. Most of the country does not agree with my positions and I have to recognize that. I want someone in office who at least somewhat agrees with me on the issues.

I keep thinking about the weeks of ridiculousness inflicted on our nation when President Bush threatened to veto SCHIP. You know--the State CHILDREN'S Heath Insurance Program. How can you possibly wake up in the morning and say to yourself "I'm going to veto this program b/c these kids' parents suck and clearly that is the kids fault and why don't they work and get healthcare like all other Americans. I'm sure lemonade stands come with BlueCross BlueSheild." Even if Obama isn't able to push through national healthcare at least he won't freaking veto it.

Re Debating. McCain can ask for all the debates he wants but it is the Obama campaign that will decide how many there will be. You only want to debate if you aren't doing well in the polls and think a debate will help. And really, are we not familiar with their stances on the issues? Do you really think there will be any surprises? All you can really hope for is for one of them to miss one of his talking points.

Finally, when it comes to the office of the president we do not live in a democracy but in a republic. All you can do is vote every 4 years, cross your fingers, and hope for the best.

Update

I have moved to a state known for its highways. I have a car and car insurance. My apartment is pretty small but only a 5 minute walk from the library/gym/student center. I bought a blender but haven't used it.

I feel kind of old on campus. I suspect this feeling will get worse once the new first years (class of '12 and born in 1990) arrive on Saturday.

I signed both a book contract and a library consulting contract.

The new Star Wars movie is okay but would have worked just as well as a tv movie. Not worth 11 bucks.

I have five boxes worth of weeded books to get rid of.

New Brunswick has a classic Carnegie public library with the second level glass floor. (Yes, I've already visited and I couldn't get a card because I didn't have two forms of id.)

I'm ready for school to start.

Book Contract

I received my book contract from Neal-Schuman today. I am totally freaked out.