For Better or Worse, America Still Matters

I just read an awesome column by Roger Cohen on washingtopost.com. (Read it here.) In it, Cohen talks about how Europe and the world is riveted to the American presidential campaign.

That fact, Cohen notes, is in stark contrast to the conventional wisdom that America's importance is receding in the world. It's not. And that's both good and bad.

In my opinion, George Bush II has clearly demonstrated how much damage the wrong person in the White House can cause. I didn't always think so. In fact, during the drawn-out Florida Hanging Chad debacle of 2000, I wrote that I thought either Gore or Bush would have about the same result in office because I grossly over estimated the Congress's power to check the executive branch.

Boy, was that an air-ball. I stand extremely corrected. No rational person could argue that we'd be in the same position today if Al Gore was president. We may debate (hotly) on whether we'd be better or worse off, but I doubt we'd disagree that things would be vastly different right now.

So I agree with Cohen when he says the entire world wishes it could vote in the next U.S. presidential election. Because they have a ton at stake. In some ways, more at stake than Americans. The U.S. president, for example, probably won't order the bombing of, say, Utah. Technically it could be done, but the repercussions would be swift and sure impeachment and conviction.

But it is well with in his or her political power to send the B-2s to, say, Jordan. So in that sense possible targets of the Commander-in-Chief have a bit more riding on who gets the red phone.

The main thrust of Cohen's article is that America still matters a whole lot in the world. And who leads it matters a whole lot. Because, for better or worse, the person in the Oval Office is the most powerful person on earth, as measured by the ability to directly effect people's lives.

All this brings me to a hope that these facts will dawn on all Americans, and we will all go vote on Nov. 4. All I want, frankly, is turnout. 80% turnout. Then, whoever wins, wins. The silver lining of the Bush presidency (again, in my opinion) is that it's demonstrated how important it is to pay attention. The youth movement that seems to be happening in politics is only part based on Barack Obama's appeal. The other part is a reaction to a Washington that finally became so screwed up even Americans noticed.

I said when Bush was elected, "Give the Republicans enough rope and they will hang themselves." They did, but the Democrats didn't exactly cover themselves in glory either. There are as many Democrats suckling the Politics As Usual teat as Republicans. So the last eight years have transformed me into a "do what's best for the entire country, not just a little bit of it, or your fired" guy, no matter what the party.

Which brings me back to voting, where you rehire or fire your representatives in government. Given the incredible ease of the act of voting, and the number of people who have died to protect this fundamental right, and the billion or so people for which voting is just a wild fantasy, 50% turnout is a national shame.

I'm with John McCain on this one. John, like him or not, always thanks everyone for being active and supporting their candidate. Bravo, Senator. America matters. And Americans have a responsibility to make sure the keys to the Big One are in the pocket or purse of someone up to the enormous responsibility.

Edwards is Out

My boy Johnny Edwards bailed out of the race the other day. Most of us saw it coming. I'm proud to have helped him just a little bit in Iowa. His focus on poverty was inspiring, and remains (sadly) unique in politics. I also thought he greatly influenced the other candidates to start talking about the disproportionate influence the rich and powerful have on the political process. I think if John ran at any other time, he may have made it. But running against excellent candidates to become the first black president and first female president left him with no oxygen.

Of course he may yet end up in a cabinet role or some such, but I hope Edwards makes Gore-like contributions outside politics. I believe he can and will. Well done, John. I'm proud to have supported you twice.

Comments

[Rhonda (not the wife)]

Love your blog. Except for mentioning McCain in any kind of nice way. In 2000 I totally would have voted for him. Seemed like an honest guy. Obviously a hero. Seemed more "real." Said he cared about the right things.

I'm a registered non-partisan so I'd have no qualms voting for a Republican if I thought he/she stood on the right side of things.

McCain doesn't. But for some reason, probably because he's likable and "real" and "that politician you always see on TV," people think he's moderate.

Which means BIG PROBLEMS for Democrats if he's the Republican pick. Cuz Independents and Democrats who don't like Hilary's "experience" may vote for Johnny Mac. Or Independents and Democrats who don't like the Obabma "vision" may vote for Johnny Mac. They might do this thinking McCain is moderate and doesn't think like Georgy. But they should listen closer to what he says and check his history and voting record.

[Bill]

Yes, yes. By all means always check the voting record and listen carefully. One of the several reasons I backed Edwards was I thought he had the best chance to beat McCain in the general election. Any of the Demos can beat any of the other Republican candidates, but I think McCain crushes Hillary and may edge Obama. Not saying if that's a good thing, but that's just my take on the deal.

[Scout (Alexis)]

Aw Bill... this was great! :) You've got a nice pulse on what's going on and what's to come. I'm attending my first caucus next Tuesday. That alone should be a riot. It reminds me a junior high election. LOL! Hope your family is great... loving your articles sweetie.

[The Token Californian]

As always Bill, great insights. A few thoughts to add:
- Why is it that Republicans hate Hillary? I genuinely don't understand where that comes from, and yet it seems critical to the discussion of could Hillary beat McCain (or any Republican).
- Like Rhonda (not wife), I had a lot of respect for McCain back in 2000. But in the interviening seven plus years, he's more or less been a toad for Bush as best exemplified by him hugging W right after they smeared him in South Carolina.
Also, whether we want to acknowledge it or not, he's old and his body has suffered greatly as a result of his torture in Viet Nam. He clearly has longevity in his genes, but I think it's a serious point to consider.

In 2003 I was in Austria at the time of the State of the Union address. (The infamous Axis of Evil speech.) It aired at 2a and I can tell you most of the people I was traveling with (a German ski club) awoke and watched the speech and wanted to discuss it the next day. In that moment I understood just how much our politics affect their lives and how much they care about what we do and who we elect. To your point about being aware and engaged voters -- it's a priviledge we have that I wish more people appreciated.

Thanks again Bill.