Comments on: Elites and Government

By: Jeremy Clifton

Jeremy Clifton — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:43:06 +0000

I’m second-guessing my Obama-as-FDR prediction now post-debate. Of course, as somebody I was talking to pointed out, Obama’s skill is delivering prepared speeches, not in a give-and-take exchange, where he’s more likely to trip up. Still, I think he’s got the ability to give a “All we have to fear …” type speech.

Whether he’s an FDR-quality orator or not, he would certainly be the most charismatic president we’ve had in some time.

I’m going to have to find some Reagan speeches and see how he stacks up; I don’t remember enough of Reagan to make a good judgement right now.

But … if he can pull off a FDR-esque speech, he might have the opportunity to demonstrate that he can do so before too long. It all depends on whether the economy does a slow, controlled descent back to sea level or not, I suppose.

By: Brian Baldowski

Brian Baldowski — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:36:11 +0000

I can see what you are saying. Martinez I think means specialists but uses the words the media has given to describe leaders. I’m not sure either of the candidates truly fit what I desire. I may vote libertarian anyway.
If Obama is going to be FDR, I don’t think he has the oratorical abilities FDR had. He is a good speaker but I can’t see an “All we have to fear…” speech coming from him. Right now the candidate that can give that kind of speech will be the one that will be elected. That is what will galvanize voters.

By: Jeremy Clifton

Jeremy Clifton — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:41:31 +0000

Vote Nader! He killed the Corvair. Plus, our financial sector is “unsafe at any speed.”

Seriously I don’t know that “elites” is the best word to describe what professional politicians are. For better or for worse, government is an industry right now, and most government positions beyond the very basic local stuff require a lot of time, and with that sort of attention comes specialization. So, I’d chose “specialists” to describe them rather than “elites.”

Now, whether it’s good or bad to have government “specialists” is another matter entirely.

In any case, we need to judge the candidates by their decision-making ability within the scope of the office that they are running for.

Besides, you should vote for Obama. I’m getting the feeling that things might be lining up for him to become the FDR of our generation. I’m hoping not, since I’m not sure the United States as we know it can survive another FDR, but …