Jan 15 2008
Clintonesque
Tonight I went to hear Bill Clinton at my college. It was a rally for Hillary Clinton that was organized, apparently, in less than 24 hours; nonetheless, there were at least 6000 people there (the news says 10,000, with 3,500 turned away), a thick line of people wrapped all the way around the football field. We waited for two hours in chill wind, but the only reason I got in at all was a friend of a friend who had already been waiting in line for an hour or so. (Social networking works; I got invited — and indeed, only heard about it — through Facebook).
He gave a superb speech, as usual, and reminded us all how a man can command an audience, reminded us all how to believe that politicians can be capable. He talked of energy funding and tuition loans and his wife as a younger woman, and was calm and folksy, the way you might remember; the way much of the audience certainly does not, as a freshman enrolled now would have only been two when he was first elected. Has so much time passed?
I like Clinton, I always have. Much of it is probably native patriotism; he is from my home state, and that was something, fifteen years ago when he was elected and the state was poorer, even less respectable. And I realized tonight that my warmth towards him is probably a bit subconcious for another reason. He sounds like my father — that is, if my father were prone to making speeches. Their rhythm, cadence when telling a story is the same, those dramatic pauses enlivening the tale of the New York firefighter after 9/11 (Clinton) or the old man down in the holler (my dad). My personal identification with the Clintons has always been strong; their daughter my age, their state mine. That is not a good reason to vote for someone; but it’s not a terrible reason either.
I was planning to vote for Hillary Clinton anyway. I want to see a woman president of this country; I want to see her president. But the rally worked, I guess; because I feel better about it, even glad.
7 responses so far
I recently have been persuaded to vote. It was someone here on LiveJournal who persuaded me, actually; he is my first new friend here. I almost certainly shall vote Democrat, but I would like to vote in the Primaries as well, if it is not already too late. I am apallingly uneducated about those who are running, but I thought I would ask my new friend about where I can find balanced information on the candidates. Now that I see your post, however, I would prefer to ask him for information that supports his preferences and you for a link that would support Ms. Clinton; he dislikes her strongly, so that should provide the balance I seek. Naturally I shall understand if you are too busy to help me with this political homework, but I thought it might not hurt to ask. I thank you in advance.
I know what you mean. He has that quality that makes you feel like he is talking directly to you. That is part of why he was and is such a great politician.
It can’t be strictly native patriotism, otherwise you’d be waxing poetic about Huckabee and I just don’t see that happening.
well, I *do* think that he is slightly less evil than people think he is, but only because he seems to believe in social services more than most of the Republicans. But it’s difficult to not believe in social services when you are governor of one of the poorest states…
but yeah
Not likely to be winning any endorsements from me anytime soon.
I organized one of those 24-hour notice events once! It was Jesse Jackson. I think it happened again when Gloria Steinem came, but I don’t remember anymore.
My stepmom is going to the Nevada caucus and has asked us who we support, to inform her decision in some way that is not clear to me. I don’t really know what to tell her. I guess I have to decide (on someone who is not Kucinich).
I can think of so many worse reasons to vote for somebody. I just really, really crave a smart president again. I practically salivate over the thought of a president who can actually think, analyze, and reason all while talking. If that comes with an on-demand Southern accent, bring it on!
All that being said, I’m a registered nonpartison voter so when I got my sample ballot in the mail it had no candidates listed just referendums. Weird.
Yeah, my ballot only had the referenda too, and I’m pretty sure I’m a registered democrat. Maybe they didn’t want to print up the candidates before they were sure who was staying in the race?
Anyway, the back of the ballot says that if you’re not registered to a party you can *only* vote for the democrats (or the american independent party). Silly primaries.
And re: smart president: oh hells yes..