The Gas Tax and Governing from the Center
Published May 05, 2008
Obama offers hope. Clinton offers pragmatism. It may not be the classic dichotomy, but in fact it's costing Obama support. Every time Clinton offers a solution that Obama knocks down, he comes across as a professor grading a mid-term exam, knocking her down a letter grade or two because she got one thing or another wrong. When he was the new thing in town that played pretty well. But most Americans tend to have the attention span of a puppy and need constant stimulation to stay interested. Right now Obama is boring them to tears.
This week's latest defining moment, in the form of the most recent primaries to take place, will come and go without settling the nomination process. But if the only thing the Democrats get out of all this is that the sometimes bloody battle between Clinton and Obama will go on another week further damaging the party, then they really are missing the forest for the trees. Assuming the goal of the Democrats is to take back the White House, this process is far better than they realize.
Even if Obama emerges with the nomination, as expected, having Clinton around to push the dialogue more toward the middle will be to his and the Democrats best interest come November. If Obama doesn't understand it yet, he better soon. He will be a far better and more electable candidate in November if he becomes more like Clinton, not less. Translated, he better find his center and quick and Clinton remaining in the race offers him the best chance for that to happen.
- The Gas Tax and Governing from the Center
- Published: May 05, 2008
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Politics
- Filed Under: Politics: Elections and Candidates, Politics: Government, Politics: Policy, Politics: U.S.
- Writer: Gary D. Benz
- Gary D. Benz's BC Writer page
- Gary D. Benz's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
I want a long range plan concerning the rising cost of gasoline. Congress, Democrats and Republicans voted for our 600 dollar tax rebate. This was an obvious short term deal. Where are the long term solutions. The gasoline tax holiday and our recent take rebates are just like trying to use your credit cards to pay your debts, short term relief with increasing obligations plus interest.
Gary,
It seems that what you are saying is that you like politicians doing their thing at your expense.
The holiday is not a solution, it is a placebo. It's $2.16 per tank full, temporarily. Thinking that that helps the masses is insulting.
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As usual, I appreciate your insights and thoughtful take on any given subject. Hillary always says she has learned from her failures,[not getting universal healthcare during her husband's time in office].She has learned how to get things done. Pragmatic is good--and the word I would use to describe her.Compromise is not an ugly word either, I am told. I would ask Obama: "Where's the hope?"--Kinda like the old fast-food T.V. commercial--"Where's the beef?" Vision is good--a workable plan is better. A leader with both is best. Thanks for this one, Gary.