Posted by
BuilderBob on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 10:41:30 AM
As I listened to the McCain campaign being described as confused, lacking direction and in need of new leadership it occurred to me that this was the exact analysis of the Clinton campaign just a few months ago. How could two lifelong, savvy politicians and their respective political machines have floundered so badly? The answer was simple: from the opposing corner they were both struggling to subdue the Chicago Phantom, Barack Obama.
Both Clinton and McCain were fighting a shadow, aimlessly throwing punches at an invisible opponent whose only substance is the ethereal cultural meme of change. In our western, technology driven society we are enculturated to KNOW that change is inevitable, change is necessary, change equals progress and change IS good! You can’t criticize this common core belief. You can’t diminish the hope it conjures for the future. You can’t discredit the dreams of a better life and the improved society it inspires. You can’t dismiss the faith that grows in the charismatic leaders that promise it. Nobody wants more of the same of anything! Nobody wants to look back over their shoulder and see the lurking albatross of a disenchanted past gaining on them. Our collective imagination creates a utopian vision that cannot be negated by mortal efforts.
Both Clinton and McCain jabbed at his voting record but were blocked by “unimportant.” They threw combinations at his background but he ducked with “irrelevant.” They flailed at his lack of experience but he bobbed and weaved with “insignificant.” Finally, in desperation both lunged at his friends and relationships, lost their balance and ended up counter-punched to the mat with “inappropriate.” Clinton lost the prelim in a close decision. McCain faces the same fate. He will leave the ring bloodied and bruised, never laying a glove on the Phantom and the judges cards will show he never even won a round!
McCain will get the condescending “good try, you fought a good fight,” but in the clod light of day he, and his handlers, will reluctantly realize he never really had a chance! Thank goodness for the mandatory title fight rematch.