March 27, 2008
On Obama-Bloomberg (Armstrong Williams)
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a column regarding a Barack Obama/Mike Bloomberg plan to run as Independents if the Clintons and their Democratic machine tried to steal the nomination from him.
I’ll say more about that in a moment, but fast-forward to today. Sen. Obama (D-Ill.) is poised to give a major speech on the economy in New York, and who is there to introduce him but Mayor Bloomberg! This is more than just raw coincidence, especially when you pair this appearance with the pair’s very public powwow over breakfast a few months ago. I have to imagine that Hizzoner is seeing the writing on the wall and realizing that the “agent of change” vacuum he could have filled has already occurred with Obama. Perhaps Bloomberg can live with being just a heartbeat away from the presidency as Obama’s running mate.
But today’s appearance by Bloomberg had me thinking about that column I wrote last month. The response was overwhelming. Someone forwarded me several articles, including one from Josh Greenman at the New York Daily News, talking about the strengths and weaknesses of that ticket. One aspect of the assessment really struck me: whether this country would be ready for what they termed a "black-Jewish ticket."
The column indicated that there would be negative implications of such a ticket due in part to our history. Call me naive, or just out of touch, but I didn't even consider nor remember the fact that Bloomberg was Jewish.
I'm just curious whether or not we still have people in the country who would be so Neanderthal-like and ignorant enough not to vote for someone because of his ancestry or religion. More and more, in my travels and conversations, people are talking about an Obama/Bloomberg ticket similar to what was presented by the Daily News columnist.
Wouldn't you say that the success of Sen. Obama's and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's (D-N.Y.) candidacy is the best sign that Americans have overcome these barriers, which have long held us back from being the land that our Founding Fathers and others thought was very possible, a beacon of light, a moral standard that would be unmatched in the world today and in the future? Do you think we're there?
Visit www.armstrongwilliams.com
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I am very intrigued by the idea of an Obama-Bloomberg third-party independent run, and have been mulling the idea of such an occurence with just Obama in mind since the New Hampshire primary. I agree with your analysis: the very fact that Obama and Clinton became the forerunners in this election year is proof positive that our national population in getting beyond geneder and race, and identity politics in general. Of course there are the slackers, and those whose heydey was pre-civil rights era, etc. - but I think we have come at least 80% of the way. Incidentally, I have often felt that Obama's sudden appearance on the historical scene at this election moment is a sign that the time is ripe for the collapse of the Democratic party - which will go the way of the Whig party — and the formation of a new one, which will inherit and surpass it; I think this is inevitable, and will be fulfilled, and I welcome all signs of its occurence.
Comment by SM Kovalinsky — March 27, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
The Barack Obama speech wasn't about the ecomony, it was filled with more of why the American business community is evil, and why the government needs to protect the sheep from getting shorn from the slicksters in the business community. I found the speech humorous since it's the government who continues to inhale the biggest porportion of company profits, while continuing to lead the way in efficiency and waste. If there is any group who needs to be regulated it's the federal government. Both Obama and Michelle appear to hate the country in which they found their greatest successes. Bizarre!
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — March 27, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
That should be "lead the way in inefficiency and waste" in reference to the federal government.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — March 27, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
What's the best thing that Obama can do for the economy? Lose.
Comment by Igor R. — March 27, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
For those here that claim that Rev. Wright is a good, misunderstood man whose entire body of anti-American comments has been turned into a loop and run incessantly on TV and YouTube look at this from ABC:
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Vote2008/story?id=4535600&page=1
An ABC News review of dozens of Wright's sermons, offered for sale by the church, found repeated denunciations of the United States based on what he described as his reading of the Gospels and the treatment of black Americans.
Comment by Igor R. — March 27, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
Rosencrat, it is becoming more and more obvious you hate the country and the Constitution. Being a Druggy Limbaugh graduate of 'neocon brainwashing' is proving to be a real abatross around your neck. You sound completely crazed. Have you ever considered moving to Dubai Rosie? Now Dubai, there is a good old fashioned fascist state completely in line with your corporatista attitude.
Comment by Lester — March 27, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Lester, there is no state for you to move to, because states that believe what you believe in don't survive for very long
Comment by Igor R. — March 28, 2008 @ 2:20 pm
Igor we all know you hate the Constitution too. And besides, you are a neocon, residing on the lunatic fringe. McCain even thinks neocons lke yourself are the problem, not the solution. Your own GOP knows you are whacked out. That why neocons hate McCain the insane.
Comment by Lester — March 28, 2008 @ 8:38 pm