Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Solutions? But no one is buying:

At the core of the debate on the Democratic side of the Presidential campaign are very similar themes and rather typical Democratic solutions. There are differences that can be read clearly on the respective candidates websites and in position papers. They essentially amount to nuance on the standard barer issues of jobs, economic policy and how they would be different than the current administration.

The interesting and fun side of the contest has come in the rhetorical side of running for President. All candidates running for high office customarily avoid specifics at campaign appearances, leaving those details to websites, position papers, and to a lesser degree debates.

So what is really interesting is that Barack Obama is utilizing eloquent rhetoric to draw huge numbers of people to take a serious look at him for President - and Hillary? - what is her response? - attack words, attack speeches, attack eloquence ... but with what?

Solutions that no one is buying. Why?

Not all of us are that slow off the draw Mrs. Clinton. Words and speeches about the word solutions, words and speeches attacking form with nothing more than words, a campaign slogan that is merely a bunch of talk itself - is neither a solution - or a strategy to win the hearts and minds of voters. The transparent rhetoric of solutions - thus becomes nothing more than attacking your opponent because he is a more effective communicator than you.

President Hillary R. Clinton - as "commander in chief" ready on day one - will have absolutely no power whatsoever to enact a single piece of legislation without good communications skills and the ability to reach consensus. President Clinton will not be able to appoint one judge, one cabinet member, or approve any other action unless it is with the advice and consent of the congress. For all of the "solutions offered"??? - and all of the ready on day one rhetoric - the obvious escapes her.

All powers of the President of the United States are derived from the legislative branch. It takes great oratory skill and genuine communication skills aimed at lifting up the debate, framing the issues worthy of action, persuading opposition forces, willingness to compromise and reach out, and above all - inspire the American People to support the objectives.

Without this skill. A President is not only NOT ready on day one - but unlikely to have any accomplishments other than division and continued grid lock.

Change is not about change for the sake of change, it is about the future of politics in America. About someone who has not only spoken about reaching out to all Americans - but has apparently been effective and will demonstrate the kind of quiet, patient leadership a nation needs in critical times. A leader who is willing to share the responsibility of the highest office with members of the opposite party, and in consultation with the American People. So that not only is he ready on day one, but that together we make the RIGHT decisions on day one.

No. I think it will take more than solutions. I think it will take the skill, and the demeanor to bring the American People along to believe in those solutions. It will take Hope that our President will at long last restore the high office as a builder of hope, a negotiator in good faith, a character of honesty, and a willingness to admit that without ALL Americans - solutions are nothing more than rhetoric, empty, and without hope.

Great words are the stuff of history that have shaped generations of young people all around the world, and moved common folks to action, to achieve great things for a nation, a people, and the world. It is not plagiarism to use over and over again the Declaration of Independence, the constitution of the United States of America, or the articulation of a Dream once had and spoken aloud on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial - now, with hope, perhaps fulfilled. Great words, and those who deliver them are movers and shakers of history. Bureaucratic solutions, and rhetoric about rolling up your sleeves, or punching the clock,
swinging the hammer and sickle are worn out, neo-socialist, populist lyrics in a song we no longer care to sing.

This election IS about words, about hope, and about change and a new generation.

Welcome to the future.

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