Wednesday, February 27, 2008



Do people all over America talk about the presidential race as much as we do in DC? Because pretty much every conversation these days includes at least some talk about Hillary and Barack. It's an exciting campaign. Both candidates have skills and talents (very different talents) and both of them are so smart. Also, in contrast to John Kerry, who was polite, neither H nor B are afraid to insult each other on a regular basis.

Personally I would prefer candidates who would take the high road and talk about the issues, about the pathetic state of our country (I read this morning that the Sharper Image has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and even Starbucks is having to close some of stores - we are falling into the abyss faster than anyone actuallly understands). That said, though, it's far more engaging, in a reality TV show kind of way, to watch candidates wag their fingers at each other. To truly face how far the U.S. has fallen would send everyone who isn't already on anti-anxiety meds running to the doc for a prescription asap.

I guess. Actually I didn't watch the debate last night, but I'm sure I'll hear about it from virtually everyone I speak to today. I'm still curious, though - are we in a presidential campaign bubble here in DC? Is it as fascinating in other cities?

13 comments:

R.L. Bourges said...

It's even fascinating from across the Atlantic, Reya.

Steve Reed said...

It's quite the topic in NYC, at least among the people I know. My impression isn't that H & B insult each other, though. I think they try to sound strong and assertive and even critical, but they seem pretty respectful overall.

David said...

I was annoyed last night because I wanted to watch the debate, but for some weird reason MSNBC is not in the channel lineup for FiOS in the NJ/NYC area. So tried to watch it online, but the video kept buffering. So finally resorted to Kent State radio broadcast online. I mean, what's a guy gotta do to get his political fix?

Oh, and it's definitely a sign of the apocalypse when Starbucks start closing ...

Hammer said...

Starbucks isn't closing stores - they're just beginning sinister "Phase 2."

Link: http://www.theonion.com/content/node/28657

Velvet said...

You are so right. So right.

I hate that about D.C., that people can't NOT talk about politics. I declared a moratorium on political talk until later in the season...so I just don't listen and don't participate when asked. Thankfully no one cares about my opinion so that doesn't come up often.

And the blame game? I hate Hillary, but was SHOCKED when she started cutting down Obama. I thought she was better than that. More reason to hate her now. Blaming others and cutting them down is a major sign of insecurity, and we don't need an(other) insecure leader.

Barbara said...

I am totally bored with the elections, having looked forward to this for the last (almost) 8 years. I haven't heard a novel new idea yet. I want a discussion of the hot issues that are determining this country's future. Instead it's "He said", "She said". Let's hope there is more substance before the votes are counted.

Bobby D. said...

the Clintons had me, but they lost me to Obama. It seems politics is the main topic at every social event.

Reya Mellicker said...

Ok then. It's everywhere!

kbrow said...

It's everywhere, but more compellingly delicous and addictive inside the Beltway. Here, it's possible to avoid it if one wants to. And of course, the sweet tradewinds, the orchids in bloom and the blue blue sea lulls us all into forgetting about cultural collapse, as well, even though Hawaii's showing signs of that too.

Anonymous said...

in general, I would say people don't talk about elections much certainly not this far in advance but because it is Barack and Hillary-- it IS something people are watching and talking about.

~bluepoppy

mouse (aka kimy) said...

since we are days away from the ohio primary it's nonstop talk about the presidential race.

it's only going to get more intense - we still have the conventions and then november and the election.

now nader is entering the race!! considering that the 'nader effect' of the 2000 election - btw that and the florida robbery (or was it the supreme court) giving the presidency to w, this announcement really peeves me.

hold on and hang in there!!

Reya Mellicker said...

One of my clients said today she think someone should kill Ralph Nader. I had to laugh, even though I disaprove of killing.

I mean really, what the fuhh is he thinking?

lettuce said...

its getting quite a bit of coverage over here too - in fact, it came up in a class last week, i think we were talking about optimism and/or pessimism - most of the students seemed pretty engaged with it all.

more so than with british politics.
:o/