What a weekend!
The South Carolina Democratic Convention was held this weekend. Since South Carolina has the first primary in the South, it's rather important for any candidate serious about winning the race to have a good showing here next January. So, every candidate (except Gravel) either showed up themselves or had representatives come to our little get-together.
I still haven't made up my mind who I'm voting for, but my rankings have changed a bit after this weekend's festivities. As of now, here's the break-down:
1) Joe Biden. The man is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, approachable, and dignified candidates I've ever had the opportunity to meet. He seems to have a real plan for virtually every issue being addressed in this race. The only downside I've seen so far is he does have a tendency to put his foot in his mouth at times (a trait that has been FAR overstated in the media), but so what? Our current President doesn't?
2) Bill Richardson. This is a tough decision for me. I'm tempted to rank him above Joe Biden due to his stance on gun control and experience as the governor of New Mexico and as Clinton's Secretary of Energy. He's not as gifted an orator as Senator Biden and not quite as talented a debater as some of the other candidates, but he's still an amazing candidate with some very workable ideas. He loses a few points in my book due to his stance on immigration (he's basically in favor of the militarization of the border being floated in right-wing circles right now), but beyond that, I think he'd made a fine President as well. So...we'll see.
3) Hillary Clinton. It's weird even for me to see her name placed so high on a list compiled by me, considering I once belonged to the "anybody but Hillary" crowd. BUT...she's a very talented politician with more experience at running a White House than anyone else running, so don't underestimate her.
4) John Edwards. The kingmakers within the South Carolina Democratic Party have apparently decided to give the South Carolina primary to John Edwards again, but you know me...I've never been one to vote a certain way because someone else tells me to do so. I like Senator Edwards. He addresses a lot of my pet issues that most politicians seem to overlook. But...he seems to be long on theatrics and short on details. Charisma will only take you so far. Eventually you'll have to actually get to work.
5) Dennis Kucinich. Again, this seems like a strange ranking for me, since I did work on his campaign in '04. But, let's be honest here, how workable is his plan to cut funding for the Iraq War and bring the troops home immediately? I like his plan for universal health care, but his plan to ban all handguns is a bit...far-fetched as well. I'm glad he's in the race again, but doubtful about his viability.
6) Barack Obama. A great candidate with great ideas who's a real uniter. But...he's only been in the Senate since '04, so I feel his candidacy is a bit premature at this point. He'd be a great Vice President right now, and after he's spent a few years in the White House, we'll talk....
7) Chris Dodd. Yes, he's experienced. And no, I still don't really know what his vision for America is. He may move up once I've had the chance to figure that out, but until more Americans can answer this question, I'm not too hopeful about his chances either.
8) Mike Gravel. He's clearly THE outsider in this race, having no money, little staff, and no post-1981 political experience. Yet, I'm glad he's in the race, since he's one of the few politicians from either party who doesn't sugar-coat anything. No, he won't win, but he'll certainly make the debates interesting as long as he's in the race.
__
Then on Sunday (my birthday), Gina, Tim, Rochelle, and Jesse took me to Carowinds. I rode every roller-coaster (of course), got wet and sunburned, and had a great time. Then for dinner on the way home...Hooters. Thanks, guys!
Yes, it was a long, exhausting, expensive weekend. But I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
The South Carolina Democratic Convention was held this weekend. Since South Carolina has the first primary in the South, it's rather important for any candidate serious about winning the race to have a good showing here next January. So, every candidate (except Gravel) either showed up themselves or had representatives come to our little get-together.
I still haven't made up my mind who I'm voting for, but my rankings have changed a bit after this weekend's festivities. As of now, here's the break-down:
1) Joe Biden. The man is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable, articulate, approachable, and dignified candidates I've ever had the opportunity to meet. He seems to have a real plan for virtually every issue being addressed in this race. The only downside I've seen so far is he does have a tendency to put his foot in his mouth at times (a trait that has been FAR overstated in the media), but so what? Our current President doesn't?
2) Bill Richardson. This is a tough decision for me. I'm tempted to rank him above Joe Biden due to his stance on gun control and experience as the governor of New Mexico and as Clinton's Secretary of Energy. He's not as gifted an orator as Senator Biden and not quite as talented a debater as some of the other candidates, but he's still an amazing candidate with some very workable ideas. He loses a few points in my book due to his stance on immigration (he's basically in favor of the militarization of the border being floated in right-wing circles right now), but beyond that, I think he'd made a fine President as well. So...we'll see.
3) Hillary Clinton. It's weird even for me to see her name placed so high on a list compiled by me, considering I once belonged to the "anybody but Hillary" crowd. BUT...she's a very talented politician with more experience at running a White House than anyone else running, so don't underestimate her.
4) John Edwards. The kingmakers within the South Carolina Democratic Party have apparently decided to give the South Carolina primary to John Edwards again, but you know me...I've never been one to vote a certain way because someone else tells me to do so. I like Senator Edwards. He addresses a lot of my pet issues that most politicians seem to overlook. But...he seems to be long on theatrics and short on details. Charisma will only take you so far. Eventually you'll have to actually get to work.
5) Dennis Kucinich. Again, this seems like a strange ranking for me, since I did work on his campaign in '04. But, let's be honest here, how workable is his plan to cut funding for the Iraq War and bring the troops home immediately? I like his plan for universal health care, but his plan to ban all handguns is a bit...far-fetched as well. I'm glad he's in the race again, but doubtful about his viability.
6) Barack Obama. A great candidate with great ideas who's a real uniter. But...he's only been in the Senate since '04, so I feel his candidacy is a bit premature at this point. He'd be a great Vice President right now, and after he's spent a few years in the White House, we'll talk....
7) Chris Dodd. Yes, he's experienced. And no, I still don't really know what his vision for America is. He may move up once I've had the chance to figure that out, but until more Americans can answer this question, I'm not too hopeful about his chances either.
8) Mike Gravel. He's clearly THE outsider in this race, having no money, little staff, and no post-1981 political experience. Yet, I'm glad he's in the race, since he's one of the few politicians from either party who doesn't sugar-coat anything. No, he won't win, but he'll certainly make the debates interesting as long as he's in the race.
__
Then on Sunday (my birthday), Gina, Tim, Rochelle, and Jesse took me to Carowinds. I rode every roller-coaster (of course), got wet and sunburned, and had a great time. Then for dinner on the way home...Hooters. Thanks, guys!
Yes, it was a long, exhausting, expensive weekend. But I wouldn't have traded it for anything.
VIEW 4 of 4 COMMENTS
andromeda:
Happy Late Birthday!
brooklynbabe:
