04 January 2008

Racism or Gender Bias?



Yes, there are a few more issues than that surrounding the Democratic race, but I was quite surprised to learn that Iowa Democrats supported a black candidate above a female candidate, and not by just a smidgen.

I find this interesting, especially when the media bombards me with tales of inequality based on race. Is it because Barack isn't really black? His father is Kenyan (not a descendant of slavery) and his mother is white - maybe that makes him more palatable? His platform isn't all that different than Hillary's - they are both touting a universal health care plan and withdrawal from Iraq. Sure, the details are a bit different, but the outcome is the same.

And what does this say about women in positions of political power? There are women who hold what I would consider to be far more powerful positions than President - two of them are U.S. Supreme Court Justices for goodness sakes. I heard rumblings on the news today of this country wanting ... needing ... an alpha-male for president. Really? Or is this just because Hillary is a bad candidate?

My take on this? I am one of the many people who don't like Hillary, I don't like her politics, bust mostly I don't like her, and I know why I don't like her - she hasn't mastered the art of phony. She still comes across as phony unlike Barack whose phony is refined and looks politically sincere.

If you want to be a successful political candidate, you better figure out how to convince the masses that the lies you speak aren't as bad as they will turn out to be. It isn't about race or gender, but about who is the best liar, and Hillary still looks like a liar.

22 comments:

Jay said...

I can't think of a single person running on either side that I would consider genuine. I know a lot of people think of Huckabee as being genuine, but I've met the man and he ain't it.

I guess if it came down to it I could vote for Obama in the general election. I'm pretty sure I couldn't vote for Hillary and I know couldn't vote for Edwards. I also know I just can't vote for any of the Republicans.

It's looking like a pretty bleak year actually.

buffalodick said...

I need a candidate that is real. There hasn't been one I believed in for a long time. Glib, politically correct, reciting canned, pre-written "positions" rather than giving impassioned speeches from the heart... I once told a person in management- When things are good, we need managers. When things are bad, we need leaders...

Jeff B said...

I wonder if Osama...oops that's Barack Bin La...I mean Barack Obama will change his focus on how important the young voter is when he gets to Florida.

The classic vote for Micky Mouse is starting to look better as each day of this circus continues.

captain corky said...

I'm voting for Captain Corky in the upcoming election. Call me stupid... but for some reason I really trust that guy. ;)

You can Call me AL said...

We need a alpha-male for president? AGAIN! What the hell do they consider Bush? He's bullish, does what he wants.Destroys anything or one that goes against him. Granted not the best pubic speaker and by many considered an idiot.
Oil hit $100.00 a barrel this week. Oil companies are enjoying record profits, this ain't by chance! It was well designed and implemented.
Yeah, I know some will say "he's just the puppet" My reply, Look at all the casualties around him. No one's taller then the last man standing.

Schmoop said...

I think the caucus results are less about choosing a black over a woman, or nuances in policy.

The Dem vote came down to a choice between new and old. I said long ago that Hillary's biggest obstacle in winning wasn't her policies or personality it was her last name. (and I don't mean the Bill factor)

What I mean is that there has been a Bush or Clinton in the Oval Office since 1989. Nearly 20 years, and both sides want something fresh.

Hillary is in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong last name. Cheers!!

Dana said...

Jay, Huchabee TERRIFIES me and I tend to lean right in my politics. Like you, I've become quite cynical about the whole process.

Buffalodickdy, do you think there is a "real" candidate for this election?

Jeff, I'm tempted to say that a vote for any candidate is a vote for Mickey Mouse anyway - OOPS! I did say that!

Dana said...

Corky, you've gotta vote for the person you believe in!

You know Al, I was wondering if I was the only person who thought their might be a "reason" for the price of oil jumping.

Matt-Man, interesting observation - it makes sense!

Anonymous said...

Politicions make me throw up. But I will say this, I would rather be hung by my testicals and flogged with barbed wire for a month straight than vote for Hill, Obama or Edwards.
But, and this is big, I don't think Hillary, even though she is a self described socialist, would mess the country up to bad. I think she would be a do nothing president much like Clinton one. Stay with me now. I don't think she would really push anything, sure she would give lip service so the kool-aiders didn't hate her but she wouldn't risk her legacy (the first female president, the only surely ever first lady then pres, etc etc etc) on a failed policy which everyone with a lick of sense knows universal health care would be, as well as her other socialist ideas. She would toe the line, smile and wave and thats about it. I don't know about the alpha male but I always want a leader and a strong person to lead the country. Whatever anyone can say about Bus, and believe me I am no fan of his, he is tough and he does not let his legacy, or popular opinion, or the media or the critics have much weight in his decisions.

SS

Christo Gonzales said...

I am increasingly more confused by this elections candidates..I dont want my democraic vote to tilt the scales insuring a republican win...

Wow you lost 70 lbs...HOW

I have a lot of catching up to do.

Mimi Lenox said...

The bottom line for me thus far is that there is no candidate. Would a real presidential candidate please stand up?

Great post.

buffalodick said...

Dana- Dear, I am the patron saint for lost political causes! I like Ron Paul, because he says what he means, not what they want to hear. He has two chances- slim and none.. But you're talking to a guy who voted for Ross Perot, twice!

Unknown said...

I'm with Mimi ~ will a real candidate please stand up!
I seriously struggle with determining whom to back at this point.
I do agree with you Dana Hillary does not know the art of phoney...I think Chelsea handles that better, and that is just being herself.
Oh well.

R.E.H. said...

Well, I might be up for a serious whoppin' from you guys here, but I'd actually vote for Hillary and have no second thoughts about it.

I mean - I think Bill was probably the best dude in the White House in a very long time, and I think Hillary was ruling him with an iron fist... think about it. He was busy gettin' blow-jobs in the Oval Office, while Hillary was running the country!

Jokes aside. I do believe she'd make a good President(ess). Looks like Barack will take the candidacy however, and I guess he's a decent enough man.

I haven't followed much on the debate, so I can't tell for sure who is a better liar.

Anonymous said...

Do you suppose those two are getting it on?

Michelle Hix said...

Very good points! Its going to get very interesting...

Dana said...

SS, very interesting perspective, and one I hadn't considered.

DoggyBloggy, I feel much the same way about voting for Ron Paul - the only candidate whose "views" are most closely aligned with mine.

Mimi, I fear in the end they will all be sitting down.

Dana said...

Buffalodickdy, I think I need to do a Ron Paul post (or maybe you do). He really is a fascinating candidate and I especially admire his quest to get back to the upholding the constitution.

Sassy, it will be an interesting election. The country is in a peculiar position.

R.E.H., I won't flog you yet - only if she wins *giggle*

Dana said...

PP, that might be the best show of the entire campaign!

Michelle, I think that is an understatement!

DocMtCat said...

I agree 100% with your posting here. I am certainly not gender biased but I simply don't like Hillary. There are several reasons but the biggest one I could never accuratly put into words. You have done that for me. "she hasn't mastered the art of phony" you can tell she is pissing on you and trying to tell you it's raining. Thank you Dana. I am going to use that terminology when I discuss with others why I don't like her.

Just as an aside I see that we seem to read and enjoy the same blogs. I just found yours and I want to read more. I hope it's ok if I link to you on my blog. (and if you want to do the same that is great too)

Nice to meet you.

-Shane (doc)

Dana said...

Doc, thanks for stopping by! I have gladly added you to my blog roll!

Real Live Lesbian said...

I totally agree with you on Hilary...I just don't think I could stomach her as president.