The Democratic Convention

I haven't written much because I haven't watched all that much. I mean, honestly, it's a convention...

But I saw a couple of things, the Clinton speech, which I thought was excellent. My favorite thing about Clinton is when he talks about the differences between liberals and conservatives. I like how he lays out the issues and principals: liberals fundamentally believe in reaching out, in inclusion, whereas conservatives fundamentally believe in protecting our own narrow self interest. Conservatives think people are entitled to what they have. Liberals think people are entitled to have equal opportunities. And this fundamental difference extends to tax policies, war policies, foreign policies, and social policies. The question is where YOU as the voter, stand. When put that way, I know where I stand, and I think where most American's stand.

And I watched Kerry tonight. I don't think his strength is public speaking. He fumbled a few words and the speech itself wasn't all that inspiring, nor was the delivery. But I think Kerry-Edwards has a strong message and is a strong ticket. As far as I can tell, the campaign message is this:

1. We are in a unique position to bring our allies together on the Iraq issue, to help share the burden. With respect to the war on terror, we'll be tough and wise, rather than tough and reckless.

2. We'll repeal tax cuts to those we think need them least - the rich.

3. We'll make the economy better because we have a better track record of doing so than the Republicans in the past 12 years.

4. John Edwards is better than Dick Cheney.

I think these are all valid points and are the Dems strengths. I think they have a couple of weaknesses:

1. Bush is more charismatic than Kerry. It's a sad fact, but true, and will be an obstacle to overcome.

2. The policy of preemption. Bush is clearly in favor of it. Kerry hasn't said he's in favor of preemption, he wants to focus on his war record and the mess in Iraq and the need for our allies - the practical versus the ideological. This is a sticky area for Dems, because I think the party is deeply split on the issue, but doesn't want to talk about it. The pragmatists are in favor of preemption as a policy, unhappy with they Bush has used it. Others, the more left wing, do not think preemption is a policy, but a recipe for the extension of an American empire they fear. I'm not sure where Kerry stands on this. I'm not sure he's sure. I know the majority of American people ARE in favor of preemption as a policy. But I also know Kerry doesn't want to alienate his base, which is not in favor of preemption. This is a question of HOW to wage the war on terror. It will probably be the main determinant of the election and be more reflective of America giving Bush the thumbs up or thumbs down.