Palin w/ Couric
I caught a brief interview w/ Palin on CBS news this early evening. She didn't do bad. The one answer I couldn't tolerate was a non-answer when Couric asked her what newspapers/magazines she read. She said "all of them." Couric almost laughed and was like, "no, which newspapers/magazines specifically do you read." Palin said, "you know, people think Alaska is like some foreign country, but we're really just a microcosm of America." I was like, no Palin, she just asked you what newspapers you read. I suspect she may not. A tad scary.
Then she talked about how she thought science - not creationism - should be taught in schools and how she believed in a culture of life, but obviously wasn't interested in locking anyone up for having an abortion. On all the rest of it, I thought she handled herself quite well.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Iran and Nukes
According to Robert Baer, Bush already vetoed Israel's desire to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities.
I suppose he doesn't get any credit for that from the left...who insist Bush wants an excuse to bomb Iran. Nevertheless, I suspect Baer is right: a deal can be cut. We're clearly already working with the Iranians to stem the violence in Iraq. Long ago, I proposed a grand bargain with the state.
Clearly, the Iranians have a good deal of leverage right now. If they are at all pragmatic, they must recognize this and be willing to negotiate. Or maybe they think by getting nukes at the moment, they'll have more long term leverage. They look at Iraq and see a weak rival. They look at oil revenues and see riches and future riches and they see the possibility of having a nuke and being a world power.
But they also must look at two long term issues: the sustainability of oil revenue and their more liberal younger generation. Islamic rule is not popular with the younger generation of Iranians and unlike Iraq, where Saddam ran the place like a demented prison, Iran's demographic future has promise. There are clearly at least some liberal and less hardline voices in within Iran. So the long term game may favor us - as new technologies arise, our dependence on oil should drop and hurt the Iranian economy. And in 20 years, a new generation of Iranians will be coming to power, presumably more liberal than the current generation. In Iran, unlike in Iraq, time may be on our side.
And a country vying to become a world power has something to lose - so our strategy becomes military containment, protecting our ally (Israel), sewing seeds of liberalism among the young, and waiting it out.
Well...at least it's an idea.
According to Robert Baer, Bush already vetoed Israel's desire to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities.
I suppose he doesn't get any credit for that from the left...who insist Bush wants an excuse to bomb Iran. Nevertheless, I suspect Baer is right: a deal can be cut. We're clearly already working with the Iranians to stem the violence in Iraq. Long ago, I proposed a grand bargain with the state.
Clearly, the Iranians have a good deal of leverage right now. If they are at all pragmatic, they must recognize this and be willing to negotiate. Or maybe they think by getting nukes at the moment, they'll have more long term leverage. They look at Iraq and see a weak rival. They look at oil revenues and see riches and future riches and they see the possibility of having a nuke and being a world power.
But they also must look at two long term issues: the sustainability of oil revenue and their more liberal younger generation. Islamic rule is not popular with the younger generation of Iranians and unlike Iraq, where Saddam ran the place like a demented prison, Iran's demographic future has promise. There are clearly at least some liberal and less hardline voices in within Iran. So the long term game may favor us - as new technologies arise, our dependence on oil should drop and hurt the Iranian economy. And in 20 years, a new generation of Iranians will be coming to power, presumably more liberal than the current generation. In Iran, unlike in Iraq, time may be on our side.
And a country vying to become a world power has something to lose - so our strategy becomes military containment, protecting our ally (Israel), sewing seeds of liberalism among the young, and waiting it out.
Well...at least it's an idea.
Concerning
The more I read about her foreign policy knowledge, the more it worries me. If it's possible I know more about Foreign Policy than Sarah Palin, then rest assured, she isn't qualified to be VP.
She may be a great mom, a good person, and a charismatic young politician. And I highly doubt she is evil or anti-feminist or any other of the other ridiculous charges I've heard leveled against her. But right now, I'm deeply suspicious about her competence. I mean, I wouldn't hire a talented first time director to make the next Batman movie. It just doesn't make any sense.
I guess we'll see a glimpse on Thursday night.
The more I read about her foreign policy knowledge, the more it worries me. If it's possible I know more about Foreign Policy than Sarah Palin, then rest assured, she isn't qualified to be VP.
She may be a great mom, a good person, and a charismatic young politician. And I highly doubt she is evil or anti-feminist or any other of the other ridiculous charges I've heard leveled against her. But right now, I'm deeply suspicious about her competence. I mean, I wouldn't hire a talented first time director to make the next Batman movie. It just doesn't make any sense.
I guess we'll see a glimpse on Thursday night.
Grades and Success
A post that starts out asking whether good grades lead to success and then devolves into a much more interesting subject - trying to define success.
A post that starts out asking whether good grades lead to success and then devolves into a much more interesting subject - trying to define success.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sullivan is Such An Obama Shill
I find it annoying. Sullivan is a great writer and incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the world. But he isn't objective. He gets all wrapped up and gung ho about one side or the other. When I first started reading him - it was the anti-war left who received most of his contempt. Then it switched to Bush when the war went sour. And then it turned into Obama gushing.
The problem is - he espouses doubt as a critical principal - his doubt about human nature and the ability to change the world is what grounds him as a conservative. It also drives his religious beliefs and is why he supports Obama - because he thinks Obama better reflects doubt and nuance than the certainty of the Bush administration and now, his perception of McCain.
What I find annoying: he espouses doubt, but doesn't apply it to any of his own positions. He passionately takes up causes and goes berserk over them, constantly criticizing those who disagree for their lack of doubt, and yet, expresses none of his own. He was flat-out wrong about the surge and to take his own position, wrong about the initial invasion. And he wasn't just subtly wrong - he was hugely, passionately wrong. Read his old columns about supporting the Iraq invasion, full of moral righteousness about removing Saddam, the evil dictator with WMDs and deriding the anti-war left for their inability to see evil when confronted with it. And then the turn around and tossing all of his anger towards the Bush administration for screwing the pooch and then railing against the surge as a continuation of a failed strategy. Yet it was precisely the opposite, a change in strategy that has salvaged either the war itself, or at the very least, saving the Iraq project from a total disaster. Either way, Sullivan was wrong.
I'll give him credit to copping to it later - he recognizes Gates and Patraeus's contributions to turning things around and if you agree with his anti-war positions - coming around to that as well after supporting the initial invasion. But one would think he might want to temper his ranting and raving and righteousness after being self-admittedly wrong so many times before about especially big issues to him.
In any case, this rant of my own came about from a small detail. He mentions in his Obama gush-fest McCain's inability to look at Obama throughout the debate and even afterwards as they shake hands. He interprets this as insecurity. Uh no. This is contempt. Or maybe something a bit more mild. McCain truly doesn't feel Obama belongs on the same stage as him. He thinks he's better than Obama. He may be right or may be wrong. But it isn't rooted in insecurity at all. It is rooted in a deep sense of "I'm better than him and can't believe no one else sees it but me." Again, McCain may be wrong, but it is arrogance which makes him feel this way, not insecurity. (Please no one try to make the bs psychoanalytical connection between the two). Look - the way McCain sees it - he served his country and performed his duty with honor. He fought for this country and lived in a Hanoi pit of hell for five years to save his honor. At a similar age, Obama spent time community organizing - a fru-fru profession trying to save the world with no obvious success in doing so and attending law school and working for a few years at a law firm. McCain was getting his teeth bashed in. Then, McCain comes home and works as Maverick Senator for 25 years, reaching across the aisle to try and govern and make this country a better place, learning first hand detail about our nations wars and foreign policy, the nature of different countries and their governments, trying to fix corruption in Washington and doing campaign finance reform. He fought with Democrats, he fought with Republicans, and made close friends with people on both sides. He earned everyone's respect by being himself and building relationships and governing well. Meanwhile, Obama, who is undoubtedly a bright young man, hits upon a wave of cultural popularity - he is a cultural phenomenon. Which is why McCain compared him to Britney Spears...three years ago no one knew who this guy was. But suddenly, he's got Che Guevera like buttons and shirts. Again, I don't this this tells the whole story, but I think it at least explains McCain's contempt for not Obama - the person, but Obama-the phenomenon. All McCain has done is live his life as an exceptional person, whereas Obama hit the jackpot and has become a figurehead of a cultural moment.
This is why McCain can't look at the guy.
I find it annoying. Sullivan is a great writer and incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the world. But he isn't objective. He gets all wrapped up and gung ho about one side or the other. When I first started reading him - it was the anti-war left who received most of his contempt. Then it switched to Bush when the war went sour. And then it turned into Obama gushing.
The problem is - he espouses doubt as a critical principal - his doubt about human nature and the ability to change the world is what grounds him as a conservative. It also drives his religious beliefs and is why he supports Obama - because he thinks Obama better reflects doubt and nuance than the certainty of the Bush administration and now, his perception of McCain.
What I find annoying: he espouses doubt, but doesn't apply it to any of his own positions. He passionately takes up causes and goes berserk over them, constantly criticizing those who disagree for their lack of doubt, and yet, expresses none of his own. He was flat-out wrong about the surge and to take his own position, wrong about the initial invasion. And he wasn't just subtly wrong - he was hugely, passionately wrong. Read his old columns about supporting the Iraq invasion, full of moral righteousness about removing Saddam, the evil dictator with WMDs and deriding the anti-war left for their inability to see evil when confronted with it. And then the turn around and tossing all of his anger towards the Bush administration for screwing the pooch and then railing against the surge as a continuation of a failed strategy. Yet it was precisely the opposite, a change in strategy that has salvaged either the war itself, or at the very least, saving the Iraq project from a total disaster. Either way, Sullivan was wrong.
I'll give him credit to copping to it later - he recognizes Gates and Patraeus's contributions to turning things around and if you agree with his anti-war positions - coming around to that as well after supporting the initial invasion. But one would think he might want to temper his ranting and raving and righteousness after being self-admittedly wrong so many times before about especially big issues to him.
In any case, this rant of my own came about from a small detail. He mentions in his Obama gush-fest McCain's inability to look at Obama throughout the debate and even afterwards as they shake hands. He interprets this as insecurity. Uh no. This is contempt. Or maybe something a bit more mild. McCain truly doesn't feel Obama belongs on the same stage as him. He thinks he's better than Obama. He may be right or may be wrong. But it isn't rooted in insecurity at all. It is rooted in a deep sense of "I'm better than him and can't believe no one else sees it but me." Again, McCain may be wrong, but it is arrogance which makes him feel this way, not insecurity. (Please no one try to make the bs psychoanalytical connection between the two). Look - the way McCain sees it - he served his country and performed his duty with honor. He fought for this country and lived in a Hanoi pit of hell for five years to save his honor. At a similar age, Obama spent time community organizing - a fru-fru profession trying to save the world with no obvious success in doing so and attending law school and working for a few years at a law firm. McCain was getting his teeth bashed in. Then, McCain comes home and works as Maverick Senator for 25 years, reaching across the aisle to try and govern and make this country a better place, learning first hand detail about our nations wars and foreign policy, the nature of different countries and their governments, trying to fix corruption in Washington and doing campaign finance reform. He fought with Democrats, he fought with Republicans, and made close friends with people on both sides. He earned everyone's respect by being himself and building relationships and governing well. Meanwhile, Obama, who is undoubtedly a bright young man, hits upon a wave of cultural popularity - he is a cultural phenomenon. Which is why McCain compared him to Britney Spears...three years ago no one knew who this guy was. But suddenly, he's got Che Guevera like buttons and shirts. Again, I don't this this tells the whole story, but I think it at least explains McCain's contempt for not Obama - the person, but Obama-the phenomenon. All McCain has done is live his life as an exceptional person, whereas Obama hit the jackpot and has become a figurehead of a cultural moment.
This is why McCain can't look at the guy.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Debate Thoughts
Okay...I watched it with a group of people and could only pay attention to about 50% of it. My initial impression was that McCain did a letter better than Obama. Part of that has to do with my expectations - I associate Obama with being a great speaker, cogent, articulate, etc. Whereas, I see McCain as clutsy and stumbling with words. I was struck, a bit, about how McCain seemed to have quite exhaustive knowledge on foreign issues and it made Obama look a little bit like a guy whose merely read a lot of books.
I think McCain did a good job about discussing the issue he is passionate about - national security - and how defeat can be catastrophic to the spirit of an army. His linking of a working strategy in Iraq to a proposed new strategy in Afghanistan made sense to me.
I don't understand why Obama didn't hit a little bit harder on the issue of resources, which is particular resonant right now with the Wall Street crisis and how Iraq - whether it was a wise strategic move or not - is ultimately also an issue of resources. Why didn't he try to pin McCain on the issue of how much is it going to cost and try to frame Iraq as not the only issue that faces America today. I also don't like how he keeps going back to opposing the war in the first place. Everyone knows that already. It's like if McCain kept bringing up he was tortured by the Vietcong. Alright buddy, we know the story. Don't need to hammer it home.
Fact remains, I don't think debates swing campaigns. I like them as information and entertainment. I much prefer them to stump speeches. I like when they go at each other a bit more. Maybe I'll need to rewatch this at some point, but I doubt it.
Also of note, McCain clearly has contempt for Obama. He didn't even look at him throughout the debate. He just thinks he's facing some cocky rookie.
On a total side note, on my way home I was listening to the radio commentary and spacing out a bit...worked a long hard day and had a few drinks. I'm waiting at a stop light and hear a faint honk behind me. I realize I'm at a right turn and can go on read. No big deal, right? So I go. Then by the next light a big Dodge pick up truck with tinted windows comes in and cuts me off right in front of the red light - really purposeless. I laugh and shrug - it's one of those - all right, buddy, that was a totally pointless driving maneuver. I'm too tired to give a shit. I'm driving a long Lincoln and the Dodge is in front of me, so I decide to come around and see what this douche bag looks like. As I pull up a big fatass hand sticks out the middle finger to me. Que me? I think. So I keep going and we pull up next to each other at the next stop light. He's yelling and I can't hear, so I roll down the window,
"Did I do something to you dude?"
"Fucking turn right on red you asshole!"
"That's what you're mad about - me not turning right on red?"
"Fuck you, I'm in a hurry, I'll pull over right now and kick your ass."
"You're mad over not turning right on a red?"
"You don't turn right because of the fucking cops?! Fuck you, man, I'm in a hurry." (there was a cop there - but I wasn't even thinking about it)
"You're crazy, dude. Totally crazy." I'm laughing at this point. The guy had those really fat arms - not exactly causing me to physically worry.
"Fuck you asshole. I'll kick your ass. Don't fucking laugh at me."
"Is something wrong with you, man?"
"Fuck you!"
There's nothing else to be said, so I shake my head and roll up the window. And then he rolls up his window because I think he began to realize his own colossal stupidity. I didn't feel like it was worth pointing out his illogic - he was angry over the 3 seconds I wasted him by not turning right, but wanted to pull over and fight on the side of Lincoln, which would have taken 5-10 minutes at least. I mean - where do you find these people? Do they train retards somewhere and give them big pick up trucks and let them cruise Lincoln street for a couple hours on a Friday evening before taking them back to the retard asylum. What type of role could this douche-bag play in society?
Anyhow, he sped away at the light really fast because he obviously had to be somewhere important. This is the second time I've seen road rage in LA. One time in traffic on Sunset some guy got out of his car and came up to me - I can't even remember what had happened. Maybe I cut him off. He was literally out of the car and wanted to fight. I think I was like, "Sorry dude, my bad." And he was yelling and freaking out and going crazy, and was like "What do you want me to do, what's done is done?"
To engage some loony on the road over something tiny and ridiculous seems to me a huge waste of time and potentially dangerous. If someone is nutty enough to freak over a right turn on red, there is seriously something wrong with their brain. I mean, I'm all in favor of right turns on reds. If someone forgets - give 'em toot, by all means. If you're really mad, a contemptible look. That I could tolerate. But the finger? And the offer to fight? Come on now...
Okay...I watched it with a group of people and could only pay attention to about 50% of it. My initial impression was that McCain did a letter better than Obama. Part of that has to do with my expectations - I associate Obama with being a great speaker, cogent, articulate, etc. Whereas, I see McCain as clutsy and stumbling with words. I was struck, a bit, about how McCain seemed to have quite exhaustive knowledge on foreign issues and it made Obama look a little bit like a guy whose merely read a lot of books.
I think McCain did a good job about discussing the issue he is passionate about - national security - and how defeat can be catastrophic to the spirit of an army. His linking of a working strategy in Iraq to a proposed new strategy in Afghanistan made sense to me.
I don't understand why Obama didn't hit a little bit harder on the issue of resources, which is particular resonant right now with the Wall Street crisis and how Iraq - whether it was a wise strategic move or not - is ultimately also an issue of resources. Why didn't he try to pin McCain on the issue of how much is it going to cost and try to frame Iraq as not the only issue that faces America today. I also don't like how he keeps going back to opposing the war in the first place. Everyone knows that already. It's like if McCain kept bringing up he was tortured by the Vietcong. Alright buddy, we know the story. Don't need to hammer it home.
Fact remains, I don't think debates swing campaigns. I like them as information and entertainment. I much prefer them to stump speeches. I like when they go at each other a bit more. Maybe I'll need to rewatch this at some point, but I doubt it.
Also of note, McCain clearly has contempt for Obama. He didn't even look at him throughout the debate. He just thinks he's facing some cocky rookie.
On a total side note, on my way home I was listening to the radio commentary and spacing out a bit...worked a long hard day and had a few drinks. I'm waiting at a stop light and hear a faint honk behind me. I realize I'm at a right turn and can go on read. No big deal, right? So I go. Then by the next light a big Dodge pick up truck with tinted windows comes in and cuts me off right in front of the red light - really purposeless. I laugh and shrug - it's one of those - all right, buddy, that was a totally pointless driving maneuver. I'm too tired to give a shit. I'm driving a long Lincoln and the Dodge is in front of me, so I decide to come around and see what this douche bag looks like. As I pull up a big fatass hand sticks out the middle finger to me. Que me? I think. So I keep going and we pull up next to each other at the next stop light. He's yelling and I can't hear, so I roll down the window,
"Did I do something to you dude?"
"Fucking turn right on red you asshole!"
"That's what you're mad about - me not turning right on red?"
"Fuck you, I'm in a hurry, I'll pull over right now and kick your ass."
"You're mad over not turning right on a red?"
"You don't turn right because of the fucking cops?! Fuck you, man, I'm in a hurry." (there was a cop there - but I wasn't even thinking about it)
"You're crazy, dude. Totally crazy." I'm laughing at this point. The guy had those really fat arms - not exactly causing me to physically worry.
"Fuck you asshole. I'll kick your ass. Don't fucking laugh at me."
"Is something wrong with you, man?"
"Fuck you!"
There's nothing else to be said, so I shake my head and roll up the window. And then he rolls up his window because I think he began to realize his own colossal stupidity. I didn't feel like it was worth pointing out his illogic - he was angry over the 3 seconds I wasted him by not turning right, but wanted to pull over and fight on the side of Lincoln, which would have taken 5-10 minutes at least. I mean - where do you find these people? Do they train retards somewhere and give them big pick up trucks and let them cruise Lincoln street for a couple hours on a Friday evening before taking them back to the retard asylum. What type of role could this douche-bag play in society?
Anyhow, he sped away at the light really fast because he obviously had to be somewhere important. This is the second time I've seen road rage in LA. One time in traffic on Sunset some guy got out of his car and came up to me - I can't even remember what had happened. Maybe I cut him off. He was literally out of the car and wanted to fight. I think I was like, "Sorry dude, my bad." And he was yelling and freaking out and going crazy, and was like "What do you want me to do, what's done is done?"
To engage some loony on the road over something tiny and ridiculous seems to me a huge waste of time and potentially dangerous. If someone is nutty enough to freak over a right turn on red, there is seriously something wrong with their brain. I mean, I'm all in favor of right turns on reds. If someone forgets - give 'em toot, by all means. If you're really mad, a contemptible look. That I could tolerate. But the finger? And the offer to fight? Come on now...
Suggestion for Landlords
Don't get drunk in the middle of the day and come over and bug the tenants when they are trying to finish up work so they can get to drinking and watching debates. It's just irritating. When you want to be drinking, and working hard so you can be entitled to drink, it's irritating to see others drunk and uncomfortable when making sexual jokes. BTW - old people - be put on notice - sex jokes by you guys are just weird and creepy.
Don't get drunk in the middle of the day and come over and bug the tenants when they are trying to finish up work so they can get to drinking and watching debates. It's just irritating. When you want to be drinking, and working hard so you can be entitled to drink, it's irritating to see others drunk and uncomfortable when making sexual jokes. BTW - old people - be put on notice - sex jokes by you guys are just weird and creepy.
Barber Shop Wisdom
Chris Rock is funny. Now, that was a waste of words.
KING: You must be ... proud that at this stage in our history a black man is running for president on a major ticket.
ROCK: Um, you know what? I'm proud Barack Obama's running for president. You know? If it was Flavor Flav, would I be proud? No. I don't support Barack Obama because he's black.
I look forward to a day when a black man and a white man can be on stage together talking - just like regular guys - when the white man doesn't have to play the doofus. Is that too much to ask?
Chris Rock is funny. Now, that was a waste of words.
KING: You must be ... proud that at this stage in our history a black man is running for president on a major ticket.
ROCK: Um, you know what? I'm proud Barack Obama's running for president. You know? If it was Flavor Flav, would I be proud? No. I don't support Barack Obama because he's black.
I look forward to a day when a black man and a white man can be on stage together talking - just like regular guys - when the white man doesn't have to play the doofus. Is that too much to ask?
Bailout vs. Insurance
What the House Republicans want instead of the Paulson bailout.
Interesting to me on two levels: the political gamesmanship and the different bailout theories.
What the House Republicans want instead of the Paulson bailout.
Interesting to me on two levels: the political gamesmanship and the different bailout theories.
Come On, Now...
Someone better give Public Musings some props here. I broke the Rosh Hashanah story before both Defamer and now, Nikki Finke.
Someone better give Public Musings some props here. I broke the Rosh Hashanah story before both Defamer and now, Nikki Finke.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I'm Not Going to Panic, But...
If you just go to CNN right now and read between the headlines:
1. Our troops are shooting at troops with a nuclear bomb.
2. Our financial system is in shambles, so much so, we have a bunch of government clowns debating over the bailout proposal. In my limited life experience, decisions crunched out like this in times of crisis are generally not good.
Sigh.
If you just go to CNN right now and read between the headlines:
1. Our troops are shooting at troops with a nuclear bomb.
2. Our financial system is in shambles, so much so, we have a bunch of government clowns debating over the bailout proposal. In my limited life experience, decisions crunched out like this in times of crisis are generally not good.
Sigh.
Clinton Shilling For McCain
In case it isn't obvious - Bill Clinton wants McCain to win so he can be back in the White House as first man in 2012.
In case it isn't obvious - Bill Clinton wants McCain to win so he can be back in the White House as first man in 2012.
On the Bailout
Howard Rodman of the USC Screenwriting Department and now Huffington Post contributor breaks down the bailout. I love how conservative liberals suddenly become when it comes to government intervention and how liberal-minded conservatives become when it comes to needing help.
Howard Rodman of the USC Screenwriting Department and now Huffington Post contributor breaks down the bailout. I love how conservative liberals suddenly become when it comes to government intervention and how liberal-minded conservatives become when it comes to needing help.
Reprinting an Email
I don't normally do this, but the email is too funny, for those of us who live in assistant-land:
Hey Ryan-
I’m sorry, b/c I’m covering for Lindsey’s usual asst., could you tell me, who’s Rosh Hashanah and why would he/she affect Kristi’s meeting with KN and MC?
Thanks! I really appreciate it!
Michelle
UPDATE: Now it's on Defamer.
I don't normally do this, but the email is too funny, for those of us who live in assistant-land:
Hey Ryan-
I’m sorry, b/c I’m covering for Lindsey’s usual asst., could you tell me, who’s Rosh Hashanah and why would he/she affect Kristi’s meeting with KN and MC?
Thanks! I really appreciate it!
Michelle
UPDATE: Now it's on Defamer.
Impulse Decision
McCain makes impulse decisions when they aren't necessary. His decision to suspend his campaign and probably miss the debate doesn't make sense. Yesterday I suggest he was wussing out. I don't really think it's the case. I think he simply has a tendency to "go with his gut," and is too old and stubborn to change. When his gut is wrong, he looks silly and either backtracks or just keeps going. Sometimes, this kind of decision-making is best. In sports, for instance. Taking the extra base in baseball. Taking it right at the defender in soccer. In war, I assume, it is equally smart - the keep the enemy off balance.
But in terms of governing and creating policy, I don't see how gut-level decision making is the smart way to go. Certain activities and decisions should be the result of deliberate thought - writing a novel, getting married, buying a home. Impulse may play a part in these things - a moment of inspiration, love at first sight, or that first - blink - moment you see a house and know you want to move in. But you temper those moments with thought and deliberation. Anyhow - McCain's done it twice now on major public decisions - the Palin pick and the suspension of his campaign. I suspect he got it right (for him) on Palin and wrong (for him) on suspending the campaign. .500 is a good batting average, but pretty shitty when it comes to public policy.
McCain makes impulse decisions when they aren't necessary. His decision to suspend his campaign and probably miss the debate doesn't make sense. Yesterday I suggest he was wussing out. I don't really think it's the case. I think he simply has a tendency to "go with his gut," and is too old and stubborn to change. When his gut is wrong, he looks silly and either backtracks or just keeps going. Sometimes, this kind of decision-making is best. In sports, for instance. Taking the extra base in baseball. Taking it right at the defender in soccer. In war, I assume, it is equally smart - the keep the enemy off balance.
But in terms of governing and creating policy, I don't see how gut-level decision making is the smart way to go. Certain activities and decisions should be the result of deliberate thought - writing a novel, getting married, buying a home. Impulse may play a part in these things - a moment of inspiration, love at first sight, or that first - blink - moment you see a house and know you want to move in. But you temper those moments with thought and deliberation. Anyhow - McCain's done it twice now on major public decisions - the Palin pick and the suspension of his campaign. I suspect he got it right (for him) on Palin and wrong (for him) on suspending the campaign. .500 is a good batting average, but pretty shitty when it comes to public policy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)