The Last Good Campaign, part II

I've been thinking about last week's posting on the article in June's Vanity Fair about Robert F. Kennedy.

The interesting connection by people of that generation for RFK (rather than his brother JFK) was that Bobby's 82 day campaign touched heartstrings. JFK's campaign (and 1000 day Presidency) was "of the head" - and, as Campaign Manager, Bobby ran that '60 race for his brother . RFK's later change of heart on race issues and Viet Nam challenged politics of the late 60's to the core...of the Nation's Heart. In a sense, Sen. Obama's race seems to be doing the same thing, 40 years later.

And the GOP doesn't get it, I don't think.

Just as '68 produced Richard Nixon's second race for the Presidency, John McCain's second race for the Presidency forces him to wrestle with his own old age and old style. Is he ready for Obama?

The comparison between RFK and Sen. Obama is a close one.

I would argue that the nation is in need of a "newness" that may very well fly hard against the "tried and true" politics of DC. In fact, a "President Obama's" next 4 years could end up as pitiful as Jimmy Carter's did from 77-81. It could all come crashing down because Barrack Obama is not "in with the in crowd".

But I doubt it. If America signals that it wants "newness" we will have NEWNESS.... The key will be WHO ELSE America sends to DC in the US Congress and Senate. From those crowds will come newer faces, newer ideas and newer tomorrows. Are there RFKs in the wings of American politics? I believe there are. America has a way of producing new men and women to challenge the heart of this nation. RFK's impact 40 years ago reverberates today.

Change of mind, change of course, change of history. That's why I see value in working towards progressive conservativism.

Den

Comments

[Andrew Rampenthal]

Thanks Uncle Den for explaination. TR was a great President and did a lot for the U.S. He had great ideas. The GOP has really went off course these past few years.

Your totally correct Obama is capturing the hearts of Americans, while the GOP has nothing, no movement, no big voice to bring in the votes. I agree Obama certainly will bring in a lot of the young voters, only most of these young ones are liberal and want the government to take care of them which Obama will certainly try to do. The GOP desperately needs someone to appeal to young voters and reach out, show them that the GOP is the real progressive party and will bring change from old broken policies.

[Believer]

But all talk with no clear plan does us no good. Polarizing without substance leads to more disillusionment. And I have a strong distrust of anyone who seeks power. I have never known anyone who wanted power for the opportunity to help others with no ulterior motive of their own--the same reasons as you gave for people who acquire wealth. I would be far more likely to trust someone who was handed a mantle, rather than someone who chased it. Jesus never sought power, yet He had more power than any in history. We are in troubled times, my friend.

[Dennis Mansfield]

Thanks, Andrew, for checking in.

The concept behind progessive conservativism is captured in TR's presidency of 100 years ago. The GOP leaders readily count TR in their list of great Presidents, and then they fail to even acknowledge the "what" behind his greatness. He tackled corporate greed, he championed the environment and he stood for the little guy. He brought things into the light.

Forget about Obama's unspecific and darkly-held policy goals - he IS capturing the hearts of Americans - while the GOP is asleep in their light.

The comparison of RFK and Obama, may (I hope) not include the ultimate life/death outcome - but it may, it just may, bring a huge new faction of young people to the polls...and my call is that they probably aren't gonna vote for a grandpa.
Den

[Andrew Rampenthal]

Hey Uncle Den,

I agree with the United States needing "Newness" in politics in D.C. I just dont see it in Obama, or whats appealing about him. I find that a lot of whats behind him is an act, hes being propped up by the media. Looking at the radical people he associates with is frightening. I think hes an illusion, I've actually come to think better of Hillary Clinton then Obama, and thats saying a lot, haha. If he won the election I believe he would be a Jimmy Carter all over again.

Im not quite certain what you mean by progressive conservatism.
Maybe fresh ideas, new ways of doing things, being larger champions of the enviroment?
I know conservatism is more about change and progressing the country and helping people then any other faction.
I do agree Americans are hungry for a new era in politics.
Andrew