Reply #153: we agree [View All]

[Two Americas]

I am not excited about either candidate nor partial to either.

Obama made a bad move with his remarks in San Francisco. You couldn't script it better to reinforce the image - the appearance - of the "liberal elite" stereotype that the Republicans use to great effect, and that also is resented by many voters. Of course the result of that is going to be that he is "called out" for "being an elitist." My complaint is with all of the supporters denying that this - and many other similar things - are a problem, or say that they shouldn't be a problem, or say who cares if they are? It is not a matter of income or background, it is a matter of attitudes and appearances.

It is not as though I am asking us to compromise on any substantive political issues nor on principles - that is constantly done and is already accomplished. But do we have to revel in our superiority complex and self-righteousness? Why do we compromise year after year on all of the traditional principles and ideals of the party, but then absolutely refuse to compromise on rhetoric, style, tactics and strategy? - all of which need an overhaul, in my opinion.

Has self-righteousness become the actual goal of modern liberalism, rather than results? Has style become more important than substance? I think so, to some extent. We shouldn't then be surprised when voters reject us on matters of style and for our self-righteousness.

It isn't Obama's fault. There is a double standard in this country - Black men are held to a different set of standards and carry a higher burden when seeking positions of power.