In Lay Terms

Random Ramblings From a Church Nerd

Saturday, February 02, 2008

To Caucus or Not to Caucus

I don't usually dip into politics here, mainly because I tend to sound dumb whenever I try. However, Super-Duper Amazing Tuesday is quickly approaching, and I'm not sure what I want to do.

I listen to NPR (or MPR, as it's known in Minnesota), so I should be well informed enough to make a decision. But I'm not. I'm torn between Hillary and Obama. What's amazing is, I'm not torn about the Republican race. I think our best chance is with McCain as president. I just don't trust/like the other guys enough.

But I'm not a Republican. I don't really want McCain to be our next president.

I also remember my last caucus experience. Let me just say, I wasn't impressed. It was scattered and unorganized. There was a guy trying to lead things up front, and an older lady who remembered how this used to work. My caucus experience makes me want to be in a state that has a primary. If we are here to nominate a candidate for president and senate (as we do this year), then maybe we should just deal with that. Yeah, yeah, I get the idea that we are building a platform, but I see more conversation about the process than about the issues.

Anyway, yesterday at work, we had a gospel singer in chapel. She's a regular guest at our chapel, and she often brings at least one of her children with her. Her kids are all these amazing gospel singers (like the backup singer to the late Luther Vandross). Anyway, the daughter makes a comment about going to see Obama the next day. I tell her that I'm impressed, because MPR said that his rally at the Target Center sold out in within 24 hours. Apparently, she thought that I was really disappointed, because she got me two tickets.

So today, we went to see Obama! All the publicity told us that it would start at 1:30, then we got word that the doors would open at 1:30. So, we decided that we would get there at 1:30 and take whatever bad seats we get. We stood in a line for about an hour and 15 minutes before we moved. I'm very glad that I convinced us to stand in the skyway and not outside. Even after the line moved, it still took a while to get in. We got in a little after 3:00 and found some seats. Then, we waited until 4:00 to hear Obama speak.

I need to back up, because as we were running errands this morning, I heard a news clip that said that Hillary would be speaking at the college where I work tomorrow. So, we got in to see her tomorrow in our gymnasium (which will be a lot smaller than the Target Center). I'm excited to be able to compare the two candidates in person for myself.

Obama was good. I can see his charisma. I like how he talks about hope and how we really move forward in this country. He didn't get into policy as much as I would have liked. I guess that's what debates are for.

Tomorrow, Hillary will talk about the economy. I'm guessing that will be more policy-oriented than the rally today. It may not be a direct comparison, but at least I can figure out who I should support.

On top of all that, the other realization I made is that I have a class on Tuesday night, and I can't attend the caucus anyway.

All this comparison is for not.

5 Comments:

Blogger Chris Duckworth said...

You're teaching the class, right? What a great example to set, to show your students that some things - such as voting - is worth making time for.

Just a thought. I know going out to vote - particularly in a caucus that is scheduled for a particular time of day - is difficult. But it would be great if you would caucus . . . (for Obama).

Peace.

9:02 PM  
Blogger Chris Duckworth said...

That is, cancel the class. I somehow forgot to suggest that in my comment. Sorry.

9:05 PM  
Blogger Ross said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

11:25 AM  
Blogger Ross said...

Oh, I just realized what you meant. I'm not teaching the class, I'm taking the class, so I have no control over it's scheduling. In fact, we discussed it last week, and we were told that it would not be canceled.

I'm not teaching this semester, but I realize how great it would be to use a political campaign as a forum for critical thinking.

11:27 AM  
Blogger Eric said...

Hmm, i'm on the fence too. Not planning to see either of the two candidates in person here in california. However, the TV ads have begun to ramp up.

I've only recently been somewhat interested in politics. Much of my world view shifted after I reconciled my faith and sexuality.

But I hold no party loyalties and I'm not a die hard poli-sci guy. I think i'm lazy. However, I did look at a comparison chart between the candidates and where they stood on various issues.

Sigh. Who shall I vote for?

I'm thinking Obama for this Tues and Hillary for November. I'm not quite sure Obama will win the nomination but a Hillary-Obama ticket I'd support.

I think I just blogged inside your comments.

12:43 PM  

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