Posted by
KWG on Thursday, July 17, 2008 5:29:06 PM
I was at a party the other day, aimlessly and mindlessly conversing with other partygoers when, out of the corner of an ear, I heard a political conversation being struck up. Bearing in mind that this party was hosted by more than a few left-coasters and Californians, I decided to keep my mouth shut and eavesdrop for awhile to see where that conversation would lead.
The two young partygoers were discussing the '08 race and Barack Obama's candidacy. They were both lefties who weren't even close to thinking reasonably on many subjects. One, however, expressed hesitance in voting for Obama. Despite his desire to be involved in such an "historic" "important" candidacy, and to be a part of such a great "movement" (not hyperbole that I use when describing how he thinks of the Obama campaign), he was worried that Obama was a little too hawkish for him.
These two partygoers were agreed that McCain, naturally, is a warmongering maniac who will absolutely invade Iran the first chance he gets. While they both agreed that Obama was far too aggressive in general, one was on the border of not wanting to vote for him due to the fear that he would engage in a war with Iran.
Normally, I give people the benefit of the doubt. I think people are smart, and generally reasonable. And given, this was at a "house party," in which people are not going to be, generally, in the most aware state of mind. But you would have to be insane to actually think these things.
How does one even draw from any campaign rhetoric, published materials, press conferences, debates, etc., this kind of extremism? Is it just a reflection of the terrified worldview of the progressive Left? Is it a pretended affirmation of what they actually believe? Do they think that taking a tough-talk stance with state sponsors of terrorism is equated to a desire to invade said states? Perhaps they are setting their goals so low and believing them to be a real possibility (invading Iran) that they'll be pleased when those goals are met. After all, I could genuinely believe that the Constitution will be tossed into the fire if Barack Obama is elected, and when he doesn't literally do that, I'll be pleased.
[Note: I certainly don't believe this.]
My most reliably left-leaning friend expounded upon his genuine belief that McCain's economic plans are extremist right-wing. While I myself may be considered an extremist when it comes to laissez-faire, this is just attempting to justify one's own hatred. McCain's economic plan is basically center-right, as Barack's is center-left. (Note: I'm counting purely economic measures, not un-economic measures intended to help other areas of life, like healthcare and the environment).
As I’ve said before: Perhaps I’m naïve in not wanting to label Barack Obama an out-and-out communist, but I certainly will defend anyone from the charge of extremism.