I’ve long been fascinated by the process of personal change. Lately, I’ve especially been interested in how people change their minds. What better time than election season to see how the most powerful people in the world attempt to convince, dupe, or otherwise persuade their fellow Americans to think like they do — at least until the votes are counted.
Before the Democrats started duking it out for the nomination, I had my heart set on Barak Obama. On a policy level, I couldn’t see much difference between the top candidates, and I thought Obama’s inspirational rhetoric and diverse background might mobilize everyday citizens to get off the couch and actively participate in making positive change happen. I viewed Hillary Clinton as a polarizing figure that would only widen the chasm between an already divided nation. She also struck me as a shifty, do-whatever-it-takes-to-get-elected politician.
Somewhere along the line, Hillary won me over, not only because I came to realize that ALL the major candidates, including Obama, are shifty politicians, but also because Clinton repeatedly demonstrated a masterful ability to express her views, giving off an air of supreme confidence and competence. I still prefer Obama as the Democratic nominee, because I think he has a better chance to heal major divisions in this country and because lengthening the Bush-Clinton dynastic chain hurts our credibility as a shining example of democracy. As she showed last night, however, Hillary is an impressive speaker who can energize and mobilize voters. Which leaves me scratching my head as to why Obama did not choose her as his running mate. Hmmm…
I agree with Rudy Giuliani’s comments that choosing Hillary was a “no-brainer.” The atmosphere of enthusiasm and raw energy that defined Obama’s bid for the democratic nomination is fading fast, and bringing Hillary aboard would undoubtedly have re-energized his campaign and rallied millions of voters. I suppose one could make the argument that Joe Biden makes more sense from an “electoral map” or “undecided voter” perspective, but that’s assuming Hillary supporters will vote Obama whether or not she’s on the ticket. I just think the energy and enthusiasm factor was too much to sacrifice. So why did Obama pass Clinton over? Perhaps she didn’t want the job. Maybe they really don’t like each other. Who knows?
Meanwhile, the McCain campaign will continue to try to persuade us with the “experience” argument. Weak. After all, who’s got more experience on a presidential level than George W. Bush? Eight long years. He’s BEEN commander-in-chief. He’s met with all the world leaders. And if he could run again, I have no doubt he’d be neck-and-neck with Obama in the polls, just like McCain is. Because people’s voting habits have little to do with a preference for “experience.” People prefer the status quo because they fear change. And that’s how Karl Rove and Company play their game, by playing on Americans’ fears.
I think the energy and optimism of an Obama/Clinton ticket would’ve overcome that fear. It remains to be seen what Joe Biden can do, and whether or not Obama can re-energize Democrats and convince the fearful undecideds to give him a chance.