Posted on 07/17/2008 8:06:13 AM PDT by SmithL
During my more than 60 years of covering national politics, I have never seen a candidate's principles and character so effectively tarnished — after so extraordinarily inspiring a start — as Barack Obama's. He has come to resemble another mellifluous orator I came to know in Boston during my first time reporting on a campaign — James Michael Curley, the skilful prestidigitator whom Spencer Tracy masterfully played in the movie "The Last Hurrah." Obama's deflation has not been due to ruthless opposition research by John McCain's team but by the "change" candidate himself. Like millions of Americans, I, for a time, was buoyed by not only the real-time prospect of our first black president but much more by the likelihood that Obama would pierce the dense hypocrisy and insatiable power-grabbing of current American politics.
Also, as a former teacher of constitutional law, Obama gave me "hope I could believe in" that he would rescue the Constitution's separation of powers, resuscitate the Bill of Rights and begin to restore our reputation around the world as a truly law-abiding nation.
Savoring the high expectations he had secured among so many Americans, Obama has decided he can also come closer to securing the Oval Office by softening his starlight enough to change some of his principles toward the calming center of our stormy political waters.
In a defense by Dan Gerstein, a New York political consultant — echoing what you'll be hearing more of from Obama's campaign operatives — the gossamer script goes: "He is trying to broaden his appeal to a larger electorate and to be true to this postpartisan, unifying message that he's been campaigning on." But instead of the ennobling clarion trombones of CHANGE we have been promised, this "adjusting" of one's principles has long been the common juggling...
(Excerpt) Read more at sacbee.com ...
If Obama could do the above, I'd vote for him too. Sadly, the stuff of dreams turns out to be just a dream. Vapor-ware. He's not the one people have been waiting for...
This gent thought a hard left-wing socialist would revive the Constituion? Must not be very bright.
I second your assessment
It is encouraging that Obama disillusionment is setting in this early. I’m even hearing attacks on him on Amy Goodman’s seditious radio show.
H
What shallow thinking brought you to "believe" in this "messenger" in the first place Nat, given the swamp of Chicago politics that he arose from? C'mon!
Come on, Nat. You've been around far too long to fall for that BS. You also should know that the "dense hypocrisy and insatiable power-grabbing" isn't exclusive to current American politics. Been around forever.
Stick to reviewing jazz albums.
Just believe, damnit.
is he black?
Hentoff disliked Clinton from the get-go.
Hentoff is also pro-life.
And he's one of the best jazz critics America has left.
He is a big civil libertarian and always very suspicious of law enforcement and the military. It's his big thing.
Nope. He is an old-school Brooklyn Jew. Very nice guy in person.
I always thought Hentoff was not a bad guy, especially since he is pro life. But I am surprised he ever thought a big government loving lefty like Obama could restore individual rights and freedoms. Just having him as a candidate squelches some free speech as many are afraid to attack him verbally, or poke fun at him.
The shine is starting to wear off The Messiah!
“.....after so extraordinarily inspiring a start.....”
Sorry I missed the part regarding anything “inspiring”, at ANY juncture concerning Obama and his empty rhetoric.
Hentoff ought to know better.
These pundits who have been around for decades have overstayed their welcomes, and have proven to have ZERO influence on the public.
They only write for each other.
Hentoff has a right to be suspicious of the military if he wishes, but their approval (71%) compared to Congress (9%) would suggest that his suspicions are misplaced.
The bloom is starting to fall from the rose.
Now if only McCain would take the gloves off, roll up his sleeves, stop apologizing, and start his campaign, things would be fine.
He doesn’t know better because like all “journalists” he panders and coddles black people.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
