Guest
09-27-2008, 05:07 PM
I am a lifelong member of organized construction labor and lean towards the Democratic party more often than not. That being said, I hold a major distrust of all politicians especially on the national level. And I always vote for I do consider it a privilege.
It seems quite feasible to assume the major political parties assess their chances of winning national elections far in advance. If in a cycle of party turmoil and adverse national opinion I believe they throw their weak, old or perceived troublemakers into the ring to run for our highest office, perhaps with the thought that a loss would make that “liability” go away. Maybe it is for no other reason than a favor to a political family or swan song to an aging member of Congress. All of this prompts the “Christians and the Lions” theory. The past 40+ years have given us the likes of Goldwater, Kennedy, McGovern, Dole, GW and Kerry. In retrospect did Goldwater, McGovern or Dole ever really have a chance or be expected to win? Of course there are exceptions with Kennedy and GW (2000) actually winning close elections and Kerry making a strong showing.
I think this year is “Christians and the Lions” 2008 version. I don’t feel the Republican leadership truly expects McCain to win and has proved to be a thorn in their side in the past. But he is more than holding his own in a tough “anti Bush” environment. Can he win? I don’t think so, but we will certainly find out that answer in less than 6 weeks.
It seems quite feasible to assume the major political parties assess their chances of winning national elections far in advance. If in a cycle of party turmoil and adverse national opinion I believe they throw their weak, old or perceived troublemakers into the ring to run for our highest office, perhaps with the thought that a loss would make that “liability” go away. Maybe it is for no other reason than a favor to a political family or swan song to an aging member of Congress. All of this prompts the “Christians and the Lions” theory. The past 40+ years have given us the likes of Goldwater, Kennedy, McGovern, Dole, GW and Kerry. In retrospect did Goldwater, McGovern or Dole ever really have a chance or be expected to win? Of course there are exceptions with Kennedy and GW (2000) actually winning close elections and Kerry making a strong showing.
I think this year is “Christians and the Lions” 2008 version. I don’t feel the Republican leadership truly expects McCain to win and has proved to be a thorn in their side in the past. But he is more than holding his own in a tough “anti Bush” environment. Can he win? I don’t think so, but we will certainly find out that answer in less than 6 weeks.