Tonight in Las Vegas is the first Democratic Party debate for the 2016 Presidential nomination. Just as during the thus far, two Republican presidential debates, the Intramuralist will be watching. We plan to watch each debate, as we care deeply about who becomes President — and what each candidate says and believes in. We watch because we want to know; we want to understand; and we want as much information as possible — especially embracing any info which has not been manipulated via the editorialized efforts of any media or by the hands of any intentionally crafted campaign.
I must admit, I was a little dismayed by the many who took to the tweets and airwaves after the initial Republican debate turns. I heard some cries in regard to what “fools” or “losers” they were/are — with no candidate deserving their attention — none having anything worthwhile to contribute or say. I wondered if those observers had watched the same few hours I did… I wondered if such is appropriate to say about any person or party… I also wondered if some had their minds made up before they ever started watching…
Oh, we can be such an arrogant people… we each can… we all can… I so crave humility and objectivity…
I thus look forward to tonight’s debate. I look forward to what the following will say…
— Former Sec. of State/First Lady Hillary Clinton
— Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders from Vermont
— Former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley
— Former U.S. Senator from Virginia Jim Webb
— And Republican-turned-Democrat, Gov. Lincoln Chafee from Rhode Island
Coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. EST on CNN.
I look especially forward to insights from O’Malley, Webb, and Chafee. They seem somewhat drowned out by the current sounds of mainstream media; I want to hear the candidates speak for themselves. I’d like to hear what they have to say and attempt to sense what’s most important to them.
I also look forward to the comments from Clinton and Sanders. Hillary seems potentially, significantly ethically scarred. I mean no disrespect. I simply can’t discern what she most believes in and whether or not she is honest with us; I sense too many responses that seem overtly calculated. She’s certainly not alone in being intentional in how she responds, yet her perceived, detailed calculation makes this semi-humble observer uncomfortable. Granted, my perception may be inaccurate; it also is a perception shared by many across the country. Authenticity is a problem.
Then there’s (“Feel the Bern?”) Sanders, who is obviously the “anti-Hillary” candidate — meaning he’s admirably authentic and we know what he believes in; we aren’t questioning whether or not he’s being honest with us (… I like that in whom I vote for!). The challenge is that Bernie is a self-identified Socialist (his words — not mine). He believes in a Socialist approach to solving our already heavily debt-laden economy, even though Socialism has historically led to an oppressive, economically-destructive form of government — as good as all the populist free stuff sounds. To be fair, Bernie says he is a “democratic socialist,” meaning he is not expressing a desire to replace capitalism nor confiscate private property. He instead lauds Scandinavian social democracy. Such still serves as a far more extensive role of government in the American citizen’s life — something each of us attracted to his authenticity should also work to comprehend. We need to research. We need to listen well.
So let’s listen. Maybe we’re wrong. Maybe I’m wrong. I’m sure I’m wrong about something… maybe lots.
But I have a feeling I will be sitting back tonight, keeping an open mind, still craving something more.
Where is Joe, anyway?
There’s just something about Biden’s gaffes that President-or-not, is relatable and endearing. I kind of like that.
… yes… desiring for relatable, endearing, authentic, and economically sound.
Can someone find the remote?
Respectfully…
AR