The Star Wars Democratic Debate 3.0
- Details
- Category: Politics
- Published: Sunday, 20 December 2015 21:12
- Written by Attorney Camara Williams
by Attorney Camara Williams
Confession; I actually forgot the debate was happening on Saturday night until 48 hours ago (thank God for DVR). I would feel bad about this but I think that DNC chair Debbie Wasserman-Shultz planned it that way. These debate times are designed for low viewing and fewer criticism. We are already half way through the debate schedule and less than half of America is even tuned into the Democratic side.
Speaking of the DNC there was quite a kerfuffle between Sen. Bernie Sanders camp and Sec. Hillary
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Clinton, regarding data breach mix up and what not (more on that in moment). Nothing says the weekend before Christmas like policy debates. Let's get to it.
Sen. Bernie Sanders:
"Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? hmmmm. And well you should not. For my ally is the Force, and a powerful Ally it is" -Yoda
This quote goes to uncle Bernie based on his polling lower than Aunty Hillary (down 29 points nationally) but close in Vermont and Iowa. However, his numbers don't tell the entire the story. His rallies are full and his energy in his base rivals Trumps on the other side. Also it should be noted that at this time a guy by the name of Sen. Barack Obama was trailing then Sen. Hillary Clinton by 31 points, as you well know the rest is history. As far as tonight who would of thought that Sen. Sanders and Sen. Cruz find some common ground as far as an isolationist strategy. He consistently reminded people that he voted against the War in Iraq and he is against regime change. The problem with Bernie is foreign policy is not his strong suit, and as this campaign season moves forward and international policy and domestic terrorism becomes the forefront issue in most Americans minds. Bernie needs to address this if he intends on running a true national campaign. I'm not gonna address Bernie's domestic economic policies because that is well detailed. All in all I am not sure that Bernie sold a national brand. Lastly as far as the "Data" issue, I will say this. I can't think of a better issue for the Bernie voters to rally against. They are a "me against the world" group. So the DNC coming after him did nothing but energize his base. However, he needs more than his base to be successful.
Gov. Martin O' Malley:
"Soon I will rest, yes, forever sleep. Earned it I have. Twilight is upon me, soon night must fall" - Yoda
Cousin O' Malley had done everything he except commit human sacrifice on live T.V. in order to get people's attention. It's not working. With each passing day it becomes more and more obvious that Martin O'Malley is strictly hanging around for future cabinet position (by bowing out and throwing his weight behind a candidate). He is like that third wheel that doesn't get the hint to "beat it" when you're trying to get some alone time with your significant other. Tonight he made no real impact, he tried to remind voters (subtly) that he is the younger candidate. He wants to see the voters to see him as the counter program to uncle Bernie, but the "other-other" option to Aunty Clinton. He also tried to distinguish his position as the only candidate with executive experience. He mentioned his states performance in economic standing, gun control and social issues. But night is coming cousin O'Malley and we are all just waiting for him to go home.
Secretary Hillary Clinton:
"Strong is Vader. Mind what you have learned. Save you it can"- Yoda
We went for the trifecta with Yoda quotes tonight. I used this quote to highlight that it's feeling like a little like 2008 democratic primary-and then it's not. Not only is she a more refined candidate than 7 years ago. But she is also keenly aware not too ignore an energetic upstart campaign. I believe Aunty Clintons negative far outweigh her political history. Either you love her, or hate her (there is no in between). Voters have made up their mind on Hillary ten years ago, there is nothing any side can change that. Even her foreign policy acumen (which to some, is a weak point) is miles better than ANY candidate in the field (that includes republicans). As far as tonight she had a couple flubs (picking out China in the White House) but otherwise held it together. Tonight she took a strong stance in saying she supports a "no fly" zone and changing out regimes. Sanders and O'Malley both tried to say her position is antiquated. Voters will have decide if that is true. In the end, 2015 is over and she left the calendar the way she started it, leading in the polls. If your looking for positives you start there.
Closing thoughts:
"Your focus determines your reality"- Qui-Gon Jinn
There were four people involved in the debate tonight. Sanders, Clinton, O'Malley and Trump. He was mentioned so much I had to triple check to make sure that he wasn't on the stage. Name checking Trump is not only acknowledgment of his polling position, but it's used to put a face on the republican brand. They want to show themselves as a party that is in direct opposite of what they deem as non inclusive party. I enjoy Democratic debates because they include issues that the RNC wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole (wages, social issues, income equality, gun control to name a few). The DNC clearly scheduled these debates not to be seen, conspiracy theories for the reasons are for another post. All I have to say is that it's a shame that they would hide these issues from people who need to hear it the most. As we march towards 2016 both parties view international policy and Americas placement in the conversation very different. It's going to come down to who Americans feel gives them most protection.
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