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Friday, November 21, 2008

2008 The Silent Rejoicing

Posted by Charles Mudede on Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 11:50 AM

As GOP deals with one contradiction (the alliance between fiscal conservatives and social conservatives), new contradictions are rearing their heads. This is such a one.

(Whisper)
Can we talk privately—off the record as they say in the news business?

You won't repeat what I am about to share with you? Promise?

I have a deep, dark secret that has been festering within me for well over a week now. It is driving me mad—or madder, according to my doctor and the local pharmacist.

You see I am a hard core conservative. Die-in-the-wool, Reaganite. To the right of Atilla the Hun.

Lower taxes, school vouchers, strong defense, and patriotism with a capital P.

Which means that I always vote Republican. Always—even when the GOP ticket is headed by a candidate with whom I disagree on many issues, as was the case in 2008.

So, naturally, I voted for John McCain on November 4th, although he is not, in my opinion, a real conservative.

As the election returns started pouring in on election night, it became clear early on that Barack Obama was going to be the 44th president of the United States.

Which is not the result that I was hoping for.

However, as the evening proceeded, I found myself rejoicing, silently, over the fact that America had elected an African-American to the presidency.

Mind you, I did not, would not, could not, vote for Obama. Not because of his race, but because of his policies which I find wrong headed and dangerous.

Still, it seems to that Obama's victory was much larger than liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican. Or ideology.

Partisan politics be damned, at least for one night.

This was America at her very best!

Though we find in this confession no sense whatsoever, the same strange thing probably happened to lots of folks on the right: They were proud to be a part of a historic passing they voted to prevent. And what other secrets do these people have? Do they secretly admire Obama and his family? Do their souls secretly glow with rejoicing when Obama gets all into his presidential mode? Do their hearts clap when Obama stands in front of the White House? A handsome black man is standing in front of the White House—how the heart claps at this. How weird this America is sometimes.

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My favorite theory is this: they think they'll be able to claim that racism is dead.

Posted by Mike in Renton on November 21, 2008 at 12:34 PM

January 20th is going to be one big celebration!

Posted by Vince on November 21, 2008 at 12:34 PM

About a hundred or so years ago evangelical Christians were generally pro-Darwinism, and not anti-abortion, and they had no love for capitalism. Which is to say they don't really carry very strong values or deeply-held beliefs. They think they do. The main thing with them is their love of hating whoever believes something else. They are easily manipulated and will hop on just about any bandwagon under the right circumstances.

Posted by elenchos on November 21, 2008 at 12:47 PM

What is the person making the secret confession is black himself (or herself)?

Posted by scharrera on November 21, 2008 at 12:52 PM

"...we find.."

No we don't Charles; YOU do.

First person singular Charles. This is not the the 19th century or one of the colonies....

Now what was your point? Did you have one?

Posted by hartiepie on November 21, 2008 at 1:05 PM

I think it is possible, though not common, to respect and even like a politician despite having voted against him.

Posted by matt on November 21, 2008 at 1:05 PM

@4, I hope the person in the story IS black because it would show evidence of a person voting their head instead of their heart. If the person is black, I would thank them for still voting for who they believe is best for pres instead of voting for the person who looked most like him or herself.

Posted by Urgutha Forka on November 21, 2008 at 1:07 PM

"...we find..."

No we don't, Charles; YOU do.

First-person singular. This isn't the 19th century England or one of the colonies.

Now, what was your point---or did you have one??

Posted by hartiepie on November 21, 2008 at 1:09 PM

I find it incredible that--despite the obvious reality that the last eight years have been an obscene failure for all of their policies and a massive, historic disaster for our nation and the world--these wingtards think that Obama's policies are dangerous. Moronic psychos.

Posted by Original Andrew on November 21, 2008 at 1:10 PM

Perhaps they simply like to "bask in the reflected glory," as social psychologists call it, of the success of Obama and his supporters. The celebration was so grand and so historic, even if your team loses you still kind of want to put on the other team's jersey so you can be part of the fun.

Posted by Mark_Brooklyn on November 21, 2008 at 1:10 PM

John W. Lillpop? He white!
http://www.borderfirereport.net/john-w.-…

Posted by mudede on November 21, 2008 at 1:23 PM

If an African-American, die-hard conservative candidate had been elected, I'd feel much the same as the author. Although I'd be seriously concerned as to what would happen to this nation under yet another conservative, I couldn't help but appreciate the historic milestone of finally electing an African-American as President. I wasn't certain such a thing could happen in my lifetime. It wouldn't change my vote, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t respect the significance.

Posted by TK on November 21, 2008 at 1:36 PM

@9,

Yeah, they're absolutely terrified of a repeat of the Clinton years' peace and prosperity.

Although that kind of makes sense. So many conservatives can barely conceal their misanthropy and nihilism. I'm sure they're much happier when the world is going to shit, as long as they've got theirs.

Posted by keshmeshi on November 21, 2008 at 2:03 PM

The best part of it is that America has now taken 1st prize as Coolest Nation on Earth.

Think about it: has there ever been Hispanic-Chinese leader of China?

Has there ever been a Somali-Australian leader of Australia?

France went as far as...what...Eastern Europe for a leader?

See, we aced all the naysayers and came out with a guy who is smart and the leader of the whole world right now.

Posted by John Bailo on November 21, 2008 at 2:07 PM

You can't be a fiscal conservative if you vote Socialist Republican.

Everyone knows that ...

Posted by Will in Seattle on November 21, 2008 at 2:24 PM

Personally, I think this person is full of shit.

Posted by bobbo on November 21, 2008 at 2:36 PM

it's no secret confession - conservatives like huckabee are taking credit for america's signal achievement all over the airwaves. "aren't we something?". well, WE are, but YOU ain't.

Posted by Max Solomon on November 21, 2008 at 2:39 PM

Perhaps it would make sense if it were in Ebonics?

Posted by oliver Hagley on November 21, 2008 at 3:07 PM

@18 - what, the GOP Handbook?

Hmm, probably.

Posted by Will in Seattle on November 21, 2008 at 4:15 PM

Lower taxes, school vouchers, strong defense, and patriotism with a capital P.

Although this guy is more thoughtful than most far-right wingnuts, he still doesn't have a clue what it means to be American, and to be patriotic in the best sense.

'Patriotism with a capital P' isn't defined as supporting Republicans, or with supporting every war, or with blind allegiance (and a blank check) to the Defense Dep't.

True patriotism, as one of Bill Maher's guest's recently explained so eloquently, is like giving tough love to a child ...being able to guide & criticize & make adjustments for the betterment of all concerned.

That at the core is what gives our country great potential. Blind allegiance to "leaders", which is what guys like this espouse, is NOT patriotic in the least.

Posted by blackhook on November 21, 2008 at 5:56 PM