Comments on: Rival of One: Obama’s Greatest Political Move To Date

By: Matthew Dickinson

Matthew Dickinson — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:11:01 +0000

The short answer is, no, there is no one to play the McCarthy to Clinton’s RFK. The usual suspects are either not running (Dean) or lack the gravitas to be taken seriously (Kucinich), or both (Nader). Bloomberg – if he’s a Democrat – would be the best bet. Gore is tainted. Otherwise, the Democratic bench is bare – which says something about the party more generally.

By: paul e peterson

paul e peterson — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:28:27 +0000

For Clinton to run, another Democrat needs to enter
the race (Bobby Kennedy’s McCarthy)and demonstrate that
the sitting president is vulnerable. I am waiting
for you to identify who that might be. I suppose
your fellow Vermonter is one possibility but I think he has had his day.
Is there any one else out there, now that Weiner is not available?

By: Matthew Dickinson

Matthew Dickinson — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:56:27 +0000

Tarsi – You are right to remind us that it is easy as a challenger to point out what is wrong, but much more difficult as president to correct those wrongs. Some of Clinton’s support, I think, is based more on opposition to Obama than in any strong feelings for her. In any case, I think she understands that, as Kennedy discovered, unseating an incumbent of your own party is not for the faint of heart.

By: Tarsi Dunlop

Tarsi Dunlop — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 20:04:48 +0000

It was a brilliant speech, particularly the closing lines, in the thematic sense and many references rings true today. The challenger can highlight the wrongs, but they don’t know what it’s like to wear the title. While the presidency is unique, it is significant that others, such as Ted Kennedy, can continue in other bodies, to serve and represent constituencies. Such is the glory, and challenge, of a democracy.