3 posts tagged “american government”

Recently Mark Penn (Hillary's chief political strategist) told reporters: “Winning Democratic primaries is not a qualification or a sign of who can win the general election. If it were, every nominee would win because every nominee wins Democratic primaries.” This comment has stirred some pretty lively discussion on one of my favorite political blogs, Talking Points Memo. Foolishly, I offered $5.00 to the first person who could correctly identify Penn's logical fallacy, and was quickly overwhelmed with a flurry of well-composed responses arguing fallacies ranging from False Dichotomy to the "Fallacy of the Overpaid and Inept Sophist." The latter is my favorite, so I'll just post it right here:

And to prove that the writer is truly a man after my own heart, he ended his response thusly:

I know that I promised an entry regarding the radness of one Mr. Jon Bon Jovi, but the here's the thing: I'm not obsessed now like I was about a month ago when I said I was going to write about him. Don't get me wrong, I still love me some JBJ, it's just that my attention span is that of a six year old girl, and I've moved on. That's the point of the whole idea of "Obsess Much?" I become infatuated quickly and deeply and frequently, and I need an outlet for all of that misguided fascination.

To save both of us time, here is a list of my recent obsessions that have found the same fate as JBJ:

• Tom Petty- Who doesn't love Tom Petty?
• Home Cooking- A frequently occurring player in the dramady that is my life.
• Madeleine Peyroux- Not currently obsessed, but still enamored with.
• Awful 90's Comedy- Billy Madison, Ace Ventura (I&II), and Dumb & Dumber all fall into this category.

That pretty much brings us current. I'm pleased to say that my current obsession, and the likely major player of OM until November 2008 is American Government. Folks, election season is upon us and I don't know about you but I've got both my soap-box and foam "we're number 1!" finger at the ready.

I've abstained from even so much as engaging in political conversations since Kerry fumbled the Presidency back in 2004. It was just too much. Did I like John Kerry? No, not that much actually, but he had one great thing going for him and that was the fact that he isn't George Bush. I was ready for anything in 2004, I might have voted for a highly-trained eight year old. Now, I'll be the first to admit that it takes more than not being George Bush to be a great leader, but it is certainly a start.

I'm most excited about the fact that there will be no incumbents in the 2008 Presidential Election. Yes, there are already favorites, but no one is really that much ahead of anyone else. This election is going to be based on change; change in personality, change in policy and change in priorities. Candidates will not only have to have detailed plans of action, but will have to have enough positive energy to carry the nation, to convince Americans that things can get better, starting with the choice of the right leader. I'm looking for part Steven Hawking, part Joel Osteen. And part badass, like Mr. T or David Hasslehoff or something. I'll figure that one out on my own time.

I know Hilary and her Political Death Machine are already favored, but my loyalty lies with Barack Obama. I would give John Edwards a chance if only he were a little more definable.

Unfortunately, I've got to cut this inaugural edition of Obsess Much short as it is time for me to go and watch The Queen (finally!). I really hope that you all are doing well, and as I begin to make more time for myself again you will see an increase of my activity and involvement here at Vox.

xoxoxo,
Melissa

PS- Cate, your manifesto on being a twenty-something left me feeling justified and not the least bit lonely. Thank you for that wonderful post! I suggest everyone scooch on over there and give it a once-over!