Hillary vs. Barak: Substance vs. Inspiration

Bob Hertzog — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:15:49 -0800

Everyone is saying, and they are probably correct, that John McCain has the republican nomination all but wrapped up, even though Mike Huckabee and Ron Paul are still in the race. On the Democratic side, however, the contest is likely to remain competitive all the way to the Democratic convention in August. One writer, Joe Klein, Time Magazine, February 8^th issue, says it’s a fight between “inspiration and substance.” I think Mr. Klein has a point.

There’s no doubt that Barak Obama can inspire people with his rhetoric. His speeches, particularly his election night orations (whether he won or lost) have been classic examples of inspirational language and poetic rhythm. His basic theme “we are the change we have been seeking” gets listeners stirred and motivated. I watched his speech following the New Hampshire primary (which Obama lost). He employed the theme “Yes we can.” The speech teacher in me was impressed as his audience enthusiastically shouted "Yes we can" each time he came to the phrase in his speech. His rhetoric clearly inspired his audience and motivated them.

Change is what Obama is selling, but for Obama change is nebulous, unstructured. Just what does he want to change? How will he bring change about? He does not offer much to answer such questions. He has found no specific issue that distinguishes himself from his opponent, Hillary Clinton.

She simply knows more than he does and that comes through whenever they face each other in a debate. This is the reason Clinton is pressing for more debates, while Obama is resisting that challenge. Clinton’s message seems to appeal to voters who are more concerned with issues and outcomes and are less moved by inspirational language.

Obama has successfully painted Clinton as a Washington insider who, as president, will offer nothing but more of the same old politics, while he offers “change.” It is interesting that perhaps the first presidential candidate to successfully base an entire campaign on the issue of change was Bill Clinton in his contest against George H.W. Bush.

So far the contest is extremely close. Clinton is slightly ahead in the delegate count, but Obama seems to have momentum. This weekend he swept a set of small state caucuses and primaries, but shortly we will see primaries in some big states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, where Clinton is likely to run stronger.

Personally, I think Democrats, in the end, will choose substance over inspiration and make Clinton their nominee. Of course, I could be wrong – it would not be the first time. Either way, I believe that whoever the Democrats select will be a great improvement over what we have now or whatever the Republicans offer.

The Democrats Debate

Bob Hertzog — Fri, 1 Feb 2008 08:42:36 -0800

I watched the Democratic debate between Clinton and Obama. I though it interesting that the candidates put aside some of the acrimony of their previous meeting and basically treated each other with sweetness and love. I wonder how long it will last.

Their attitude was different than when Romney and McCain went at it a couple of day earlier. They were like two pit bulls locked in a room together. I thought in that respect McCain sort of wiped the floor with Romney, but I’m not sure that their animosity played very well with viewers.

Obama and Clinton had a real debate, the kind of debate informs the audience. As an old argumentation and debate teacher, it was a pleasure to watch. They discussed issues, presented their arguments, emphasized their different views, and also focused clearly on the ways in which they agree. They discussed their views on health care, taxes, immigration, and Iraq. Both showed a good command of the facts and made clear, reasonable arguments. If I had to pick a winner, it would be close, but I’d give the nod to Hillary Clinton. She seemed to have a slightly better command of facts and her manner came across as knowledgeable and confident.

Political Campaign

Hillary vs. Barak: Substance vs. Inspiration

The Democrats Debate