As commenter/contributor Bringiton correctly called it, there is too much stuff hitting the fan for me to stay on the sidelines.
I’ll make a quick statement here and will henceforth move on from the meta.
For reasons that, IMHO, transcend reason, the topic of “cultishness” in the Obama campaign started freaking out people, including some whose support I rely on.
The venerable and indispensable Crooks and Liars, for example, has made it official that concerns about an Obama “cult of personality” are nothing more than smears and GOP attacks:
I, myself, had tread lightly on it, beyond ironic comments about “Kool-Aid” and such to describe the unyielding groupthink demonstrated by countless Obama supporters on sites like DU and DKos.
However, after reading a rash of “there is no cult” posts on the former — which were in response to increasing media use of the “c” word — I was moved to suggest that there were genuine concerns on this topic that ought to be aired and addressed.
No doubt resulting directly from my blasphemous fabrication of a total non-issue, John McCain is utilizing this very theme:
“I don’t seek the presidency on the presumption that I am blessed with such personal greatness that history has anointed me to save my country in its hour of need.”
In deference to the many fellow travelers who cannot bear to consider whether a campaign fueled by testimony of swooning believers who chant empty slogans and have determined on scant evidence that one man and one man alone is the vessel for our hopes might be considered a “cult of personality,” I will make every effort to banish that offending term from my vocabulary.
To those who have encouraged my return to posting about my Obama skepticism, I give you my heartfelt thanks.
While I have pledged, and continue to pledge, my vote to Barack Obama in November, if his name is on the ballot, I continue to have deep concerns about the way he is conducting his campaign.
I don’t like truthiness when a Republican does it, and I don’t like truthiness from my home team either. The fact that people “feel” and “hope” this or that about Obama just doesn’t impress me much. Yes, that makes me a hater of enthusiasm, winning, everyone’s kids, and Kate Smith, but so be it.
On March 4th, we will know whether this campaign continues to be contested. In either case, I call on Senator Obama to walk the walk on solid, progressive ground — and not on dishonest, accommodationist happy talk…. or on water.
Front page
one of us.. one of us.. one of us.....
But Words.. They are like “I have a Dream” and “we have nothing to fear” and other such things which Obama has claimed his hope talk fits into that category. It’s not simple rhetoric but historical, Earth-shattering brilliance, Obama told me so. Can’t you see it? Don’t you feel inspired? He transcends party and race and species. His Hope will Unite us All and cast the One Ring into the depths of Mordor. (or something like that)
Hype
Politicians are celebrities now, and anyone who achieves celebrity status in this country is going to attract a cult whether they want one or not. Better to criticize Obama on the issues than to criticize him for being a celebrity.
…for the rest of us
Good to see you back..
Recovered DU member
I might add…that its not the fact that they oppose Hillary as a candidate that I find disturbing..but rather, what some of these supporters are willing to do in order to win, that I find distressing. Rational argument seems to fly out the window the moment any criticism is sent Obamas way. This is scarier than Jesus camp. The revivival type, people-fainting-in-the-aisles, come to Obama folks who act like he is the saviour of Man..(not women mind you..periodicly, they seem likeable enough), but these worshipers in the Church of Obama, are perfectly willing to trash their opponant by any means necessary..
These song lyrics come to mind….
“hate your next-door-neighbour, but don’t forget to say grace,
and you tell me over and over and over and over again my friend,
ah, you don’t believe we’re on the eve of destruction”.
Toss in a little warning by Obama that “his” voters won’t necessarily vote for Hillary..or Michelle’s contention that she may have to “think” about how much she can support Hillary should she win the nomination and one has to wonder..
How we can become united if this keeps up?
Joebasic
There is a choice
The elements of cult can carefully evaluated.
1. Obama offers, according to his supporters, a novel belief system.
2. The supporters show great devotions to Obama.
3. Obama talks about epiphany, “he is the one” terms that are idiosyncratic practices for other politicians.
4. President obama will will have highly beneficial effects on everyone including, of course his supporters.
5. Obama is clearly in opposition to the interests of mainstream of the politician in the mainstream.
This according to Wikipedia is what makes it a cult.
Edwards will endorse
So John Edwards will endorse Obama on Wed? That could be interesting.
Do you have any facts to back this little claim up?
Recovered DU member
or is this just wishful thinking?
anything…anything at all?
Joebasic