As Barack Obama enters the final leg of his “Meet the Messiah” world tour, alighting in Germany and preparing for what promises to be the most spectacular campaign speech evah, we back home are stuck with the usual mundane irrelevancies that have been passing for “debate” this electoral season, trying to make mountains out of molehills while doing our best to apply gravitas to the most hopelessly inane incidents and gaffes.
Frankly, I’m sick of it. Every time McCain opens his mouth it does not “disqualify him from being president.” Other, more basic attributes of the candidate are to blame there. And whenever Obama lies through his teeth, or flip flops, or makes outrageous statements that prove he would rather lose a war and win an election than the opposite, it doesn’t mean he’s some anti-American, ignorant, lying wretch. That simply isn’t possible given how the press is shortstroking his candidacy. All it means is that the Obama is an overly ambitious, arrogant, supremely overconfident politician with something of a god complex, a royal sense of entitlement that would put Henry VIII to shame, and an anti-democratic belief in his own inevitability (and perhaps invincibility).
While McCain should probably be home playing with children (or in the senate doing the same thing), Obama deserves to be cast into the outer darkness. I’ve been trying to decide which past American politician he reminds me of the most but have yet to settle on just one. He appears to have Nixon’s ruthlessness, Huey Long’s megalomania, Aaron Burr’s thin skin, and Edwin Summer’s penchant for wild exaggerations in his oratory.
Yeah, but don’t say he’s “anti-American.” I wouldn’t dream of it. In fact, Obama is proving himself to be “all-American” in that only American politicians can hold such utter contempt for the voter and find themselves loved for it. Ross Douthat nails it here:
Yes, of course the Hitler comparisons are absurd, but I’d really like to know which genius on the Obama campaign thought it would be a good idea to have their candidate conduct a major campaign rally in Europe with three months to go till the election and their candidate, despite an incredibly favorable climate and a fumbling opponent, still clinging to a 2-4 point lead in the polls? Overall, the overseas tour has been good to Obama, both for the obvious reasons and because making joint appearances with foreign leaders is a solid-enough way to build up his credibility as a potential Commander-in-Chief. But photo ops are one thing, Beatlemania-style rallies are quite another – and having your candidate appear in front of tens of thousands of adoring European fans when your campaign’s biggest problem, as John Judis puts it today, is that “Obama remains the ‘mysterious stranger’ rather than the ‘American Adam’ to too many voters who are put off rather than attracted by his race and exotic background” strikes me as the height of political folly. The Berlin rally probably won’t hurt Obama – voters aren’t really paying attention to anything election-related right about now, and it’ll be forgotten by the time the fall campaign begins in earnest. But it could do some minor damage, and it certainly won’t help him. (If he’s counting on the expat vote to put him over the top, then he’s in more trouble than anyone thinks.) Is it too late to call the whole thing off?
Not so fast with dismissing the Hitler comparison there Matt. I’m not saying that Obama is like Hitler for holding a mass rally, speaking beneath a Nazi icon with a hundred thousand screaming, fainting, frothing at the mouth Germans as a backdrop for campaign propaganda. All I’m saying is that Hitler would have given his hearty approval.
That doesn’t make Obama Hitler. First of all, the whole mustache thing just doesn’t work for Barak. If Obama was going to do the facial hair thing, no doubt he would go the goatee route or perhaps the suave, sophisticated, cat about town Sammy Davis, Jr. look with the sideburns and moustache combination. It used to be we didn’t trust politicians unless they had facial hair. Maybe the messiah could bring those halcyon days back.
So while Obama does not resemble Hitler – either politically or in profile – if one were to be completely honest they would concede that there is no doubt the ex-paper hanger would have admired Obama’s use of huge crowds and flowery (but empty) rhetoric in order to advance his candidacy. Hitler might have gone a little further and recommended the event be held at night and that extensive use be made of torches along with running off millions of copies of the Obama “Presidential” Seal and singing a lusty chorus or two of the “Horst Wessel Song.” Probably too late to change.
And allow me to carry the analogy a little further (in for a penny, in for a pound). The entire Obama campaign – it’s clarion call for unity, hope, change, and the unspoken but very real appeals to the brotherhood of man – all of this sounds familiar to students of national socialism. No, the Democrats are not Nazis. But the evil genius of Hitler recognized what people longed for in a political society. The feel good notion of “unity” which basically means that we should stop arguing and just do what the leader says along with “hope and change” that speaks to the need of people to believe in something greater than themselves – the anti-cynicism drug.
And then there’s Obama’s unspoken appeal to the brotherhood of man. Nazis tried to make this a racial appeal and couple it with the notion of unity (“Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer”). Obama is not so crude. His very existence as a multi racial candidate is an appeal to unify the country not by highlighting race but by subsuming racial differences and bringing about a transformative episode in American history. A nice trick if he can pull it off. At the moment, his candidacy appears to be having the opposite effect as the black/white divide has never been more pronounced.
So is Ross correct in so cavalierly dismissing the Hitler parallels? Of course he is. And it is a 100% dead certainty that Obama and his people are not consciously following a blueprint for gaining power laid down by Hitler and Goebbels.
But that doesn’t mean we should ignore tactics like mass rallies/ campaign commercials featuring fawning, slobbering Obama fans worshiping the ground he walks on and dismiss Obama’s “hopenchange” mantra as juvenile twaddle. None of this takes place in an historical vacuum and recognizing and identifying parallels allows us to understand the psychology of the candidate.
NOTE: I have absolutely no doubt this post will be misinterpreted. Those who are smarter will deliberately do so. Those who are stupid just won’t know any better (and probably won’t be able to read it anyway).
Consider this pre-emptive attack on your honesty and integrity my final word on this post.
9:44 am
Any candidate who implicitly and explicitly calls for a national police force (as Obama did within the past 7 days) is far too dangerous to be permitted to remain in the SENATE let alone the Oval Office!
I sincerely hope that Dennis Miller was correct last night when he said that Obama’s answers to Katie Couric (doing an unexpectedly good job) regarding the surge will end up shooting him in the foot to such an extent that he will lose the election.
Here’s the deal: McCain would be a 4 year problem who would at least maintain our national security. Obama could trigger the end of the Republic while putting in place a paramilitary gang of stormtroopers (word used deliberately) to “whip us into shape” as he sees it – whilst trampling merrily over the Constitution. I am NOT willing to risk that.
9:44 am
Couldn’t agree more. A proper Presidential candidate would never hold large rallies, would work as hard as he could to dissuade people from becoming overenthusiastic about his candidacy and would speak of division and hopelessness at every opportunity. In fact, such a serious and humble person would be a sure fire winner in the most hyper-media-driven election environment the world has ever known. Just look at Fred Thompson.
9:47 am
Perhaps not Hitler but almost certainly Chavez.
10:00 am
Some comparisons can be funny, some satirical, and some simply in bad tasete. I opt for the last for this post. I’m not sure what that says about my intelligence.
BTW, I think the of the Nazis were probably awakened by the guy who came up with the term “Homeland Security.” I hear the thump of jackboots every time I hear that phrase.
10:18 am
It is amazing to see the host of conservative, political bloggers and pundits that refuse to rally behind McCain- in the name of honesty. Rick, you are spot on about McCain- he sucks as a “true” conservative, he’s probably too old (“he should be playing with children”), he is boring and (frankly) out of touch with the 21st century (for Christ’s sake, he doesn’t use email or read blogs
). You, Malkin, Dobson, even Rush want to be honest in your contempt for and about him, but at some point, you’ve made your point- stop hammering the wooden stake! We all know his deficiencies. He’s probably going to lose, but try not to make it worse. As bad as McCain is, he’s not going to be the ruination of the country. Obama may ruin it, because of his likely SCOTUS appointments (probably 2, maybe 3).
This is a vent for some of your and Malkin’s previous posts. Actually, I thought this one was pretty good. But throw McCain a bone and encourage your readers to hold their nose and contribute to McCain’s campaign.
10:39 am
Rick, I missed your post yesterday on McCain’s age. Need I remind you that one of the greatest Americans in history, a prime force that steered this nation toward independence, was 70 years old at the signing of the Declaration of Independence and then went on to be ambassador to France until he was almost 80? Need I remind you that the opinion of this great American was respected by all others at the Convention of 1776 and no one, NO ONE, felt he was too old to participate?
Could I also point out that many times in our history we have been steered by the wisdom that only comes with years?
When have we started to label senior citizens as being less capable because they have hit an annual milestone?
This nation seems to be fixated on youth. Beauty and botox are more admirable than the wisdom and experience that comes with age. Can you say that you made better decisions even 15 years ago than you do now?
We now have McCain as our candidate because the same reasoning was used againt Fred Thomspon who I consider to be extremely qualified.
It is not John McCain’s age that bothers me. It is his willingness to cross the aisle, and cave to the leftwing because down deep, McCain feels that is the way to go. It is his stand on illegal immigration, campaign finance, that bothers me. Not his age.
Americans are living longer than ever and that is due to advanced medical technology and our own American life style.
Perhaps it would behoove you to visit a gated, adults only housing community to see how seniors now live. These are not people who sit around and talk about the good old days. They are people who have years of experience in how to get things done that volunteer, helping young businesses develope growth plans, mentor high school students, tutor in math and reading, sit on city councils, and use their gained wisdom to help communities in so many ways.
Sure, McCain has made a few gaffes. So what? Have you ever forgotten where you put your car keys?
“That’s because I believe McCain is too old to be president. Not in years – 72 is not too old for some. For him, it is.”
What part of that don’t people understand? Anyone who aribtrarily takes an age and says someone is too old is a ninny. Jesus Christ read the fucking post.
ed.
1:19 pm
He appears to have Nixon’s ruthlessness, Huey Long’s megalomania, Aaron Burr’s thin skin, and Edwin Summer’s penchant for wild exaggerations in his oratory . . .
. . . and Hillary Clinton’s fondness for arugula.
1:21 pm
Can anyone imagine these days, a foreign power, a valuable ally, EVER being enthusiastic about Dubya?
1:21 pm
Rick, you can continue to harp on how old (in mind?) McCain is and continue to resort to profanity (which I have never done and would consider a reason for you to block my post) or you can accept that there is only one alternative; Barack Obama.
Is that your goal or do you have some alernate solution to electing the next President of the United States?
1:22 pm
PS
American life expectancies are lower than most of our EU allies
Source? Department of Health
1:30 pm
Just Hitler? Not the Emperor Palpatine? Ming the Merciless? Kodos and/or Kang?
There’s an episode of Spongebob (yes, I have young children) where Spongebob and Patrick spread terror throughout Bikini Bottom after seeing a butterfly up close. Watching Republicans react to Obama is a bit like that.
1:55 pm
I can’t help but think the right’s reaction to Obama’s popularity abroad is a manifestation of what they know deep down would be the polar-opposite reaction to a similar McCain trip… And while Obama is in Germany, McCain’s having lunch at a German restaurant in Ohio, between invite-only “town hall” meetings. Then again, maybe the old man thinks he’s in Germany. His geography is a little fuzzy after all, not knowing that Pakistan and Iraq don’t share a border.
2:23 pm
While everyone sits and debates Barack Hussein Obama he is out there sharpening his skills waiting to destroy America. Don’t believe me? Check out what I found yesterday http://www.fyrebug.com/2008/07/23/obama-vs-america/
I hope we can turn this back before it’s too late.
2:37 pm
Dear Republicans,
You created Barak Obama. He is constructed of your failure.
You need to find a way of overcoming us independents saying the following: “Oh, Republicans don’t like him? The same Republicans who [insert failure here] after I went and voted for them before?”
I don’t see a way around that right now. Good luck.
2:58 pm
“American life expectancies are lower than most of our EU allies”
How many extra years do I get if I move to France? Or should I just put down the potato chips?
3:22 pm
ed,
i feel your frustration almost to the T.
thing is, with this obamessiah, i am no longer just like, “dude i don’t like your politics”, i am morally creeped out by him, something really, really repulses me from him, and his followers to the tune of your tale above. is this going a bit beyond charisma and JFK crap? who does he really think he is? is it just because i am conservative that i don’t like him, and my liberal shades are on. he really seems to be swooing the crowds, why not me? can Americans really be this blind, to his charades, stance changes, position changes, history re-writing, media love (the most blatant disgusting thing i have ever seen), narcotic taking, and lack of any real achievements?...
WTF (sorry if you are from north carolina) is going on… and seriously how can McCain still be within 4-5 points of him…
3:26 pm
I guess the party’s over. Bring on the Olympics.
4:18 pm
Republicans have not failed; leftwing kooks have proclaimed over and over again that we have failed when in fact, the SURGE has worked, Saddam DID have yellowcake (which is now safely lodged in Canada), Barack Hussein Obama is a worthless sack of excrement and unfit to be a Senator much less a president (wasn’t one stone liar – Clinton – destructive enough to this country).
McCain is no prize but at least he won’t destroy this nation. From the perspective of my advanced age and extensive knowledge of history, Obama easily could! Hence I will vote for McCain in November and pray to a God that liberals don’t want to believe exists (would put a crimp in their hedonistic lifestyles) that there are enough people uninfected by the cult-of-Obama that do likewise or surely, we are doomed as a Republic.
5:16 pm
Y’know, with all these Obama posts, I’m still not quite sure how you feel about the guy Rick. C’mon, tell us what you really think.
I know. I’m much too obtuse. If I posted a picture of the guy and great big Red X across it, do you think that might help?
ed.
5:21 pm
“Huge crowds and flowery (but empty) rhetoric”? That should make the Gipper proud.
6:20 pm
#12 Barry, and while Obama is in Germany telling them he is a “citizen of the world” McCain is talking to Americans who can vote.
I know you think that 200,000 Germans was a stellar showing of support for Obama, but if his support is so great there, perhaps he should move there and challange Angela Merket.
200,000 out of a nation of 82.2 Million?
Hell, the Red Hot Chili Peppers could pull that many in Austin.
7:53 pm
Population of Berlin 3.4 million in its city limits; 200,000 pretty good numbers for a working day.
8:08 pm
Hey at least Obama didn’t try and give the Chancellor a massage.
8:12 pm
For some reason, everyone neglects to mention that Obama spoke at a Free Concert.
Maybe all those thousands of young Germans turned up for the two bands that were playing instead of coming to hear a speach in english.
Nah, Obama’s charisma is so powerful it transcends language.
More Kool Aid anyone?
8:13 pm
Imagine thousands of people clapping for Bush
naw
would never happen
11:18 pm
People should not count McCain out yet. As Rick notes, despite all the advantages Obama now enjoys, his poll lead is minimal.
This race will be won or lost in the debates, IMO. If McCain can’t nail Obama’s waffling to the wall and/or if he gaffs, then it will be all over. But not yet. Experience should tell you not to sell McCain short.
1:35 pm
Jon Stewart caught Steve Doocy of conservative “Fox & Friends” fame playing a similar game. He spun about Obama speaking before a monument “with ties to Adolph Hitler.” Did Obama drive to his rally in a VW - tied to Adolph Hilter – to emphasize the point?
We have a common conservative theme spinning the rally symbolically into way more than, IMHO, it was meant to be.
I’m not going to comment directly on your post because I’m sure I’d be attacked as either a moron or smart ass deliberately misinterpreting your intent. But, IMHO, the most accurate interpretation of this latest line of conservative talking points is best handled by comedians like Jon Stewart. It’s not a serious issue.
Large rallies. Talk of unity. Talk of hope. Occam’s razor would lead any independent thinker to simpler explanations than comparisons to Hitler and Lenin. If Obama held the rally in Copenhagen instead of Berlin would Obama be likened to Vikings hoping to rape, pillage, and burn?
There’s a Republican running an ad comparing a photo of Osama and Obama (in Muslim garb) which asks if the viewer can see the resemblance.
The picture is complete. The most liberal Senator tied to radically conservative Wahabism. At the same time, he’s philosophically aligned with an atheist like Lenin. Stylistically, his politics are tied to Hitler. A useful tip to conservatives hoping to exploit this angle more: Hitler used the Catholic Church for his purpose. Let’s add some nice ties-ins to Reverend Wright!
I guess conservatives can put two of anything on a graph and say they’re related. Like Bush’s largely symbolic administrative order allowing drilling offshore and the recent rapid decline in oil prices (a brainstorm of Brian Kilmeade also of conservative “Fox & Friends” fame).
But, personally, I think it’s a hard sell to anyone except the true believers who already hate Obama with a passion and are willing to believe any cynical opinion of the man.
12:43 pm
“No, the Democrats are not Nazis.”
In terms of tactics, no (not yet). In terms of ideas, not very far off at all. Read the National Socialist platform statements in the early 30s and it would be hard to distinguish from the one of the Democrats in 1968, and things have only gotten worse on that side of the aisle over the past 40 years.
5:08 pm
sknbt: Unfortunately, those who feel as we do still have the vote, and will surely exercise it in November—against Obama.