“You remind me of a girl, that I once knew.
See her face whenever I, I look at you.
Wouldn’t believe all of the things she put me through.
This is why I just can’t get with you.”
- U Remind Me, Usher

In an attempt to marginalize Barack Obama, his detractors have, for the past year, compared him to other failed democratic candidates. His supporters, on the other hand, have compared him to successful ones. Let’s examine some.

  Adlai Stevenson     Why?This Illinois liberal was beloved by intellectuals, but was roundly trounced by the more down-to-earth war-hero Dwight Eisenhower in back-to-back elections.  How It Fell ApartObama gave better speeches then Stevenson and was able to broaden his appeal to many rural voters.  Final VerdictThis one is so 2007.    Gary Hart (circa-1983)   Why?This “outsider” candidate was famously criticized as lacking
beef; i.e., all style and no substance. (Hart even endorsed Obama!)  How It Fell ApartClinton has tried the same attack as Mondale. It’s failed for two possible reasons: 1) The media hates Clinton; or 2) It’s completely ridiculous, as all you need to do is check the candidate’s web site to see what he stands for.  Final VerdictMcCain will likely try the same attack, although if the NYT story gains traction, he could be the one being compared to Gary Hart.    Jesse Jackson   Why?He’s black. And white people won’t vote for him. Get it?  How It Fell ApartWhite people voted for him.  Final VerdictNot one of Bill Clinton’s prouder moments.    William Jennings Bryant   Why?David Frum writes:
“Like Obama, Bryant was a charismatic young political (just 36 at the time of his first presidential run!) with a thin political record. Yet on the strength of one legendary speech at a Democratic national convention, he was clutched to heart by the party’s left wing and made the repository of its grandest hopes on a whole range of so-called progressive causes.”  How It Fell ApartWho the hell cares what David Frum thinks about Barack Obama?  Final VerdictLook for Barack Obama to extol the virtues of “Free Silver,” and denounce Darwinism.    Ronald Reagan   Why?His charisma and optimistic philosophy helped bring together disillusioned Democrats and conservative Republicans to form an overwhelming majority.  How It Fell ApartWe’ll see if the Obamacan thing lasts.  Final VerdictToo soon to tell.    John F. Kennedy   Why?Young, charismatic, relatively inexperienced ex-senator inspires a generation to get involved in politics.  How It Fell ApartSeems a bit presumptuous.  Final VerdictWay too soon.  

– Hillel Aron

 

 

Photo: Ben Stanfield (Used under Creative Commons License)