One of the hallmarks of Barack Obama's campaign for president is his "judgment." (It's no wonder he touts this as his greatest strength; he certainly has no long record of accomplishments to run on.) He boasts of having opposed the war in Iraq from the very beginning, and this -- along with... um... ah... well, a bunch of other things that escape me right now, show that he has the judgment to lead our nation.
I've done it before, but I think it's quite educational to take a look at other areas Obama has shown his judgment -- and see just how well that's worked out.
In his personal life, Obama chose to join the Trinity United Church of Christ and picked its leader, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, as one of his three spiritual mentors. I think we've all seen how well that played out -- Obama recently resigned from that church when he discovered that it was a hotbed of inflammatory political agitation and race-polarizing. That little fact had been apparent to a lot of people for some time, but 20-year-member Obama only recently discovered that little fact.
Speaking of Obama's "spiritual mentors," Curt at Flopping Aces has a fascinating little video about the three men Obama dubbed as his. In addition to Reverend Wright, he also touted Father Michael Pfleger and Reverend James Meeks.
Pfleger, you might recall, was recently suspended as a Catholic priest following his fierce mocking of Hillary Clinton from the pulpit. And Obama's third "wise man" won't go over too well with a good chunk of the Democrats' core constituency -- James Meeks has been named as one of the "10 leading black religious voices in the anti-gay movement" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. (I was unaware of a correlation between fighting poverty in the South and supporting gay rights generally, but I'm not overly well-versed with either group. There very well could be a very large population of poor southern gays who are more concerned with social oppression than economic opportunity.)
Obama also had close ties with a major money man in Chicago politics -- even to the point of getting the guy's help in buying his home. Well, that good buddy has also been tossed aside, shortly before he was convicted on sixteen felony counts related to financial shenanigans and political corruption.
And now Obama has named three people to head up the search for his running mate. Ed Morrissey of Hot Air has done a great job showing us just where two of the members -- Eric Holder and Jim Johnson -- are coming from, so I don't feel the need to repeat his stellar efforts. Instead, I'll look at the third member of the Committee, Caroline Schlossberg.
Schlossberg is a New York lawyer, married with several children. She has dabbled around the fringes of politics, and co-wrote two books on civil rights. (I read the first one, "In Our Defense: The Bill Of Rights," and it was a good book. In it, she and her co-author took each of the rights spelled out in the Bill Of Rights and cited at least one court case where it was exemplified. They had to work to get the 4th Amendment in there, but they did it, and they did it well.)
Actually, Schlossberg has no direct experience with electoral politics at all. Indeed, her sole qualification seems to be associative -- apparently her political acumen comes either through genetics or osmosis, as she is most well known by her maiden name, Caroline Kennedy -- daughter of President Kennedy, niece of Senators Robert and Ted Kennedy, cousin of Congressmen Joseph (retired) and Patrick Kennedy and former Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Kerry Kennedy Cuomo (now divorced).
Of all the Kennedys of her generation, I think I always had the most respect for the children of President Kennedy. They seemed to best handle the spotlight (which was more intense than on any of their cousins), seeking their own lives while avoiding -- but not actively fighting -- public attention. And she has probably been the most successful, both personally and professionally.
But her qualifications for choosing the possible next vice-president of the United States?
As I pointed out, if she was just Caroline Schlossberg, she wouldn't have even been considered. (Much like how one of Ted Kennedy's early political opponents told him, "if your name was Edward Moore, you wouldn't be here.") Obama wants her for her name, for the magic that the Kennedy name brings, the political goodwill she is the heir to -- without all the troublesome personal issues that have befallen so many of her relatives.
So, I guess, if Obama wants the Kennedy imprimatur on his campaign, he could do a hell of a lot worse than Caroline Kennedy -- and I don't think he could do better. But why does he feel the need to tie himself with the Kennedy political dynasty at all? And in such a transparent way?
Maybe he's hoping that she will be the visible "face" of the committee, while the other two -- with their dubious histories -- will work quietly behind the scenes and do the real work.
This is not making me feel all hopey and changeful for the future.
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2008 Presidential Race
Comments (29)
Something must be wrong wit... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Brian | June 5, 2008 11:44 AM | Score: -23 (27 votes cast)
Something must be wrong with Wizbang's server. It appears to be taking multiple posts from the past several months, merging them, and representing it as a new post.
1. Posted by Brian | June 5, 2008 11:44 AM |
Score: -23 (27 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 11:44
2. Posted by Scrapiron | June 5, 2008 12:09 PM | Score: 6 (10 votes cast)
The truth hurts doesn't it Brian.
Just read the new Democrat/Communist/Nazi/Socialist/Islamic laws already being implimented in D.C. this week. No need to wait until Jan to ban U.S. Citizens from traveling on the U.S. Highways they paid for. Throw your copy of the constitution in the garbage, the coming Hussein regime will not allow it to apply anymore.
2. Posted by Scrapiron | June 5, 2008 12:09 PM |
Score: 6 (10 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 12:09
3. Posted by Adrian Browne | June 5, 2008 12:15 PM | Score: -19 (23 votes cast)
And don't forget about the time that Obama's daughter, age three, put a crayon in the slot of the VCR.
3. Posted by Adrian Browne | June 5, 2008 12:15 PM |
Score: -19 (23 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 12:15
4. Posted by jp2 | June 5, 2008 12:40 PM | Score: -19 (23 votes cast)
Wow - going after his church again. Shocking.
When are you going to endorse McCain JT?
4. Posted by jp2 | June 5, 2008 12:40 PM |
Score: -19 (23 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 12:40
5. Posted by WildWillie | June 5, 2008 1:19 PM | Score: 10 (14 votes cast)
JT, again another good post and review. Unfortunately the lefties prove again they have no ability to focus and follow point. Pathetic creatures.
Caroline is just as qualified to pick a vice presidential candidate as she is to change the engine in my car. ww
5. Posted by WildWillie | June 5, 2008 1:19 PM |
Score: 10 (14 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 13:19
6. Posted by jhow66 | June 5, 2008 1:24 PM | Score: 2 (8 votes cast)
What Church jp2? (just plain 2-less)
6. Posted by jhow66 | June 5, 2008 1:24 PM |
Score: 2 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 13:24
7. Posted by Clay | June 5, 2008 1:25 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
But her qualifications for choosing the possible next vice-president of the United States?
Well, she is, after all, a Kennedy. I mean, didn't I read that they finally isolated that gene...or something?
7. Posted by Clay | June 5, 2008 1:25 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 13:25
8. Posted by OLDPUPPYMAX | June 5, 2008 2:16 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
The Obamassiah doesn't need a VP running mate. He just needs someone to tote his sandals, keep his halo polished and take the blame should any mistakes be made by the "campaign."
8. Posted by OLDPUPPYMAX | June 5, 2008 2:16 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 14:16
9. Posted by P. Bunyan | June 5, 2008 2:50 PM | Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
"And don't forget about the time that Obama's daughter, age three, put a crayon in the slot of the VCR."
I can easily believe that people on the left like Rosie O'donnel and aparenly the leftist commenters above, who agree with the statements of Rev. Wright and approve of the actions of Ayers and Rezko, might think this issue is a significant as a child putting a crayon in a VCR. They'd just better hope that a majority of voters feel that way too.
Methinks they could be in for a rude awakening come November.
9. Posted by P. Bunyan | June 5, 2008 2:50 PM |
Score: 8 (8 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 14:50
10. Posted by Rance | June 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Score: 1 (5 votes cast)
Maybe she wants a shot at being the VP.
After all, 8 years ago, DC searched high and low for a qualified candidate to run with GWB and when his exhastive search was complete, the only one he could find was himself.
10. Posted by Rance | June 5, 2008 3:28 PM |
Score: 1 (5 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 15:28
11. Posted by Cousin Dave | June 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Jay, are you sure you didn't mean the 3rd Amendment?
11. Posted by Cousin Dave | June 5, 2008 3:28 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 15:28
12. Posted by moseby | June 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Caroline: Hey guys. Let's carpool. I'll drive.
Eric H/Jim J: Uhh...we'll walk.
Caroline: But it's a hundred miles away!!!
Eric H/ Jim J: Uhh...we need the exercise....
12. Posted by moseby | June 5, 2008 3:39 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 15:39
13. Posted by DaveD | June 5, 2008 4:05 PM | Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Brian,
My guess is that the questions/statements you deem to be repetitive are those that have been inadequately addressed. You are apparently in a good position to explain why Obama's decisions are in fact wise ones.
13. Posted by DaveD | June 5, 2008 4:05 PM |
Score: 6 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 16:05
14. Posted by JLawson | June 5, 2008 4:41 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
From what I've seen, Obama's judgement is not exactly up to Presidential standards. Local city council standards, perhaps. Senatorial standards? Not really. Presidential? Nope.
Are we looking at the Peter Principle in action here? He's reached the pinnacle of his incompetence, and cannot climb to the next level?
14. Posted by JLawson | June 5, 2008 4:41 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 16:41
15. Posted by GarandFan
| June 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Given the Obamassiah's past track record, the primary qualification for his VP will be their willingess to be thrown under the bus at a moments notice.
15. Posted by GarandFan
| June 5, 2008 4:44 PM |
Score: 4 (6 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 16:44
16. Posted by Donna B. | June 5, 2008 5:06 PM | Score: -1 (3 votes cast)
I can't find a single reason to think Caroline Schlossberg is not capable of screening potential Dem VP candidates.
This is a stretching the "lack of judgment" thing too far. What qualifications does one need to vet a VP candidate?
I've certainly got my opinions who McCain should or should not choose, and I've emailed his campaign about them.
Seriously Caroline is just as qualified as anyone.
16. Posted by Donna B. | June 5, 2008 5:06 PM |
Score: -1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 17:06
17. Posted by Oyster | June 5, 2008 5:58 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
The problem with the possibility of asking Hillary is that she and Bill will again undergo a serious vetting process. Their whole sordid history (which reads like a Harold Robbins novel) will be brought to the forefront. Bill will be asked to disclose his library donations, Hillary's cattle futures trading will be a hot topic, the Rose Law Firm will again be a household name, and on and on.
As Don Surber put it:
"Obama would have to be nuts to tie that albatross around his neck."
17. Posted by Oyster | June 5, 2008 5:58 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 17:58
18. Posted by LifeTrek
| June 5, 2008 6:01 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Jay,
Don't make the assumption that Obama's judgment on Iraq was right on Iraq. No one bothers to look at it but even the Fabled Judgment™ on Iraq in his, "Dumb War," speech scores a negative!
In that speech he was right about it requiring a long term presence but his own policy today ignores that very assessment -- requiring a long term commitment.
Obama's Fabled Judgment™ is just like other fables, they start with, "Once upon a time," but rarely do they end happliy ever after in real life.
DKK
18. Posted by LifeTrek
| June 5, 2008 6:01 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 18:01
19. Posted by John S | June 5, 2008 6:50 PM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
How dare you doubt the Black Jesus? I figure an Obama administration will rid us of a government run by Democrats much faster than the other Democrat, John McCain. The first thing the Dems will try is price controls. They've done it before and it backfires. Expect food shortages and long gas lines. How about a medical system where the government is the only payer and their prescription for any serious illness is assisted "suicide." It's already a reality in Oregon. The next four years should be very interesting.
19. Posted by John S | June 5, 2008 6:50 PM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 18:50
20. Posted by josey martin | June 5, 2008 8:25 PM | Score: -8 (10 votes cast)
Obama is leading McCain by 8 in Florida! They have a Republicans for Obama chapter here that's supposed to be one of the biggest, 725 members. They have come out with VERY embarrasing pictures and videos of Bush with McCain and Mccain screwing up etc etc. But the most noticable are the childrens t shirts. My husband is a school principal and said 78% of the students wear tshirts showing McCain hugging Bush OR a very unflattering picture of Mccain morphed into bush (copied from the Keith Olberman show they say)with disgusting sayings and graphics. I don't think the GOP is going to win Florida this time.It's only going to get worse, they say!
20. Posted by josey martin | June 5, 2008 8:25 PM |
Score: -8 (10 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 20:25
21. Posted by SPQR | June 5, 2008 8:28 PM | Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
josey, that's a rich fantasy life you have.
21. Posted by SPQR | June 5, 2008 8:28 PM |
Score: 2 (4 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 20:28
22. Posted by HughS | June 5, 2008 8:39 PM | Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
My husband is a school principal and said 78% of the students wear tshirts showing McCain hugging Bush OR a very unflattering picture of Mccain morphed into bush (copied from the Keith Olberman show they say)with disgusting sayings and graphics.
78% huh? Is that rounded up or down?
22. Posted by HughS | June 5, 2008 8:39 PM |
Score: 5 (5 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 20:39
23. Posted by SPQR | June 5, 2008 9:45 PM | Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
78% of all statistics are made up on the spot, Hugh.
23. Posted by SPQR | June 5, 2008 9:45 PM |
Score: 1 (3 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 21:45
24. Posted by HughS | June 5, 2008 10:05 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
That sounds about 78.51% correct, SPQR.
24. Posted by HughS | June 5, 2008 10:05 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 22:05
25. Posted by Clay | June 5, 2008 11:02 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
My husband is a school principal and said 78% of the students wear tshirts showing McCain hugging Bush OR a very unflattering picture of Mccain morphed into bush
Oh god. It's over. It.Is.So.Over.
BTW, did you mean McCain hugging a bush and McCain morphed into a bush?
Just asking, 'cause it does make a difference. To me anyway.
25. Posted by Clay | June 5, 2008 11:02 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 23:02
26. Posted by Clay | June 5, 2008 11:08 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
My husband is a school principal
Hey...Did he happen to be the principal when you were a student last year?
26. Posted by Clay | June 5, 2008 11:08 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 23:08
27. Posted by RScott | June 5, 2008 11:18 PM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
I guess some of those same kids are the same ones I later see wearing those cute little tees that say "Ho Princess". Lack of judgment is commonplace in a 12 year old, but we need a bit more from a man running for control of ICBMs.
27. Posted by RScott | June 5, 2008 11:18 PM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on June 5, 2008 23:18
28. Posted by epador | June 6, 2008 10:16 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
John S: You don't know much about gobernment medicine in Oregon. [I'll keep that typo in]
Hell, there's so little money to go around there's a lottery to see if you can get Medicaid benefits.
The uninsured are over a third of my practice.
Please cite one instance of the assisted suicide protocol (which I DO NOT agree with) being used for economic reasons in this state.
28. Posted by epador | June 6, 2008 10:16 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 6, 2008 10:16
29. Posted by epador | June 6, 2008 8:34 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Here come da Judge!
Here come da Judge!
Order in da courtroom-
Here come da Judge!
29. Posted by epador | June 6, 2008 8:34 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on June 6, 2008 20:34