I live in Pennsylvania, which is the next big state to vote in the primaries. There was a huge push to register Democratic voters by March 24. In this state, you can only vote for a candidate in your registered party. So, since no Pennsylvania Republican's vote will count as McCain has it wrapped up... if you want to vote in the primary, you better be a Democrat.
Also, I live in Pittsburgh, which has a strong working class background. Working class basically equals union, and in the past, if the union told you to vote a certain way, you did. In America you can do sort of a straight party vote - pull one lever and vote for every Democratic candidate, or pull a different one and vote for every Republican candidate. Lots of union members for many years have pulled the Democratic lever.
Hillary, or as I will hereafter refer to her as "Billary," was in our St. Patrick's Day Parade (No, I didn't go. I was asleep that morning). Barack Obama was here on Friday at our Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and tomorrow his wife will speak on one of our many college campuses. They are all pushing for the Pennsylvania vote.
As far as the Gore thing goes, it looks like a grassroots push. Like, write in Stephen Colbert for President!
http://www.draftgore.com/ It will go nowhere. A total non starter.
But it is fascinating that so many people are compelled by the idea of him as President. I think that it is due to his post-presidential-bid humanitarian efforts. Once they're off the chain, what do politicians do with their time? Al Gore has concentrated on one single issue. Devoted time and energy to it and has won big awards for it. Seriously, the Nobel Peace Prize is nothing to sneeze at. He found a way to improve the world - and not through his political career, but as a civilian. Jimmy Carter also focused himself on humanitarian concerns and also won a Nobel Peace Prize. Bill Clinton, after his presidency, has worked to turn overages in American hospitals into supplies for third world doctors. Basically, the guy collects scalpels. And gives them to Africa.
I don't think that any of them could have made such a large impact without their experiences in the White House.
So how do you elect the American president? What is their job, really? I mean, there they are in the most powerful elected position in the world, and it looks like Carter, Gore, and Clinton all did more for the world after their presidency?
Billary's emphasis on health care is similar to Bill's emphasis on health care when he first ran for president. People are either thrilled or appalled at the idea that his wife's presidency might be like a third term for him. She's been seen to lie, they are quick to go on the offensive when attacked, and are generally regarded as dirty fighters.
Barack Obama made an eloquent speech (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU) that was calm and measured. It showed a lot of respect for both sides of the coin.
Jon Stewart has some commentary on the highlights of the speech.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=164437&title=baracks-wright-response
Okay. I'm tired and depressed now. I'm going to bed! Maybe later I'll tell you what I think of McCain
