The Bergen Record today endorsed Barack Obama for President. This comes as much as a shock as George Steinbrenner rooting for the Yankees to win the World Series. Surely no one really cares what The Record has to say in this respect, as they are just another fading newspaper. But indulge me if you will for taking issue with the esteemed editors of The Record.
Certainly, the current administration has not been perfect. The voter’s appetite for change is understandable. George W. Bush has never had the support of those on the Left who have vilified him since “hanging chads” became part of the public vernacular. Conversely, W has managed to even alienate his base with a less than conservative approach to governing, particularly on the domestic front.
Yet, The Record charges:
Whatever history makes of the Bush presidency, its immediate legacy is an administration that turned budget surpluses into deficits, launched a pre-emptive war in Iraq and left us divided by politics, ideology and economics.
It seems The Record forgets that the nation has been politically and ideologically divided since well before George W. Bush arrived on the scene. I have no idea what economically divided means, but I do know this: whatever divisions we have in this respect are just as, if not more so, the fault of the extreme elements that run the Democrat Party these days.
Moreover, The Record seems to have little sense of history. Change for changes sake can be highly detrimental, if not downright dangerous, for the nation. We don’t need to look too far back in our history to understand this. Jimmy Carter ascended to the Presidency with similar traits and abilities attached to him – and just as little experience. The country subsequently saw the economy worsen dramatically and Iran fall into the hands of religious fanatics; a foreign policy nightmare with which we are grappling with to this day.
One of the more ironic and ridiculous components of The Record’s endorsement is their view regarding Sarah Palin and her “tone” on the campaign trail:
…we abhor the tone of her rallies and rhetoric. To suggest that Obama is a “pal” of terrorists, as she has, or to remain silent when some people at rallies spew anti-Arab and anti-Muslim hatred, is not acceptable.
Amazingly, The Record feels that Sarah Palin ought to repudiate a few unruly people at her campaign rallies (of which there have not been many as far I can tell). Yet, the fact that Barack Obama sat in Jeremiah Wright’s pews for some 20 years and undoubtedly was privy to some of the vilest anti-American hatred is dismissed. When Obama finally repudiated Wright, it only was only for political expedience, and not in the least credible.
The Record also entirely dismisses Obama’s ties to William Ayers. It would be one thing if Obama and Ayers had a passing connection, but this clearly was not the case. The two served closely on a board together. Obama “blurbed” Ayers’ book. Certainly, if John McCain had similar ties to an abortion clinic bomber, The Record’s attitude would not be so dismissive.
Senator Obama’s past remains murky. He has no accomplishments to speak of. He possesses less experience in government than Sarah Palin. Yet The Record takes issue with Governor Palin’s limited experience:
McCain repeatedly has said he has the seasoned judgment of a president, but he chose a running mate who is unprepared to assume the presidency.
Just how is Obama prepared for the Presidency? By being a skilled orator? Because he is composed? So, it seems according to The Record.
The Record also is critical of the McCain campaign for a confusing and inconsistent message:
We understand political realities — the need for Republicans to “play to the base.” However, McCain — and he is accountable for what his surrogates do and say — has been incapable of maintaining good control over his own campaign. His message has been inconsistent and confusing.
We can only assume that the editors’ memory banks were erased around June. Because I can assure you, if you want to see inconsistency and confusion, all you need to do is review Senator Obama’s positions in the primaries against the positions he has taken during the Presidential campaign. Take public financing of campaigns for one thing; a dead-set date to leave Iraq for another.
The remainder of The Record’s endorsement is superficial, unconvincing and not well thought out. It does not touch on the clear leap to the Left an Obama Presidency, coupled with a very partisan, very left-wing Congress, will take the nation. Despite the electorate’s dissatisfaction with the status quo, this remains a center-right nation. Obama, Reid and Pelosi most assuredly will pursue an agenda of Big Government the country will not like.
We are still living in consequential and dangerous times. 9/11 was not that long ago, despite the fact that many seem to forget too easily. We need a man who understands the realities of today’s world, not a man who exudes naiveté. The right man is John McCain, not Barack Obama.
