This article illustrates the importance of a politician being able to "relate" to his or her constituents. Sarah Palin's "folksy" way of speaking made her appeal to a variety of voters, despite her relative lack of political experience.
In contrast, Obama has been accused of being "elitist", "freedom hating", and an "intellectual liberal" that looks down upon the "common" American. In my opinion, those that make these accusations are only using these terms to unnecessarily vilify Obama and undermine the policies that he has implemented.
Unfortunately, most of us don't take the time to think most things through; we rely on gut feelings and what makes the most sense to us at the time with the knowledge we have; this is a concept that Obama has stated, but a concept that the American public would rather label as "elitist" than thinking through and seeing the merit it holds.
In my opinion, we must look past the name-calling and at actually qualifications. We must work towards progress and not run towards those that preach fear and anger without actually stating new and innovative solutions. And above all, when November 2nd rolls around, we must use the logical thought processes that we as humans are capable of, rather than fleeting notions and feelings.
It is always interesting to me when certain politicians are all for the common American citizens and yet this contradicts with some of the actions they may take. Some politicians may speak very "folksy" but does not act in such manner. In my opinion, it does not matter what image a politician may carry (Elitist or "folksy") as long as he gets the job done. If the view/belief/action will bring a good result in the end, then it should not matter what approach a politician takes. Action is more important.
ReplyDeleteElitism is something that is many presidents and politicians are accused of on a regular basis, when the fact is that they are elite, because they should be. Never in this country, or anywhere that values democracy should a leader especially as influential as the President of the Untied States not be an elite citizen. The people in power should not be your average Joe; they should merely put their greatest effort into attempting to relate to the public at large. The issue of Obama being labeled as an elitist is not very pressing, and is hardly a concern that should or will hold relevance in future elections. Our politicians are elite members of society, in any lense that we choose to look at them through.
ReplyDeleteBen Rains