Is there a higher bar when voters ponder their Congressional choice versus electing people to the dysfunctional state legislature in Albany?
Is it intellect....sophistication....the ability to articulate everything from the federal reserve to the Israeli settlements, and by the way who really does rule Iran ?
Republicans have long argued their successful nemesis of late, Darrel Aubertine, is a nice guy but not real deep. The popular GOP mantra is "dumber than a box of rocks."
I have always responded by telling my GOP friends he has been smart enough to kick their ass several times, so don't be too quick to draw those comparisons.
They don't like hearing that and we usually move on to another subject.
However, will Aubertine have a deer in the headlight moment where the popular, attractive, charismatic Darrel is made to look not ready for prime time? Would local media even edit and present video in that manner ?
Privately, the GOP wants the series of live TV debates recently seen in the 20th CD race. However, North Country media has not organized such events in decades and I suspect Democratic handlers are hoping media doesn't choose this election to wake up.
Look for the over-used word "gravitas" to make an appearance in this year's special election.
Remember if past is prologue, gratuitous attacks on a guy thought of as 'one of us' amounts to attacks on us.
Attacking Darrel is like joking your 14 year old daughter was knocked up by A-Rod. Your amen corner will howl with laughter, but most are not amused or impressed.
2 comments:
I absolutely hear your point that "gratuitous attacks on a guy thought of as 'one of us' amount to attacks on us" but this is a tough issue. At what point does elevating "one of us" to new heights turn from a proud position to a foolish, counterproductive or even embarassing one.
I definitely do not dispute Aubertine's charisma and appeal - as you said, he trounced the GOP repeatedly. But I think one of the best measures of a man is his ability not only to identify his strengths but also his weaknesses and ultimately blaze a trail that takes both into account. So, in addition to his charisma, perhaps Aubertine's greatest strengths is his being relatable - he is indeed 'one of us'. On the other hand, his knowledge and experience with economic policy, theoretical and historic foreign policy, etc. is extremely limited. So the question becomes, what position best utilizes his strengths and reduces or eliminates the impact of his shortcomings?
While the analysis is simplistic the answer seems quite obvious, Aubertine can truly shine in state and local politics, but not national politics. Suggesting he stay in the State Senate is not an insult to the man considered to be 'one of us' and thus is not an insult to us, but rather it is just the position that best highlights and utilizes his strengths.
I have no idea who the right candidate is for Congress, but I do know that without a doubt he or she needs to garner respect from others in Washington in order to be effective. Like it or not, gravitas matters in Washington.
Why not debate? If Aubertine can't stand up in a debate how will he ever survive in Washington?
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