The Democratic Debates 2019

What have we learned from this "Food Fight"

Part P.T. Barnum and Baily to several parts serious political discourse, one thing did come from all of this.  Past the novelty of having too many candidates with far too little to say on one stage, a star was born.  A few also happened to burn out, one in comic glory, of a sort.

The first night of debates lacked any drama at all, good or bad.  The clear and undisputed winner was Elizabeth Warren.  While many see her elect-ability factor as a down side, she was the only person on the stage that left an impression.  She had a clear idea of what she was going to do and how to do it.  Everyone else, sadly, was one great big snooze fest. 

 There was no energy, no electricity.  There was no “ah” moment that made you feel strongly about anyone.  It was simply dry. No one seemed to grasp the idea that political life is part entertainment.  The only one who seemed to get that point was Warren.  

There is a strict rule in show business.  You also save the major talent for the later portion of the show.  That seemed to be the case with the second night of debates. Unlike the first, this was far more memorable.

California Dreaming, Wiliamson certainly brought comic relief.

The entertainment factor of Marianne Wiliamson’s message of love conquering Donald Trump certainly lightened the mood.  It also turned her into a new age spectacle.  Her showing removed any doubt she could ever be taken seriously, anywhere except among those who see the world through her aware Chanel sunglasses.  Despite her earnest nature, and status as a “woke” successful person, in other words rich, there is no sign that she could handle the rough and tumble world that this election will become.  She did stand out, but for all the wrong reasons.

Politics is about emotions as much as it is policy.  The politicians that succeed are the ones that are fully aware they are on a stage.  Charisma counts, it always has in elections.   If you cannot engage, generate excitement or at least stir people to come to your side, the race is already over before it started.   

Carpe Diem:  Harris came to take advantage of the moment, and she certainly did.

Sensing that this was a make it or break it moment, Kamala Harris literally came out swinging.  Her funny line about “America did not come to see a food fight. They came to see how we are going to put food on the table,” elevated her from the fracas. She sounded like the only adult in the room, and one with a much-needed sense of humor.  

In what was no doubt a sincere moment, and one strategically placed, she took issue and aim at front runner Joe Biden.  She recalled how he had remembered working with Republicans on the other side of the divide.  Harris pointed out that those individuals he cited had built entire careers on segregation.  

The Centrist for All Season:  Dog whistles and moderation, he still leads, but for how long?

Making sure her point did not get lost in accusations of calling Biden a “racist,” she made sure to state she did not consider him one.  That was a brilliant move in my opinion.  It removed the idea she considered him a bigot.  This move proved, in no short order, she is ready to go to war with Trump.  Harris saw a weakness, and she exploited it.  That is something a successful politician learns from day one.  Right then, a star was born, and it was clear this was Harris going to use this to not only stand out but gain moment.  And she certainly did.

Biden has been issuing a dog whistles to conservatives, and incidentally those not so given to being considerate of African American issues, and I am being delicate here.  Biden knew full well that reciting those names, and his stand on bussing, would be a way to turn potential Trump voters into Biden supporters. He never would have said it without the intent to gain those on the fence with conservative leanings.  It was the ultimate dog whistle.  It is also one of those cynical moves that jolts you into the realty of just how ugly and desperate politics acturally is when you strip away any vaneer of civility.  It just so happened; Harris called him on it.  He should have seen it coming. He should have been ready with some eloquent defense.  Instead, he had nothing.

The Fallen Star: Once the big hope that fell flat.

If there were disappointments, there were two big ones.  Robert Francis "Beto" O'Rourke  Rourke was one.  He behaved like your traditional political figure. He was careful to the point of being generic.  He was not aided by his constant switching from Spanish to English.  One was not sure if he was translating what he had said, or if he was saying one thing to English speakers and another to Spanish ones.  It came off as if he were boasting his linguistic skills.  The big take away from him was that he is certainly tall. That was it for me. And, he is bilingual. 

The intellect of the crew, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, sounded empty. Passion was missing when he desperately need to sound passionate not unemotional and removed.  Then again, it was not his week.  From making rookie mistakes in South Bend with the Black Community, and sounding academic but not inspired on stage, he came off as wise, but decidedly dull.  It was as if he did not realize that this is a stage, and you are selling your ability.  

The Movie Star: He looked the part, but did not act it.

There were additional light hearted element to be found.  Eric Swalwell provided them with neither shame nor restraint. Somewhat photogenic, with dark blonde hair and that All American Boy Next Door Persona, he looked the part, but did not sound it.  His big selling point was that it was time for Biden and everyone else of senior years to step back and “pass the torch.”  He said pass the torch so often I felt as if I were at a beach cook out.  He had little to offer, except his looks.

( After writing this article and during me revisions date July 9, on July 8th, Swalwell dropped out of the race.  He no doubt sensed his performance was subpar. To continue was to just put off the inevitable, he was neither prepared, ready or focused for just how big this event is and what you need to both stand out, and be taken seriously.

The Elder Statesman: The question, can be beat Trump?

For those that adore Bernie Sanders, here was Sanders in classic form.  To his credit, he is an authentic candidate.  He has remained true to his vision.  He as also caused the party to take a serious look at itself and get back to being the party of progressives, labor and the working-class people, and the poor.  His talking points have become, THE talking points.  It is hard to slam a man like this, even if at times he sounds like a hectoring old man angry at the world.  Considering the shape we are in, being angry seems an appropriate response.

Having seen this entire event unfurl, there were winners and losers already.  The new up and coming star was clearly Kamala Harris.  Biden, even dented, has retained his front runner status.  Bernie is still there, hanging in there.   The rest, it just remains to be seen who will jump into the lead and who will bail out while the getting is still good.  it is still too early to tell who will win.  Already we are seeing those not able starting to leave the race.   My sense is that we are going to see some departures soon.  Swalwell may have company very soon.

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