http://politicsofscrabble.org/?p=189
Conservative commentator Bruce Bartlett’s article about the Obamacon movement in The New Republic is a good and insightful read. But it was hearing him flesh the issue and the article out a little bit more on PRI’s To The Point that really nailed it for me.
In the article Bartlett acknowledges that part of the conservative support has to do with a distaste for Bush and McCain, but then goes on to note that it is Obama’s “rhetorical acumen” that has left many coservative thinkers deeply impressed. In the To the Point interview, though, Batlett draws this distinction out even more sharply saying,
[Larissa McFarqhuar] was talking about Obama’s temperament, which is something that a lot of conservatives find very likeable about Obama. He seems to be a thoughtful fellow, somebody who does not, you know, make decisions quickly, does not believe in radical change, ah, believes that we should move slowly… and it shows that he is willing to take one step at a time and not try to do everything all at once. And that is very much of a small “c,” Burkean, Russell Kirk version of conservatism.
That description brilliantly captures what I also find so appealing about Obama. Obama’s vision for America is obviously very liberal in kind, but his beliefs about how to go about realizing that vision are much more measured, careful, and thoughtful than many firebrand Democrats. Obama seems, ironically, to exude the political maturity that is required to hold that steady, stoic gaze and move with that deep calm that I mentioned in conjunction with Will George.
It will be interesting to see what happens over the coming months with the “Obamacon” movement. But Bartlett’s comments have only further solidified my support for Obama and my agreement with Juma at the Daily Cloud that Obama is the right person at the right time, though for more reasons than its just the Democrats’ kick at the can.
Comments are closed for this post.
