A view of DU - with no dog in the fight [View All]

[DancingBear]

Everyone,

Today is the first day in a long long time that I have viewed GD Primary as, well, an observer. With Wes Clark now officially out of the race as a Presidential candidate, I (after the obligatory stages of despair, regret, anger and whatever others there are) read today with a somewhat non-biased eye. Here's what I found:

Things that matter greatly to those still in the fight matter little to those outside. What I mean by that is simple - even the smallest campaign related things, when viewed within the sphere of your respective candidate, go careering out of control and tend to take on importance inversely proportional to their actual merit. Like this:

Kerry gets slimed by Drudge. It should be viewed in the context of something along the lines of night follows day, which is how I see it sitting out here. I do not think a) Dean started it b) Clark started it c) Teresa started it d) aliens started it. I think Drudge did. I will not shoot Drudge, or dailykos, or Santa Claus, for that matter. I will , though, be reminded of my friend Tom, who when confronted with this would have turned to me and said "There are 400 billion Chinese who couldn't give a shit." Political folks are playing politics - wash your hands when you're done and eat your spinach.

Same thing with the Clark endorsement. He was going to endorse someone, so it was Kerry. Anybody think it wouldn't be? No. Anyone think they might have talked 'bout "the future?" Probably. Anyone think politics is like Ivory soap - 99 44/100% pure? Nope. (side note - anyone remember Marilyn Chambers?)

Much as I wish it didn't happen, it is fascinating to watch the machinations here from a safe distance. While I don't wish it upon anyone, if it happens to you try it - it's damn interesting, I'll say that.

P.S. Anyone think Dean and Edwards will now hold hands at the next Endorsement Dance? (So shoot me - I'm still in rehab) :)