"I certainly want someone for President and Vice-President who's smarter than you."

[louis c]

My account of today's discussion with a co-worker.

The talk went like this. I'm voting for Barack because I know about him. Harvard Grad, Law review, University of Chicago Professor of Constitutional Law. community organizer. State Senator. US Senator. 19 months on the campaign trail and defeated the most powerful political families in American history, in their own party. He has been interviewed over 2,000 times, with very difficult follow-up questions. His background has been vetted going back to his birth, including his school registration when he was 6 years old. He's smart, and I follow politics closely, so, if anything, I know more than I need to. On top of that, he's the Democratic nominee for President. Being a bit of a history buff, especially labor history, I know the Democratic party has advanced the cause of blue collar workers for the last 100 years. Every law was initiated by Democrats over Republican opposition for the last century. Child labor laws, workmen's comp, unemployment benefits, equal pay for women, 40 work week, overtime pay, health and safety laws, the right to organize, job protection, Family and Medical leave, holiday pay and Social Security. That's why I'm for Barack.

She said she's voting Republican because of Sarah Palin. I asked her why. She said, "I don't really know, but she seems a lot like me."

My reply, "I want a President and a Vice-President who are smarter than me. No offense, but I hope you understand that I certainly want a President and Vice-President smarter than you."

I'm sorry. I really don't have the knack of convincing my fellow workers. I just can't help myself.

[C_U_L8R]

1. That is a beautiful response

[louis c]

8. Thanks, I thought so, but she didn't. (nt)

[BlooInBloo]

2. Just like Jon Stewart said a few days ago.

[Beartracks]

6. Bill Maher, too. He called it...

...narcissistic.

It seems many American voters want to be able to personally "relate" to a candidate. Clearly, many people think that they are themselves more competent than folks in Washington, so if they can find a candidate that is "just like them" but who happens to be running for office, then they will decide that that candidate, too, must be more competent than folks in Washington. Kinda like: "Geez, *I* could do a better job running this country, but I don't have the time or the inclination. If only someone JUST LIKE ME would run, I'd vote for them and the country would be fixed just like I would do it!"

[Tangerine LaBamba]

3. Perfect

What else could you have said?

Your co-worker is a moran.

[Lex]

4. The average American thinks this election is like "American Idol."

I fear Democracy is doomed in this country if so.

[Mind_your_head]

5. Ask your co-worker if this is a "popularity contest ~ queen of the prom"

sort of thing? Or as you said to her, "you want someone SMARTER/more concerned than you (or I) with the issues and FACTS to lead this country?

[BlooInBloo]

7. The reason Americans don't like smart people is because it reminds them how stupid they are....

It'll be a problem as long as our educational system is in the business of producing idiots.