Harrogate does disagree with solon's suggestion that the final moments were unimportant. That handshake between the two of them may have seemed cheesy to some, but for Harrogate it was a Great moment. Perhaps they didn't mean it when each of them said they were honored to share the stage and the Primary race with the Other. But Harrogate would like to believe that they did mean it, because they should.
And, Clinton's final speech was very effective on an Epideictic level. It was likely by no means enough to get her any votes she wasn't going to get by now--in fact, it's pretty clear that no debate between the two of them is going to effect that, at this point. She is going to lose this Primary, it seems clear to Harrogate now.
But her closing words were effective, as was the standing ovation that they elicited. Effective because they expressed a very true thing: she made a clarion call for Perspective--something very much needed in the face of the Hyperbole being thrown around. She reminded voters of the ridiculousness of lamenting what these very privileged Politicos "go through" at the highest level of politics.
She reminded everyone, without saying it, likely without even thinking it, that the sainted JFK was in fact wrong. To wit: it isn't about what average citizens can do for those in power. It is what those in power can do for the average citizens, that will determine the government's Decency Barometer.
5 comments:
I always like it when people remind us that, in fact, JFK was not a god.
If you are going to pick on JFK, attack him for his desire and attempt to assassinate people.
As for the last lines, If they help Senator Clinton and she wins Texas and Ohio, then she should renounce her victory because words would matter...just kidding.
And, of course, I disagree with your claim on JFK and his memorable line. I believe Lincoln is correct- the government should act when the people cannot. This means that the people must act.
But I prefer deliberative democracy .
"I believe Lincoln is correct- the government should act when the people cannot. This means that the people must act."
All depends on the emphasis you are willing to place on the prepositional phrase, "when the people cannot."
JFK represents the typical Important Citizen/Presidential move of igoring the many among us who Cannot, because to fully acknowledge economic and social reality in all its complexity troubles the Hyper Simplistic Soaring Narrative that has impelled American politics, and alas, so much of our literature, from the very beginning. This is damning even to the most Patriotic among us, and needs to Change.
Wait a minute. Now Harrogate is channeling Michelle Obama somewhat! What is happening here???!!!!
It is precisely through malicious elision, and affected ignorance, that the Triumphalist Narrative obtains its effectiveness and endurance. The Republicans buy into Triumphalism 100%.
The Democratic Party in its core understands that the Narrative covers a hollowness, though often it is too cowardly to assert this.
Now you have a smidge of a taste, too, of why Harrogate advocates Party loyalty at this moment in our political trajectory.
A bit off-topic, but here's a relatively unimportant question: what does Obama say in response to Clinton's saying that she's honored to share the stage with him? He says something while shaking her hand and he seems to say it twice. But I can't lipread for shit!
megs:
Harrogate can't read lips either, but the tone of his voice suggested a thank you, maybe some sort of reciprocity too. And, near the beginningof the debate he had said something very similar about her.
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