I enjoy politics. In the midst of what is sure to be a historic presidential election, the excitement of the political world is being felt by young and old alike. But while this is a race like never before, some of the messages the candidates are spewing, are nothing but politics as usual.
I’ll admit, I’ve probably been paying more attention to this election than the previous presidential elections. Not only because of the historic implications of having both an African American man and a woman running for office, but also because during the past presidential elections I was a high school or college student, and I spent the majority of my time on other activities.
This year, I’ve been following the elections closely, and while I like the messages that the candidates are trying to send, I find their insistence that their views are entirely different to be a little annoying.
Over the last week, both of the presidential candidates seem to have stated more relaxed views on Iraq. McCain, the nominee who originally said that success in Iraq could take years, and that residual forces could remain in the area for 50 or 100 years, is now saying that he could support a time table for the troops in Iraq.
Similarly, Obama, who originally said one of his biggest priorities would be to institute a time table and bring the troops home, is now saying that he would consider maintaining a military presence in Iraq even after the war is over.
It kind of sounds like the two candidates are beginning to see eye to eye on some issues, doesn’t it? Well they’re not. At least not according to them. Both candidates were quick to say that their plan was completely different than that of their opponent. In fact, they were emphatic on that point. You could have called them puppy murdering terrorists, and their reaction wouldn’t have been as strong as the reaction to saying they shared similar views.
I’m not sure why it’s such a terrible idea that the two candidates could share similar views. To me it seems like we had two extreme views. McCain originally seemed intent on winning in Iraq at all costs. If it took one year or 100, he was intent on doing it. Obama’s original message, we’re done. Win or lose, good or bad, we’re getting out of there. Now both candidates seem to have looked at the views of the other and taken a slightly more moderate view. I always thought compromise was a good thing, and it very well may be, but the candidates are sure as heck not going to admit that.
Maybe they are afraid of the ramifications a compromise would have on the political parties, or maybe they just aren’t willing to admit that the other has views that are even slightly intelligent, but I think a little compromise would do the country a world of good.