Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spitzer and Obama
Spitzer was something of a Nader (in his better days) — ferociously representing the public interest against egregious power and profit. But Spitzer's very advantage of character worked against him: his truculence left him with little support in a roiling political sea and the resignation came with breath-taking speed. He probably should have fought the onslaught, but he finally couldn't for a singular reason — he was a goody two shoes in his public stance. If he were known as a brawling but likable reprobate he probably could have slipped through; but the public celebrates, or at the very least is indifferent, to the fall of hypocritical sanctimony.
There seems a clear association with Obama, who also wants to live on the bright city on the hill, where we all talk together and get along because we all mean well. (Obama seems to indicate that includes Syria and Iran.) Any significant slip, any familiar political tactics, and Obama will be waived off as “just another politician”. And waiting in the wings, McCain will be pushing hard on Obama's early stance about public financing of campaigns. Will Obama forego his distinct advantage in fund raising, or risk being another hypocritical politician? Obama has set himself up for a fierce scrutiny.
It would be hard not to share the excitement of his supporters. Obama truly could be a new beginning — an impressive man. But the best hope can fall all the harder, and in this case, that hope is resting on a fragile promise.