THIS TIME - TEMPLETON IS WRONG

Unfortunately, I’m unable to post these comments on Stephen Templeton’s (latest) Drawing Board. Though I usually find myself smiling at, nodding to, and even agreeing with the message behind his art, in this case it seems – to me at least – that he has fallen under the Obama Spell in which rhetoric is elevated over history.

By now most of us know that Barack Obama has branded himself as the “candidate of change.” That message resonates with a lot of us who have been disappointed and now disillusioned with all that has taken, and now continues to take place in Washington. Truman campaigned against a “do nothing congress,” Eishenhower was seen as a “do nothing president,” Kennedy, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush, Clinton, Bush … all complained about the partisan atmosphere that seemed to poison any thought of compromising with others to address and resolve the significant challenges we face.

Fortunately, it would seem, at just the right moment in history Obama has stepped forward, presenting himself as a “different kind” of candidate; one who proposes a new approach to government and politics.

Unfortunately, when searching for proven activities supporting his message, we are left with little (if any) evidence of his ability to deliver on his promise. In the three years he has served as the junior seantor from Illinois, he has been – and thus far continues to be – both ineffective and highly partisan. Looking behind the proverbial curtain, there is little more than a message. A compelling message, to be sure. But a message, just the same.

Having listened to him, I believe Senator Obama is smart. In fact, he is probably really really smart! On many occasions I find that I agree with what he is saying. But an agent of change? There just isn’t enough proof.

Senator McCain isn’t without his own list of shortcomings; as pointed out by those from both sides of the political center. But if “change” is the result of finding acceptable solutions that produce results, then he is by far the candidate with the most proven experience.

Many on the right have dismissed him because of his unholy alliance with Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) to produce the McCain-Feingold bill addressing political reform. Others are still angry at him for working with Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusettes) on the ill-fated attempt at immigration reform. And some on the left blame him and Senator Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) for finding a compromise solution on judicial appointments that circumvented the threat of what was then called, “the nuclear option” which would have circumvented established rules in the senate resulting in even more resentment and division than what was then present.

I understand that Barak Obama is a charismatic leader who has inspired thousands to take notice and participate in this year’s presidential election. For that, I believe we can all be thankful.

But an agent of change? When I get past the loud (and articulate) voice, there is no evidence that he is able to move past the speech.

Despite the brand.