It's definitely a sign of social progress. Whether or not it's a sign of political progress is another question, although the mere symbolic value of electing a black man as president or, to a lesser extent, a woman as vice president could be a catalyst for a cultural paradigm shift. More people might start thinking critically about race and gender, which would be a huge shock to the status quo.
Thomas Jefferson might have been black. Sarah Palin, and to a lesser extent, Barack Obama, are politicians in the mold of what our founders intended. People who have a career and a family, leave it to serve for a few years, and go back home. After the Presidency, Washington retired and went back to Virginia. They may not look like the founders, but their political involvement is similar. Biden and McCain look more like the founders, but the Senator for life thing wasn't part of the founders ideals.
Any thoughts on when a Non-Christian or Jew will be elected to the highest office? Howabout a homosexual?
"The founders" didn't all think alike, and some of them were even career politicians. There was even a significant contingent that wanted to set up the executive as a for-life position. Our judges hold their offices "in good behavior", i.e. until they die or resign. What was your point again?
basso I am proud that you have the ability to fop your way around the interwebs like a meth'ed out billygoat with heartburn. I would give you KUDOS - but instead I am giving you KU-TRES to increase your orders of magnitudes. PREGO
And Alexander Hamilton wanted to copy Parliament and have a House of Lords assumed by birthright. Generally, when I, and virtually every one, else talk about the view of founders, we mean the consensus views from those at the Constitutional convention. And the ideals of citizen-representatives was one of those consensus views.
I actually think this country was ready to elect a black man or woman as president years ago, as long as they were capable and not outside the acceptable political spectrum. Let me be clear: I'm not blind to the progress that has been made over the decades since the Civil Rights movement. But if people in any way see these nominations as some sort of culmination of all those efforts that people have put in, I have to disagree with that. In the political realm, discrimination against ideas is a far greater problem that discrimination against a particular race or gender.
There are third world countries that have elected minorities and women to high political offices. Indian society isn't exactly progressive when it comes to gender equality or religious tolerance. Yet India elected a female prime minister way back in the 60s. A Muslim served as president from 2002-2007, and he was extremely popular. So, what does this really mean?
This is terrific! No matter what happens, it will mean the end of racism and discrimination in America as we know it! I tend to agree with durvasa's sentiment here.
Yes, but Mondale/Ferraro was soundly thrashed nationally, leaving the two white male opponents undefeated. I believe the point is that this way, whichever side wins, a historical minority's ascension is a lock. On behalf of a grateful nation, I will accept that cookie.
I know that and you know that and hopefully several other folks here know that, but it's a big deal for America. Yes, she's a female Dan Quayle, in my estimation (sorry, Dan), but I'm still proud that the country seems to be moving in the direction of equality, regardless of race, gender, religion, and sexual preference. At least, I hope it's moving in that direction. We're putting aside who is "better" or "most qualified" or who we agree with on the issues and celebrating a huge step forward for the country. Right? Left? Onward!
Yeah, even if you consider one (or both) side's nominee a gimmick, be you Geraldine Ferraro 1984 (Mondale/Ferraro '84) or Geraldine Ferraro 2008 (in reference to Obama during the primaries), this sort of counter-programming by either side would have been political suicide even a decade or two ago. Even if a political stunt, even something that minimal must be considered progress.
the beautiful michelle bachelet was the first woman elected president in the americas. Her father was tortured by pinochet and his fascist goons. So it's not new in america.
