Hillary, Barack And Us

CBS' Dick Meyer Puts Voters On the Couch

(CBS)  This commentary was written by CBSNews.com's Dick Meyer.

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I’ve made as much fun of pop psychology as any jaded, wiseacre column desperate for opinions. But I’m sorry: A whole lot of Democrats and journalists who feel it is their business to give Democrats’ free advice need some serious virtual couch time.

So tell me how you're feeling about Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama. Because I think you are in denial about some very important issues your fellow citizens have in their relationships with these two potential parent figures.

I sense most voters who don't have books by Herbert Marcuse, Michael Moore and Al Franken on their shelves feel profoundly conflicted about choosing either Hillary or Barack to be president.

Enjoying the voyeuristic thrill of watching family psychodramas unfold in public is traditional American form of public therapy. For patients who vote, however, this is not an optimal process for selecting a president. Sen. Clinton's psychological quest is just too obvious and determinative for most us. What exactly drives her we cannot know, which itself is frustrating. Is it redemption? Or resurrection? Would being leader of the free world erase the public indignities she suffered due to her husband? Does she have a messianic thing going on? Did she ever have a desire to completely escape public scrutiny and dissection altogether?

I'm agnostic on these therapeutic queries. But the sense people have that Sen. Clinton's drive is overly determined by her emotional issues is, I suggest, fatal. This is not sexist. Al Gore has a similar problem. Richard Nixon had that problem; he didn't solve it — but George Wallace solved it for him. There is a balance between ambition, drive, earned confidence and reluctance that voters are comfortable with. For many voters, Sen. Clinton doesn't have that balance.

Sen. Clinton is also emotionally inscrutable. That adds a layer to the question of "what makes her tick?" that is very uncomfortable. In public, she's a robot. No compelling and satisfying account of her private side exists. In every election since 1972, the presidential candidate who gave the appearance of being the most emotionally available won. Sen. Clinton will never be that candidate.

Sen. Obama is a Rorschach test. I see hope! I see brains! I see a whole new kind of politician! I see an amazing life story! I see an orator! I see a natural! I see a hero!

Well, real people aren't Rorschach tests. They aren't blank slates. And by January 2008, Senator Blank Slate, D-Ill., will be a messy chalkboard. He may well be a fabulous chalkboard with cool stuff all over it. But more likely, he'll be pretty much like an American politician, though perhaps one who is a great guy, with a big brain and a powerful voice.

In the 19th century, blank slates became president all the time. Party titans would lock antlers and fight to the death, and then the party would tap an unknown Sometimes it worked out pretty well, as with Abraham Lincoln. Sometimes not so well, as with Franklin Pierce.

Television has killed blank slates. Jimmy Carter came the closest, but he filled in the blanks pretty aggressively by doing things like telling us about the "lust in his heart."

These days, candidates with maverick window dressing and hero worshippers in tow break hearts: Bill Bradley and John McCain in 2000, Howard Dean in 2004. Obama's fate is not preordained, but it will be determined by more than the emotional projections of voters looking for a new significant other.

Americans also have race issues, though it's not clear exactly how they play out. The last potential candidate to really break the national heart was Colin Powell. Is that a coincidence? Does the national political press have a soft spot for African-American political superstars? Or is it that Americans really do have an enduring and serious wish to make a huge change in race relations in this country by electing a black president? Or is Harold Ford's defeat in the Tennessee Senate race this year a bad omen? I'm not at all convinced that all this has been worked through yet.

I think this used to be called Reality Therapy.

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Dick Meyer is the editorial director of CBSNews.com, based in Washington.

E-mail questions, comments, complaints, arguments and ideas to
Against the Grain. We will publish some of the interesting (and civil) ones, sometimes in edited form.

[geri2008a]

Obama, a 'blank slate'? If you do the following you would know more about Sen Obama then any other past or present politician:

1. Listen to video of his 2004 Democratic Convention speech at www.barackobama.com ... this will motivate you to do step 2

2. Read his two best selling books, that he actually wrote himself, a rarity for politicians: start with reading "Dreams from My Father" (listen to audio version that won him a Grammy Award), then read "The Audacity of Hope" (his recent book)

3. Read his speech against invading Iraq back in 2002... and you will realize that he has the Foreign policy judgement that we so desperately need(ed) in the White House.

4. Listen to his recent speech at the Chicago Council of Foreign Affairs about the Iraq War... especially the Q & A where he speaks about China & Africa with such depth of understanding you know he has the knowledge and skill to rebuild our alliances and expand our global economy.

[mjv2944]

Right at the moment, Obama is my choice. My hope is that he does not fall into that black pit where most of our politicians are. I don't buy the lack of experience, as I have watched what experience has gotten us over the years. Right now he is the brightest star in the political sky, if the Beltway don't corrupt him, he will have a bright future. This guy is has a lot of the pluses that Bill Clinton had, just hope he don't acquire his negatives.

Why is it always about Clinton and Obama? The real story here is Kucinich. He is the only one who isn't a sellout to our CEO's. http://www.anyonebutfeinstein.com/h1b2008.html. He is the only one who really represents those who want to end the war. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/11/politics/main2248157.shtml

I'm a voter for Obama. He's sensible, hasn't cheated on his wife and has genuine family values. He's a leader I can tell my children to be like. I also think Hilary 'thinks' the presidency is hers--she's a bit cocky. One day she will have a turn, but I don't think it should be now.

obama is also not perfect. His book talks about the long road he's had to success. In America, that long road used to stand for something.

[edjohn66]

I am a Democrat, so I hope a Democrat wins the 2008 nominationn for the Democratic Party.

What do I mean by this? Simple. Hillary voted FOR the war, FOR tax cuts for the rich, and FOR the Patriot Act both times. When the going gets tough, she is a Republican.

Obama's record my not be very deep, but I think its more in line with the Democratic Party.

Go Obama!

[angryliberal-2009]

I bet Obamma is not even gonna run for president. He is trying to capitalize on the media's OBSESSION with him and sell more books, smart move. He would never ever have sold 400,000 books if the media wouldnt have had the Obammarama fest that they have been having. This guy has no real experience in the senate and the experience he does have is 100% liberal. And we all know Hillary is one of the scariest people in the senate. All you have to do is look deep into those protruding eyes to see that see is an emotional time bomb waiting to blow. Plus could you ever listen to her voice for more than three seconds at a time? And we all must remember that Hillary is Bill's husband... i mean wife. Hillary has constatnly made irrational statements, the most recent being "I dont believe anything George Bush says". Hillary operates off of her emotions, and we cannot have a president that thhrive off those impulses. The way I see it, if either of these clowns run it will be devestating for America.

[angryliberal-2009]

edjohn66,

But hillary kills babies, you should like that, right? She also wants guys to have sexua l relations with guys and legalize it, thats a democrat issue. She does agree with Bush on pardoning the illegal immigrants wich means she is for pardoning criminals.

[angryliberal-2009]

But I do applaud Hillary on things she got right (patriot act, tax cuts, and the war in Iraq). I would take her in heartbeat if the presidential election were (GOD FORBID) between her and Obama.

[creeper00]

Mr. Meyer,

All of your points are well-made. What I find fascinating is that what appear to be the top two Democratic candidates at the moment are a woman and an African-American.

Take a look at the list of WASPs wearing elephant buttons. Clinton and Obama may have their drawbacks but they're a damsite more representative of Americans today than John McCain.

In defense of Al Gore, who you state has "emotional issues," if you had received the majority of the vote only to find someone else taking office you might have some "emotional issues," too.

[angryliberal-2009]

One must also understand that a presidential race may be to much for this young political virgin Barrack Obamma. He is worried about negative TV ads being run against him and he is self-conscious about his large protruding ears. And this guy wants to go up against Hillzilla? Hillary could bring a 400lb body building pit-fighter to his knees (in the political sense), let alone a skinny Giraffe-like lad Obama. I think Obama should get out before hillary starts her engine because the only reason hillary is not coming out of her cage right now is because she cleaning her weapons and choosing her ammo. Hillary will not let anyone stand in her way of the democratic nomination.

[creeper00]

geri2008a and other Obama promoters:

I am not interested in what Obama says. I am interested in what he has done. Which at this point isn't much.

Pretty words don't cut it. The disaster that is this administration got there on pretty words..."compassionate conservatism, affordable health insurance, no child left behind" and my personal favorite "restore full confidence in government."

Listen with half an ear to what they say. Look with a microscope at what they've done.

[dogsoul]

Oh please, look at Rice, Powell, Clarence Thomas, O'Connor, Estrada & a host of other minorities & women the Republicans have placed in positions of massive authority - and ya know what, THEY'RE QUALIFIED - chosen for their skills & experience... not propped up poster boards so we can look & feel "diverse" - and isn't that what it's supposed to be about? Although Republicans generally don't tout their better brand of inclusiveness because it's based on merit - it's worth noting at least to refute your racist claims that they're just WASPS supporting more WASPS...

[rdarmand]

I'm voting for Hillary. She'll be the first Democratic candidate I'll have ever voted for.

The most pressing issue that will be facing this country in the immediate future is Islamic fundamentalist terrorism. We need a President who is capable of fighting to win, not merely temporize. Hillary is flawed. I believe she is, at heart, an old-world Socialist, very far to the left. But she is brilliant, canny, tough, patient, self-sacrificing for a cause she believes in (look how long she put her own ambition on hold for Bill), and knows how to play with people she disagrees with -- plus, I think with her anger roused she can be a harpy from Hell. I want to turn her loose on those patriarchal ***********. They've forgotten the fury of a woman scorned ...

[cryonbrian]

I can just see it now? President Obama riding in the back of the presidential limousine when all of a sudden the Police stop and arrest him for carjacking! Then later they will say it was all a big misunderstanding! Only in America! LOL

[changeit4]

ANGRYliberal states that Dems operate on their emotions, but the very reason they lose or are impeached by Republicans is their lack of control of theirs.

Real-world problems aren't solved with concoctions of fear, strength, and patriotism, which is why W is a failure both here (let me count the ways) and abroad. And buying into that gets votes from the GOP and the ignorant. The ignorance I speak of is that borne of confusing what's good for yourself and what's good for America, another trait prominent among Republicans.

It cannot get more devastating for America than it is at present.

[jeauxbleaux1]

DogSoul, I totally agree with you about the minorities that have risen to power in Republican administrations. Watching Democrats and their mouthpieces in the media act like they are the only ones who truly care about African-Americans and Hispanics gets old.

Changeit4, it is not devastating for America right now. Unemployment is below 5 percent and we have a pretty strong economy. I do agree with you that the war is not going well. I think columnist Rich Lowry put his finger on the problem when stated something to the effect that "we are doing just enough not to win and just enough not to lose." I haven't bought the Vietnam analogy yet but if things don't improve it may be "Vietnam the sequel" unfortunately.

Finally, let's get real here. If Obama were white, the media would not be gushing over him the way they are. As I recall, Dan Quayle was in the middle of his 2nd term as a Senator when he was picked to be VP. He was crucified for his lack of experience (although I do concede he brought some of the criticsm on himself). Obama has only been a Senator for less than 2 years and you would swear we are observing the 2nd coming of JFK. Obama might turn out to be a good Senator and maybe even President one day. But, the double standard really irritates me.

[random_radar]

I foresee Hillary Clinton as the Democratic candidate in 2008 with Obama as VP. The question is whether they can win. If they do, it could set up a serious Obama presidential run in 2012 or 2016, depending upon whether Clinton served one term or two.

Could it happen? I don't believe that the majority of America is so sexist or racist that they would vote merely on that basis. If Clinton/Obama was the Republican ticket, I believe they would win. The problem is whether the mainstream of America would buy into the actual politics of electing Clinton.

I really think it comes down to the issues. Of course, it also depends on who the opponent is. McCain might be able to get Clinton elected by comparison. Bob Dole did that for Bill Clinton by running a defective campaign. Maybe the key to a Clinton victory is to get a defective republican candidate.

Oh, wait, we already have one in office. Maybe Bush still has enough time to make Americans embrace Clinton/Obamam in '08!

[samoh215]

The most important requirement of being a president is the brain. He/She should be able to analyze the inputs he/she gets from all sources. We are in this mess because the president could not and did not understand all sides.
Hillary has brain (may not have style). Obama may have just style. He has not proved himself at all. She will get the US moving....to the right direction.

[ademeyer]

SO you can't figure out why Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton would want to run for President? And that's why we shouldn't nominate her? Why would Rudy, or McCain, or Newt want to run? Let's be honest, why would anyone want to run? It seems to me that of all of them, Sen. Clinton has the most experience with the office, she is well educated, and tempermentally suited to grapple with complex issues. I think that Mr. Meyer is searhing for an excuse not to accept her as a viable candidate, but I'd like to know where he is going to find the "perfect" candidate? And, looking back at history, when has there been a president that large portions of the population didn't find unacceptable? PS I loathed Reagan.

[cbs_oliver]

There you go once again, ***, claiming to be a middle ground kind of guy.

This claim to be a middle ground kinda guy is one theme that seems to appear in all your editorial writing and it just isn't true.

You really are a right wing kinda guy. You need to accept reality and be honest with yourself and the rest of us.

You may remember when you came out and foamed about how you really like the Republican John McCain.

You know your guy McCain is really a right wing ideologue and a liar/pretender.

He pretends to be for the constitution and against torture, but he has repeatedly sold out American freedoms, protections and rights.

Since he is your man don't pretend to give advice to the rest of us and especially not us Democrates about who we should support.

You are biased.

[cmayes2]

White america still don't think black people are ever smart enough, sad! sad!; and why do we always have to be second!!, it could be Obama/Clinton. But, I am an african american and democrat, and I will not be voting for hillary Clinton, even though I like her. Because me and my 100 voting family members will not stand by and allow a woman to get president befor an African american. Not yet Hillary!!

[processor2]

Both Obama & Clinton are terrible for the Democrat Party...neither would win

The Democrat that I would definitely vote for is Joe Leiberman

[tejasdemo]

Man, Mr. Meyer is really throwing in the towel pretty fast on this one. Obama may have a chance only if all the Nascar yahoos wake up and realize that religious right Republicans dont have the courage of their convictions nor do they give a *** about anything other than their pocketbooks.

I would vote for Hillary but I dont thik she can win. The yahoos aint gonna let no women become Prezident and Tom Delay will come out of the woodwork to get them all riled up about it.

[jeff776]

Too early to commit to a prediction yet Mr. Meyer. Hopefully the Democrats won't cannabilize themselves like the last presidential election and toss the stiffest non-charismatic poor *** left over from the feast onto the national platform.

BTW Bad sentence two adverbs together.

So tell me HOW WHAT you're feeling about Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama.

[tejasdemo]

Let's if they can get Bush impeached in 07. If they do it, they get my vote.

If they let Dumbya and Cheney keep running unchecked then they dont

[dogsoul]

Liberals think anyone who wouldn't vote for Hillary or Obama must be a sexist and/or a racist - which is, in itself a presumption that reeks of sexism & racism. I've had many experiences where when I begin to tell a liberal about how I don't like Hillary, I get an immediate, "...why, you afraid of a strong woman?" to which I usually reply, "...despite your sexist stereotype of me, the truth is I don't like her political views..." And those that WOULD vote for Hillary & Obama based on the fact that she's a woman & he a black man are equally as bigoted - but you see... that's "good bigotry" because it's coming from liberals... How about you Dems follow the majority Republican lead & either support or rebuff candidates based on their beliefs & credentials... leave their race & gender out of it.

[elgraz]

Obama Bin Laden and Hillary............you Bozos must be kidding. I would not let them baby sit with my cats no less vote for those nitwits. You CBS people are really getting brain dead.

[elgraz]

I would run for President if I had the resources to do it. That is all which is required. Vote for me and there will be a chicken in every pot.

[elgraz]

Let's get your comments people !!!!!!!!!!!!

[elgraz]

tejasdemo
What are you sniffing amigo. Bush will never get impeached. Try some other approach.

[elgraz]

Come on people,
get out of your caves and express your opinions

[elgraz]

jeff776
I think that Hillary and Obama Bin Laden should get married.

[janiee2]

I pray everyday that Hilary Clinton is never elected our president. What a disgrace that would be.

[one_american]

Oh, look what didn't make the news today:

(From Fox News)
"...on Friday, Sandy Berger (search) pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in federal court. Berger, who served as President Clinton's national security adviser, is acknowledging that it wasn't an honest mistake and that he intentionally took and destroyed copies of classified documents from the National Archives (search) and cut them up with scissors.

Berger acknowledged to U.S. Magistrate Deborah Robinson that he intentionally took and deliberately destroyed three copies of the same document dealing with terror threats during the 2000 millennium (search) celebration. He then lied about it to Archives staff when they told him the documents were missing.

"Guilty, your honor," Berger responded when asked how he pleaded."

How much credibility can a Clinton have, knowing this?

[elgraz]

I really love this CBS opportunity to comment. It's the American way.,,,,,,,,,,,,God Bless America and its inhabitants...............of course. We will prevail against Islam the religion of violence and death.

[elgraz]

Oh well time to read the Holy Bible or is it the Koran.........I'm so confused...............
Catch you guys/girls tomorrow..........maybe a little TV.

The one and only El Graz(sounds like El Cid doesn't it ?) is signing off.

[elgraz]

FARTKNOCKER2
You are the man..........love that observation @!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!about Obama Bin Laden or is it Ben Laiden or Ben the Friendly Bear ???????

[kailumego1]

You people are so transparent, as racists as you'll want to be, comparing Barack Obama to Bin Laden. Elgraz, you, and your other KKK buddies, have more in common with Bin Laden, than Barack Obama, Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, the New Black Panthers, the Nation of Islam, and the list goes on put together, it stems from your anti-humanity misanthropic vileness and disrespect for anyone[s] who%u2019s beliefs are not similar or consistent with you[rs] narrowminded, myopic, unilateral, perverse ideology. People like yourselves are not atypical and it only demonstrates the pervasiveness of the malignant vile decadence that continues to contaminate our society

[processor2]

Both Obama & Clinton are terrible for the Democrat Party...neither would win

The Democrat that I would definitely vote for is Joe Leiberman

............

[kailumego1]

You%u2019re right professor2 neither would win, and its not because of their lack of efficiency, its because most Americans have such antiquated racist patriarchal beliefs, neither a woman nor black would have a chance of winning a presidential election.

And considering the moron we have as president now, I fail to see why any of you would have the nerve to criticize Hillary or Barack; either candidate would be a welcome relief. They certainly could do no worst!!!!

[kailumego1]

"OUCH", elgraz, obviously that had to hurt, touched a nerve; you must be a "closet" Klan, or better yet, a closet "bigot". You're one of those who wear a mask and think he/she is pretty clever not to get exposed. So, you straddle both ends of the fence, pretending to embrace pluralism, while, in reality you despise anyone who doesn't look, think, or act like you.

You tell me I need to get a job, what a cheap shot, is that the best you can do, or maybe not, considering your limited ability of %u201Csynthesis and analysis%u201D. I can tell that from your post.

So, rather than call you a KKK, I%u2019ll simply refer to you as a %u201Ccloset bigot%u201D, a sexist, and homophobic, and oh yes, we all know what they say about %u201Chomophobes%u201D.

And you flagrantly toss around the word %u201Cprimitive%u201D, maybe I would be a better humanitarian advocate, thanks for the compliment, because compared to your Neanderthal- Paleolithic ideology, even those in Lagos, Africa have miles over you.

And I meant every single word I stated early, you make parallel comparisons between Barack Obama and Bin Laden, knowing they are strikingly different, in all respects, only demonstrates your inability to adequately discern or differentiate between a murderous thug and astute politician. So, not only do you need a %u201Clobotomy%u201D, but some serious down time to introspect.

[kailumego1]

And also, one more thing, obviously that position or title you possess hasn't been very promising, to use such rudimentary language, I would think an aspiring business executive as yourself, wouldn't have to stoop so low. The language and type of self-expression is really no better than the %u201Cobscure slang%u201D that some of your lower-socio-economic counterpart use.

So, placing yourself above those in Lagos, Africa is really a %u201Cfar stretch%u201D, when the only thing you have over them is %u201Cmoney%u201D, it%u2019s obviously not intelligence, or you would have managed to use your words more wisely.

Hillary is not my choice because she has disappointed me with a number of key votes. Mr. Meyer's talk of her inscrutability and his meaningless chatter about her psychological quest leave me wondering what he is actually trying to say. Surely, he could be more specific and perhaps come down to earth and really tell us what he thinks, but he must enjoy being inscrutable himself.
There are several candidates out there that I would be happy with: Gore, Clark, Edwards to name a few. And when the candidate is selected, Democrats, in the end, will rally around whoever it is.

[kaliveotin]

I lost interest in this column after just a few sentences. The writer talks alot but seems to say nothing. The voters like Obama but Hillary will easily get the democratic nomination. We love her. In spite of what the corporate media and talking heads are trying to do, there is no drama. We democrats will consider Obama in eight years, after he's proven himself and shown us a positive history, after Hillary has finished her second term. Her work on trying to get a national Health Care program alone earned her our support. The fact that the corporate medias
talking heads are so afraid of her should be a sign for most americans that she is the cure for what most dangereously ails this nation. Go Hillary. RUN HILLARY RUN.

[ronaldstark]

Hillary will not be the nomination!
I'm really frightened more by democrats willingness to allow muslims to continue to plot blowing us up...calling it their religous freedom but if we plot to kill them we are sent off to clean toilets. Democrats will RUIN the U.S. and hand it over to the NEW WORLD ORDER (Muslim Law) We need to expose these politicians who are being purchased by ARABS and hang every last one of em. I'm telling you. It's both parties that are corrupt. Can't trust anyone? Who can we trust?

[processor2]

Both Obama & Clinton are terrible for the Democrat Party...neither would win

The Democrat that I would definitely vote for is Joe Leiberman

............

[sharncedar]

Barack is bad for the country because he takes buzz away from any legitimate candidate coming forward to challenge Frillery.

It's a gut check for our nation, if we allow the Democratic party system to shove Hillary down our gullets, who knows wht humiliation is next.

Whatever happened to Democracy.

[ademeyer]

Has anybody noticed how bad the music is nowadays? Fergie, Justin Timberlake, all that awful rap...where are today's Janis Joplins, Marvin Gayes, Nat King Coles, Elvises, Bing Crosbys, etc?
Popular music has certainly declined since the 80's, don't you think? This comment has nothing to do with the Democratic nomination for president, but I'm tired of complaining about politics...feel like complaining about music.

[kailumego1]

? I would welcome your unbiased objective opinion. I%u2019ve read most of the post here and neither mentions anything concrete that would substantiate your arguments, as a matter of fact most have been simply personal malicious attacks, as oppose of contributing anything meaningful for debate.

As many of you profess to be intellectuals, where is you sound reasoning, behind these malicious attacks. Regarding Hillary, she made a bad decision supporting the Iraq War, however, as one poster mentioned her move to nation wide health care supersedes her obvious lack in judgment.

What would be of great concern to me is a) developing an alternative fuel program, b) addressing environmental degradation [air, water pollution etc, the continuing development and destroying of wild life habitats, c) bridging the income gap between blacks and whites through stimulating the economy, spearheading a program that gives incentives to minorities to become more self-sufficient, entrepreneurship, improving the public school system, embracing higher-education, and d) a president that can have better foreign policy relations with Middle-Eastern and Islamic countries, other than the tyrant we have in place, who has widen the gap.