When Newt Gingrich led the Republican Party to leadership of the House of Representatives in 1994 for the first time in 42 years, many pundits credited the revolution to the rise of “angry white men.” I can’t recollect what it was that they were angry about – I was stationed overseas and blooming at the time personally – but I do remember that was the handle sympathetic elites fashioned to what must have been an unsettling moment.
Maybe it’s the reverse side of the James Taranto’s observation that the Legions of teh Homeless!!1! tend to disappear during Democratic administrations, only to return to the steam grates once a Republican is read in, but the Aspen Times today evokes the specter of Angry White Men once again:
The Angry White Man comes from all economic backgrounds, from dirt-poor to filthy rich. He represents all geographic areas in America, from urban sophisticate to rural redneck, deep South to mountain West, left Coast to Eastern Seaboard.
His common traits are that he isn
Fascinating insight/connections there. I noticed that article when it first came out (sounds like a lot of guys I know) and wondered idly why AWM was back, but never made the connection.
Forgive me for kissing up a bit, but this is why I read more than just the sea stories ’round here.
I do like the tizzy that’s coming up on Obama actually being questioned on the issues and actually make statements. Me thinks it will not go well for him.
In both cases, the Dems are long on style and waaaay short on substance.
But you already knew that…
Cassandra has an interesting essay about Obama.
i’m not angry. i’m more annoyed than anything else.
Whether Obama is vetted or not, I think his rhetoric has struck a chord with a lot of Americans-of both color persuasions. Hillary is just unable to connect with people-her shrill voice just does not allow it-and when coupled with her sense of entitlement that the Presidency is somehow owed to her it alienates a lot of people.
An Obama McCain campaign will be a hard fought one-but at least it will be refreshing to have a choice that is not a Bush or a Clinton. And as I have pointed out elsewhere-both candidates will have to run against the baggage that Bush has brought and left on the table.
I’ll be in my bunker.
Well, Skippy, come November, all will be right in the Universe, as Bush will no longer be the Prez, nor will another Bush. Congratulations, you can focus your energy back on Pat Schroeder.
No, you have it wrong. The race will include running against all of the previous presidents. It’s called history. BDS is a passing issue, but what it will come to is a transmogrification into either ODS or CDS or MDS. Take that to the bank. We have already had “people” proclaim themselves to be like JFK. I’m sure Woodrow Wilson’s isolationism, FDR’s massive job creation and social program works, as well as LBJ’s Great Society will come back. I also noted a “like Nixon went to China” comment about how Obama will meet with our enemies. I bet there will be lots more ghosts of presidencies past to be faced and exorcised, or adopted, before this all ends. Me? I like mine with a little Washington and Jefferson sprinkled on top…but not too much, please.
Sort of a side note: BDS is a crutch of the hopefuls, positioning themselves now, so they can make their problems his, even after he no longer resides in the White House. Take that one to the bank, also. And the media will use it all the time to excuse poor, or lack of, leadership. Interesting, I just realized it’s purposeful pre-emptive excuse making before our very eyes.
Why with BDS, now well established, remain with us, but in a new form? Simple. I credit the “regime of self-esteem” (my 6th original thought) education that has taught people that feeling are more important than logic at all times and if individuals aren’t feeling “good” then the external cause is to be blamed, hence BDS. The “team” isn’t important, YOU are, kind of brain washing. Implied in that, the team doesn’t care about YOU, just them. And, somehow, much of the nation has swallowed that line whole and didn’t even gag, or ask questions. OTOH, we love our NFL/AFL/NHL/NBA and college teams with a passion, coz, you know, they are all about the “team.” What’s up with that obvious dichotomy?
Add to it that the educational system has failed to teach, and the “reporters” (actually now “editorialists”) fail to remind us, that the Office of the President of the United States does not control all that happens in this country., specifically as a result of a document that seems to be quite inconvenient many days, what with it’s 1st, 2nd and 4th amendments, as well as a few others.
Congress has been “flying under the RADAR” for decades, no longer having to sweat out being called on the carpet for not doing the work of the people.
No one person can make a utopia, no one person alone can bring us down. We’ll be better when we take our medicine and figure out how each of us can fix things, instead of acting like spoiled little children demanding we have it our way.
We have Code Pink, the Troofers, La Raza, the City Council of Berkeley and the list goes on. Those groups seem to collect angry people who have been photographed, videoed, and captured in print being angry. Other than Neo-Nazi groups assembling, just where do we have tens of thousands of “angry white men” meeting for demonstrations? It doesn’t happen. Yes, there are individuals, but no mass demonstrations.
“Angry white men” are mostly a construction to focus the opposition, while other “angry” groups hit the streets…and are never called on their rage, for it would be unkind of us to point their own behavior out to them in such “judgmental” language.
You may be able to claim the title of “Angry White Man,” and trademark it. I’ve been reading your stuff for a while now.
Geez, I just had a thought. Someone with some real talent (certainly not me) could do a spoof based on a Maaco’ s “Uh, OH!” commercials. The words, to fix this “wrecked country” could be “Better get Marx!” (holding up the Communist Manifesto.”)
Said it before, this ain’t going to be your usual mud slugfest. I have no doubt that that there are Angry White Men out there. Their mantra and insights as voiced by Gary Hubbell of the Aspen Times are crystal clear:
“He’s a man’s man, the kind of guy who likes to play poker, watch football, hunt white-tailed deer, call turkeys, play golf, spend a few bucks at a strip club once in a blue moon, change his own oil and build things”.
The AWM is so busy doing manly stuff, he must do his poetry reading on the hopper. But, I got distracted by that thought.
“Women either love him or hate him, but they know he’s a man, not a dishrag. If they’re looking for someone to walk all over, they’ve got the wrong guy.”
So far, so good, except I suspect that based on the above description, women will not be able to make a “love him or hate him” judgment. As my pappy used say: “What you see in the mirror, ain’t necessarily what everybody else sees”.
It is morning and sun is shining in Rochester, the new snow sparkles, charity fills my heart. I will not quote or dissect Mr. Hubble’s overt racism, for the sky would darken, the snow would no longer sparkle, and contempt would fill my heart. But, ever the defender of the “weaker” sex, I take umbrage at the following:
“He knows that his wife is more emotional than rational, and he guides the family in a rational manner.”
Try not to be a dishrag and woo the heartthrob of your life that bit of logic. But dot not, I repeat do not, use this endearment if she has a frying pan in her hand. Why, she might even “walk all over you” right to the door…
Meanwhile, what lingers is the following: To win, the dauphin of the Republican party will have to attract independent voters. If McCain is pushed to far to the Right of Center, he will lose, even if Hillary is running. If Obama becomes the chosen one, even a whiff of racism, will infuriate the electorate. They are tired of that crap. This is not going help rebuild the Republican Party’s image:
“The Angry White Man is not a metrosexual, a homosexual or a victim. Nobody like him drowned in Hurricane Katrina — he got his people together and got the hell out, then went back in to rescue those too helpless and stupid to help themselves, often as a police officer, a National Guard soldier or a volunteer firefighter.
Lex: your preview screen is ot working!!!
re: Preview screen
Yeah, I know. I broke something. I’m not entirely sure how to fix it.
As for the article in the Aspen Times, I’m not entirely sure what the authorial intent is: Does the writer theorize a phenomenon upon which to blame a Democratic loss in November, thereby freeing the party from recrimination? Or does he actually believe there are legions of angry, racists/misogynists out there trembling for the opportunity to “set things right” by electing an angry white man in John McCain?
I can’t tease it out.
“No one person can make a utopia, no one person alone can bring us down.
xformed, I like that. Too bad more people couldn’t remember it.
But, know what? Your next president is going to be Obama, says I. Don’t shoot the messenger, I make no comment on whether I think that would be a good or bad thing. I just think that’s the way it will play out. And now my comment will be captured for posterity and we can all see come November whether I am right.
Bah. Must.Fix.Preview
Fixed it!
MIchelle;
Thank you for the kudo.
As far as your prediction, yes, we are doomed to live in interesting times…
AND PREVIEW IS FIXED!
Life is good!
As is Lex.
You may be right, Michele, regarding Obama. The Obama presidency would likely be a recapitulation of the one-term Carter disaster.
As Lex said recently in another context, “the wheel is always turning,” and sometimes it takes a Carter in order to summon a Reagan.
Yup,
That one, out-of-balance, wobbly wheel that makes you realise you need to bring the whole vehicle in for a realignment.
Sometimes, however, if you listen carefuilly, you can recognise that something’s wrong and act to fix it before it becomes a real problem.
Seems to me that at the moment, we are faced with having to choose between a tire that is badly worn and balding, a retread of dubious quality, or a rather out-of-balance new one from a new dealership.
Too bad we didn’t think to demand a quality spare tire when we purchased the current vehicle.
C’est la vie. mon ami?
The sooner Obama knocks Hill-a-ree out of the race the better. Obama has no solid experience in any of the larger issues, and while the two continue to fight it out the press will never raise any serious questions of either of them to reveal the lack of depth both have.
McCain should immediately start in on emphasizing that there’s really no “there, there” other than the ephemeral “hope and change” that Obama keeps as his mantra.
I’ve said all along that there is no there there when it comes to Obama. I listened to his speech announcign that he was running for President a year ago and thought “I’ve never hearde someone talk so much, and yet say absolutely nothing at all”. Does anyone even know what this guy stands for other than “Change” and “Hope”?
He spent his entire career in the Illinois legislature voting “present”. If you listen to his speeches they’re long on “hope” and “change”, and short on details and specifics.
Even his latest votes in the Senate have been more of the same. He voted against every failed FISA amendment — amendments meant to weaken our ability to gather intel on Jihadi’s — and then when time came to vote on the bill as a package… he skipped out. Mind you, these votes took place on the same day, and he was in DC campaigning for the patomic primaries.
The only specifics I’e heard him give in any of his speeches is that he would pull troops out of Iraq immediately. This, for reasons that have been discussed before, would be the stupidest thing anyone could do. Not only would we give up any ground we’ve gained in that country, we would doom all those who have helped us to slaughter at the hands of AQI, Iran, and the rest of the radical islamofacists.
Sorry, but this country doesn’t need that kind of “change”.
Jim C
Agreed. At some point the press/republican nominee has to bring his inexperience to the forefront. As it stands, he is getting a pass on his lack of any experience/knowledge needed to run this country. Yes he gives good oratory, but someone needs to pull the curtain back to expose him for what he truly is.
xformed and to the the others,
With all due respect, I don’t think the race is in the bag for either candidate. Nor do I think its 1976 all over again-although on the Republican side at least, the similarities are there. (There is no Panama Canal to give away to people who don’t deserve it). Personally I think Mc Cain will probably win but it will be a squeaker in terms of the electoral college. If Obama does win, it will be because Ohio or someother mid-western state went the other direction and either way the winner will only have 270 electoral votes +X.
If McCain wins-the country will see what it was cheated out of 8 years ago. Despite being very wrong on the war in Iraq IMHO, Mc Cain will be a good chief executive and if he can resist the draw to have to kowtow to the right wing of the Republican party he could actually bring it back to the center where it belongs. The good news is that it will show the country what it missed and tarnish the legacy of GWB once and for all-putting him with Warren Harding and Buchanan where he belongs.
If Obama wins, I think he is going to suprise a lot of his critics. He’s had no longer a legislative career than Nixon or Kennedy had when they first ran for the White House. He’s also run a pretty good campaign so far-and as for the lack of specifics-well that’s a Bush lesson from the 2000 campaign. Karl Rove must be so proud. Obama is no dummy and he knows the general election will be down and dirty. Its just that he has to trash Hillary first. So far its working. Its got everyone here excited.
The real unknown is not Obama-it is who will be his running mate and who would be appointed to the adminstration. Can he too go back to the center or will he have to kowtow to the worst parts of his party, just like the right wing wants McCain to kowtow to them. That will be the question.
What you consider “deranged” I consider quite honest dislike of a man who has done little to put the country on the right path, expecially for the last 4 years. Reagan’s question was “Are you better off than you were 4 years ago?” The answer for me personally and for the country is no. Your mileage may vary-but that is going to be the choice.
I want somebody besides Hillary to be the Democratic nominee so that I have a choice. At this point I’m not sure who I will vote for McCain or Obama-but at least it will be interesting to watch while I make up my mind.
Crummy way to spend a saturday afternoon Lex, fixing a bug in your Preview Program. At my end, the House Engineer dragged me off to the Museum of Art for lunch and what turned out to be a stunning exhibit on quilting.
There is more to quilting than the common myths that surround this art form. I am at a total loss for words to describe this experience, or the silent communion a quilt may engender between the viewer and the time distant maker of the object in front of you…
As an added treat, the museum staff invited 20+ artist working in this medium in the Rochester area to contribute works for exhibition. Their challenge, create a small quilt using a piece in the Museum’s standing collection for inspiration. And thus, outside the hall displaying the quilts, scattered just below certain objects of art, a modern quilt, using graphic techniques unavailable to those artists in days of yore…
Why do I love this city?
By now you must be really be getting tired of my pappy’s wisdom, but I will close with the way he disdainfully referred to some guy, somewhere, in a mist shrouded land far, far away: “That guy just doesn’t know when the bolt is tight enough…”
With that thought in mind, I will lay my wrench down, and wait for the next time I can jump into one of your blogs labeled “Politics and Culture”.
PS: The astute observer will notice that no spell checker would flag a dropped “r” in wrench.
Does this make me the Angry Asian Man?
I dread the possibility of another Kennedy-style Presidency. Especially after reading the first couple chapters of then-Major McMasters’ book ‘Dereliction of Duty,’ and seeing what a muckery Kennedy’s appointees and policies made of higher-level DoD leadership capabilities.
Obama’s made some rather unsettling statements to date regarding a Pakistani incursion. I can only hope that in a possible Obama Administration our current/future JCS would have more integrity and a greater ear on military matters than their Kennedy/Johnson-era counterparts, things that’d be necessary to avoid a catastrophic effect on the current war.
Secret Asian Man – It would perhaps make you Angry Secret Asian Man, or Angry SAM for short.
As an aside, did you know that the song Secret Agent Man was originally supposed to be Secret Asian Man?
Part of the parallel with 1976 on the Democrats’ side is that Obama really doesn’t have much of a team around him. If he wins, we’re likely to end up with a bunch of Chicago machine mucky-mucks in positions way over their heads, much as Jimmy Carter, unprepared as he was to govern the nation, foundered amidst the “Georgia White House”. Oh, it could be very, very ugly.
Still, forced to choose, I would prefer an inept Obama White House to the toxic political efficiency of another Billary adminstration any day.
Skippy,
It’s interesting to see the different points of view of the Bush presidency. Many on the right (myself included) feel that he hasn’t been faithful to the Reagan legacy of the Republican party because he hasn’t been far enough to the right. He hasn’t been faithful to the small government and limited spending faction of the party either.
He (IMO) stuck with a failing strategy in Iraq for far too long. I still believe that we were right to go in, and we are right to stay there. However, I feel that the “surge” should have been implemented a lot sooner.
Leaving Iraq now (or 2 years ago for that matter) would be a monumental mistake.
In the end though, history will judge whether or not he’s made the right decisions, and what kind of President he’s been.
I don’t know where I heard it, or who said it, but someone has said that historians are still debating the Presidency’s of Washington and Lincoln. George W. Bush has a little while to wait before the final verdict comes in on his Presidency.
I do enjoy talking about these sorts of things, and I’m thankful not only that Lex has provided a forum for these discussions, but that he has such a good group of people involved in them. It’s so nice to have people to talk to that are respectful when discussing these sorts of things.
Respectfully,
Jim C
EMBRACE THE SUCK!
McCain in 2008!
That’s my bumper sticker, and I’m sorry to say that I mean it, quite seriously.
So what happens when a woman falls into the AWM category? Does that make me an AWF?
I agree with Skippy on this one – I don’t see the race in the bag for either party or candidate. I think that McCain will find support from those who admire his service to country even if they do not agree with his politics but I think a lot of that hinges on who he chooses as his running mate.
I think that many who are currently enamored with Obama who will find that he is ” but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more: it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
So we shall see…we shall see.
Angry, no. Peeved and put upon, yes.
As I sit in the Dubai airport awaiting my flight back to Baghdag, I am thankful for the upcoming disconnect from the 24 hour news grid. Thompson was my choice, Mc Cain is now. I will leave this mess in all of your very capable hands.
Lex Alert, Lex Alert:
The arguments that I have made in the past, and on this thread: For McCain to succeed, he has to capture the independent vote, are voiced in a detailed and robust article by Jonathan Rauch in The National Journal. Unfortunately, the Journal is by subscription only, so the link is ethereal and has to be captured as a PDF file now…
Some of your readership will activate their gag reflex with paragraphs such as these:
Perhaps I can sum up the Grand Old Party’s dilemma:
Nothing to gag about-the National Journal has summed it up quite well.
Oh the baggage…can barely walk with all the baggage…hurts so much…What would Vince Foster do?
But seriously, is it just me or does Obama resemble Alfred E. Neuman? Not near as funny as Alfred but they seem to have the same sense of self.