Sarah's Thoughts
Identity Politics on the Right
OK, I admit it. I temporarily got sucked into the Huckabee Hype. I liked his style of communication and I still appreciate his consistent pro-life position (continuing to care for the baby after it’s born) and his advocacy for arts in school. However, I have since removed my rose-colored glasses and now realize that his socially conservative and fiscally questionable policies are hardly a match for my libertarian leanings.
A pastor called into Rush Limbaugh yesterday and proclaimed that “Hucklebee” was the light at the end of the tunnel because he would put a stop to “the homosexual agenda” and “fix the country’s morals”. Fantastic! Those just happen to be the top two things that I look for in a president! Forget about fixing social security, maintaining a strong national defense or eliminating our ridiculous income tax structure … I want a leader who will make sure Britney Spears’ videos are banned from TV and gay couples can’t visit each other in the hospital. Then, and only then, will I feel like the United States is finally back on the right course.
Rush Limbaugh mentioned that many people seem to be flocking to Huckabee for no other reason than he is a professed Christian, and they are willing to overlook some policies that are not consistent with the conversative ideology. Limbaugh asserted that such “identity politics” is typically a part of candidate selection for the left. We should vote for a person simply because he is black or because she is a woman, without regard for specific plans or beliefs. (I’ve had several people tell me that I must vote for Hillary Clinton as an act of female solidarity)
I am not going to vote for a candidate because he is a Christian, and I’m not going to exclude a person who professes no faith at all. Same goes for the labels of black, white, man, woman, gay, straight, young, old, etc. I agree with Rush … playing identity politics is no way to determine the best person for the job.
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Sarah, I just want to make sure I understand your post correctly…you no longer support Huckabee for President because of a kook who called in to Rush to explain why he supports the Huckabee campaign? Huckabee can’t help it if a kook or two have yet to find the light that is Ron Paul! Trust me Sarah, this guy won’t be on board for long, come on back!
I believe Huckabee talks about his background as a pastor as a way of explaining the basis for his morals and values. Some people will vote for him because of that, just like people will vote for Obama because of his race and Clinton because of her gender, or Romney because he is Mormon. But you and I are too intelligent to fall into that trap. We will support the candidate that best reflects what we want in a President. None will be perfect; we just have to find the one that is the best fit. Don’t listen to Rush, make up your own mind!
I hope this post made sense; I have an excuse if it did not. Lou Holtz is supposed to be breaking down college football in the background and it takes all of my brain cells to translate what he is saying. Is it just me or does it sound like he’s smuggling marbles in his mouth? In fact, prior to the last commercial break instead of discussing the Nevada/ New Mexico game he gave his recipe for banana bread…I think.
December 22nd, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Hi, Matt. Is college football still happening? Despite the fact that the Terps accepted a bid to the prestigous Emerald Bowl, I must admit that I have lost interest. I made the mistake of turning to college basketball, which has proven to be even more disappointing to this Terps fan (We lost to American University today … American … at home!)
No, the caller to Rush did not make me lose my support for Huckabee. My love for the Huckster had already waned. My dream candidate is a domestic libertarian who is strong on national defense and Huckabee is neither of these things. In fact, I don’t believe there is such a candidate. I just mentioned the conversation on Rush because I thought the idea of identity politics and Huckabee is an interesting one. I wonder how much impact Huckabee’s emphasis on being a Christian is getting him votes. How large is the electorate who will get behind a fellow Christian without studying his record? Just curious.
Sorry you guys didn’t make it to the national championship. I wish you the best taking on those Rainbow Warriors!
December 22nd, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Thank you for the well wishes regarding our final football contest of the 2007 season.
I am a little concerned though that some of our guys will see the rainbows and after putting two and two together will grab one of the Hawaii corner backs and shake him while demanding a pot o’ gold. It is a serious concern of mine. It’ll be a 15 yard penalty every time!
I am going to disagree with some of your assessment of Huckabee. He supports the Fair Tax, a domestic libertarian should love that…maybe love it enough to overlook some of his non-libertarian domestic platform? Everything I have seen about Huckabee indicates he would be strong on national defense. Maybe you have seen something I haven’t. Please direct me to that evidence and I’ll take a look. Also, when you decide which candidate you are supporting let us know.
Will you ask your husband if Fred is on vacation? I haven’t seen him around and am only reminded that he is in the race when I dial up your site and see the “Fred 08 Donate Now” button. It has to be difficult and lonely times for a Fred supporter.
December 23rd, 2007 at 3:40 pm
[...] Sarah Moore admits to initially being sucked into the Huckabee hype. Thankfully though, she has come to her senses and taken a second look. [...]
December 24th, 2007 at 8:42 am
[...] Sarah Moore shares her recent flirtation with the candidacy of Mike Huckabee and her ultimate conclusions regarding the Christian Right standard bearer: Rush Limbaugh mentioned that many people seem to be flocking to Huckabee for no other reason than he is a professed Christian, and they are willing to overlook some policies that are not consistent with the conversative ideology. Limbaugh asserted that such “identity politics” is typically a part of candidate selection for the left. We should vote for a person simply because he is black or because she is a woman, without regard for specific plans or beliefs. (I’ve had several people tell me that I must vote for Hillary Clinton as an act of female solidarity) [...]