The failed party

[DanS]

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat
Well, it is. Whatever the issue, just remember that half the electorate has a two-digit IQ.

Doesn't take a high IQ to know what is in your interests.

With an unsophisticated electorate, perceived leadership hinges more on slogans, spin, sound bites and charisma.

Let's say, as opposed to the French "sophisticated" electorate.

A more sophisticated electorate would have the ability to burn through a lot of the BS and see how much of the projected image of leadership is based on real leadership, and how much on typical political campaign tools.

I think they already do a lot of that. Or at least much more than you give them credit for.

Unfortunately, most of it is still in the Gary Cooper and John Wayne (or Stallone, if that's the generational preference) vs. the dirty ragheads vein. More people know what continent Afghanistan is on than did before, yes, but background like how the Taleban-NA ****fest was really an extension of Indo-Pakistani rivalry, or the relative precariousness and double-dealing by our purported allies are still beyond the scope.

Well, we don't like the French. We're skeptical of the Saudis. Is that good enough?

To negotiate effectively, you need to know how the other guy perceives things, and what he believes his interests to be. How much do we know (or care) about the Saudi's national interests (whether the man in the street, the royals, the mullahs) or the Pakistanis'?

The electorate is never going to be full of wonks, MtG. But the electorate is very useful in making choices.

Besides, who else would be suitable to decide these things?

[MichaeltheGreat]

I was thinking we could bring back the Equites and Senatus classes. The Romans didn't do everything wrong.

[Ming]

Originally posted by MichaeltheGreat
I was thinking we could bring back the Equites and Senatus classes. The Romans didn't do everything wrong.

But Hmmmmm... now that you mention it...

[Seeker]

"Americans are not stupid people they can actually be quite intelligence. They are simply narrow minded (when locked into a certain view) and ignorant."

Quote of the day.

American's aren't stupid, just ignorant.

Feel better my star-spangled friends?

[Drake Tungsten]

The Democrats aren't a complete failure. Bartlett beat Ritchie for reelection tonight!

Babs must be pissed at Jimmy for running as a Republican.

[Verto]

Some of you need to watch it. Your envy is beginning to show through.

Pardon me while I go find the ol' Stars and Stripes and parade my geographically handicaped self in the streets.

Lemme know when you finish up the discussion about how the American people must be stupid since they voted for a candidate/party you don't like.

[Seeker]

What you need is the Roman office of 'Censor' with an impartial dude in it.

Clone Cato?

[Roland]

Oh please not the romans. Just think of the one-year happy little pair consulate. Gore and Bush sitting both in the white house, and military command changing from one to the other every month....

"bring back the Equites and Senatus classes"

Although... you have that anyway, don't you ? Equites are those that buy politics, senators those who inherit politics (Kennedys, Gores, Bushes...)

[MichaeltheGreat]

Well, following the Roman pattern, we would have had Powell or Thurman or Schwarzkopf install themselves as Caesar.

We do have our class system, but we need to formalize it, though. Can't let the common rabble get too uppity.

[Sikander]

Originally posted by Tassadar5000

I really don't care if you do or don't think if Gore would have been better because frankly, thats not the subject. who knows if he would have been or not, but I'm talking about now. The economy is not quite as good as it was before, and I don't like that. I'd like it repaired and if Bush and his team can't do it, then I dont want them in there.

Geez, your tough. I suppose that if the next administration doesn't manage to increase your penis size by 10% or more then they are toast as well.

[Drake Tungsten]

You think he's going to be happy with a 1.1 inch ****?

[Roland]

"Well, following the Roman pattern, we would have had Powell or Thurman or Schwarzkopf install themselves as Caesar."

Only if you're the late Republic and don't take care of the veterans.

Wait, what were you telling about the Veterans department a while ago ?

"We do have our class system, but we need to formalize it, though. Can't let the common rabble get too uppity."

Another Clinton would get the ruling cast in serious disarray, I suppose. Replace impeachment with the census.