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My husband and I went to see “Frost/Nixon” this afternoon and highly recommend the movie. Frank Langella gives a great performance as Nixon, truly deserving of an Oscar, capturing not only the man’s bluster and guile, but also his self pity and gracelessness.
The big moment, of course, comes when Nixon says “If the President does it, then it’s NOT illegal.”
It reminded me that Dick Cheney was in Washington in those days. Obviously, he took those words to heart.
I wonder if he ever saw the original interviews. If so, did he not get the point of the rest of that exchange, in which Nixon admits that what he did was wrong, that some of it was illegal, and that he let down himself, his supporters, and the American people? Or did Cheney just ignore those words?
To hear Republicans talk, the Democrats used Watergate to destroy the Republican Party. What they never seem to realize, or at least admit, is that it was only six years from Nixon’s tearful farewell to Reagan’s resurgent triumph. Clearly, the Republican Party was not down for very long.
What Democrats need to remember as we celebrate the end of Bush/Chaney is that Obama/Biden could easily face the same fate as Carter/Mondale. We already know they have inherited problems far greater and the Party is no more united now than it was in from 1976 to 1980. If we want to hold onto power long enough to dig ourselves out of the potholed present, we’d better learn to pull together in the future.
Or else they’ll be making movies about the tragedy of Barack Obama before you know it.
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3 comments:
Part of the problem with the Democrats is that they are rarely if ever united, as Will Rogers famously stated he wasn't a member of a organized political party he was a democrat. For the most part Democrats are a collection of assorted special interest groups who often are at odds with each other. Republicans on the other hand are a much more homogenized group at its core economic conservatives and social conservatives with a few other sub groups. I do have confidence that Obama can be the uniter that Bush said he would be and that hopefully is more honest than Nixon. But I'M also a realist to know that Obama isn't going(or can) solve every problem the country is facing. I also fear that many people have an unrealistic expectation of his abilities and that could lead to disillusionment and defeat down the road
I agree with Dave that the Democratic Party may not be as united around issues as the Republicans are, but even some moderate Republicans are calling for broadening the Party's agenda to attract more people to it.
I skim Democratic Underground quite often and I've noticed a lot of discontent with Obama, something that started as soon as he made his first cabinet pick. That irritates me because I think we have to give him a chance to get into office and do what he needs to do.
On the other hand, I belong to the Democratic Party because I believe the Democratic platform best represents my beliefs. I believe in helping those in poverty and those who are helpless. I believe in equal rights for LBGT people and reproductive rights for women. I believe in the public school system and in public works. When Democratic Party leaders act as if these issues can be compromised, I'm not happy. I was not in favor of Clinton's welfare reform because it was simple-minded and it punished people who needed help the most. I'm also opposed to any continuation of the wars in the Middle East.
On the other hand, I'm willing to accept compromises if it means an overall good is accomplished. All I ask is that Obama doesn't compromise away the whole Democratic Party platform.
I do want to see Frost/Nixon. Thanks for the review.
If the bush/cheney eight year boors could so successfully bring ruin on the world, surely, a new administration with a modest amount of intelligence, humility and decency could restore order.
If not, then pride must surely come before the fall.
If not, we will have to admit we are not homo sapiens, wise man, but all fools.
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