so i wasn't planning on necessarily blogging right when i got home about the debate, but i just can't help myself. first let me say, i'm glad that i went. besides the fact of if i didn't go, i would have been donating all that money to the repubs without getting anything for it...so i went. i got there very early, to be sure i could find a great seat near the aisle for quick get-a-way, if necessary.
so of my favorite moments from the debate:
1) there were a couple of good ol' boys behind me discussing the candidates and other political issues. apparently they got the tickets for free, which made me feel like an asshole in the first place. regardless...one of the first things they said was about ron paul (who brings the same type of disgust that clinton does among SC voters)...they remarked while reading his bio in the nifty book that was provided..."that ron paul, what could he offer us...i mean, he's a gynecologist." And this last word they drew out to indicate their disdain for that type of work. it made me realize that apparently anything that has to do with women is weak and disgusting. they then proceeded to discuss the demographics of the audience, which surprisingly (heavy on the sarcasm) was white. they remarked that there weren't many black folks in the audience, then the other friend (just as brilliant) remarked, "well, just wait until the one in a couple of weeks." (note: he was referring to the democratic debate. i swear i almost fell out of my chair.)
2) the emcee for the evening was brian wilson. no, not that one. the fox news one. apparently, we have differing opinions on what an emcee does, as i spent a couple of hours bored, without entertainment. regardless, the few entertaining remarks he made were completely asinine to me. but what i really hated was how he talked about the south. the things that he said to provide a "connection" with the audience was to discuss southern accents, sweet tea, and grits. fuck me. seriously. is that all the south means to anyone?
3) there were all sorts of things that happened technical wise. the rain, like only a myrtle beach rain can do, came pouring down and drowned out the sound. also causing a bit of mass confusion among attendees.
4) there were a few moments where the words "liberal" and "democrat" were used with such contempt that i was sure i would be "outed". and then thrown out, accordingly.
5) it was interesting to watch the interactions when ron paul spoke. i was NOT in the ron paul section, though i started to believe i should have been. i like many of paul's opinions, on the side of what is referred to as "conservativism"...i would have to say that he has some good ideas. regardless, any time paul spoke, the folks around me rolled their eyes...and even the candidates would denigrate him with their raised eyebrows and confused looks. if this didn't communicate to the world that they were not ALIGNED with paul, they also made comments about how weird and wrong his opinions are. there was even once that romney commented about how he didn't even know paul's views on immigration (at which time i said aloud, "read the paper")- mostly because i believe if you are running for president you should be aware of all other candidates positions. i mean, you expect us to educate ourselves on the issues, then i would assume you'd do me the honor of doing the same. of course, i think that romney knows...he was just taking another cheap shot at paul. it was then i realized why all of paul's supporters sat together (and loudly clapped often), it is because safety comes in numbers...and the regard the folks around me gave to paul, i realized this might not be a safe place to respond to his comments.
6)there were many kids at the debate. not kids like college kids, but kids kids...like under 18 kids. now, this is a great way to inspire your children to be part of the political process, but most kids were decked out in shirts and stickers to support a particular candidate. adolescence can be pretty confusing as it is, i'm not sure politics is necessarily a good idea- nor do i think a ticket costing me $150 would be well spent on a kid.
7)i also like huckabee out of the bunch. i mean, i have some issues (obviously) with many of his opinions, but he is a likeable guy. he has those dimples, he jogs (even in myrtle beach) every day, he has a sense of humor (as exercised tonight), he is a self-earned type of person, and he is generally respectful of people's beliefs...note, i said generally. i get the impression at times that he would be fine with a little nihilistic, atheist like me. he would most certainly disagree with my beliefs, but he seems to lean on the side of how religion shouldn't necessarily be part of the presidential job. of course, this does run contrary to the evolution discussion. and perhaps, abortion, gay marriage, war, military.
8) tim asked me a few weeks ago which republican i would be the most scared of...and i wasn't too sure at the time...but i do believe i figured it out tonight. i think john mccain scares the hell out of me. besides his likeness to cotton on king of the hill, i think the support of the folks around me and his stances on issues makes me feel a little nervous and jittery.
i think i better stop here. there were all sorts of interesting things that happened...their discussion of immigration and war, but hopefully you watched the debate- so no observation is necessary here. i do have to say that it felt very awkward to me to sit in this audience. i was surrounded. i started feeling claustrophobic at times, primarily when they were denigrating liberals and democrats...but i survived. i don't know if i was just confused about where i had been for the previous 4 hours, but when i left the building- i was so disoriented that i had trouble finding my car. and no, i wasn't drinking. i couldn't find the beer line. but i was thinking that it would have been a helluva lot more entertaining with a little alcohol at the event. but then again, some folks would say that everything might be a little more entertaining if alcohol was offered, like church for example. is that right?
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