Final debate.
The BBC has pretty good coverage of the final Presidential debate right now. I gotta admit, listening to Bush makes me fairly angry. He was confronted about jobs being outsourced. The big jobs to be outsourced to India, Singapore, etc. are tech jobs, right? So Bush answers that he’ll help the people who lose their jobs get education. If a programmer in India can do the job of an “educated” programmer in the States for 10% of the cost, there’s no reason not to outsource. Education doesn’t even enter the picture.
Of course, I’m sure that his campaign will insist he was talking about factory jobs. Even then he’s ignoring a growing, pissed-off segment of (potential) voters.
Anyways, I wish I was an American during this election just so I could vote. Kerry isn’t really anything special, just the lesser of the two evils.
Matt said,
October 13, 2004 @ 9:55 pm
I’m watching right now too.. I like Kerry he’s fighting Bush, which is all I want to see.
derek said,
October 13, 2004 @ 10:14 pm
Agreed. Lesser of two evils is far from what would be the best solution, but it’s something.
The second debate format, and Bush’s apparent anger was the most exciting so far. This third debate is fairly boring in comparison.
Too bad the debates are pretty much useless in the overall outcome. Bush will most likely win in Nov. (given current biased polls) but regardless of the outcome, the US is polarized right now so regardless of victor Nov. (and the rest of the year) should be fairly interesting.
Luke said,
October 13, 2004 @ 10:16 pm
I’d have to also guess Bush’ll win. It’s a little depressing.
Ron said,
October 13, 2004 @ 11:38 pm
A lot depressing, if you ask me. The fate of this presedential race affects the fate of the rest of the world, as always, and “Bush: term 2″ is about the last thing the world needs right now.
I recall from the special features on the Bowling for Columbine DVD something about Michael Moore running for president. I think it was in the context of someone suggesting it to him. Ovbiously he isn’t going to, but it’d be pretty neat if he did.
I’ve often considered getting dual citizenship just so I could vote in the US elections, if for no other reason than to keep Canada one step ahead of being taken over by them. Now it makes more sense than ever… I wonder what kind of hoops I’d have to jump through…
derek said,
October 14, 2004 @ 9:54 am
Aside from marriage, it is actually pretty hard to gain citizenship in the US. You’re far more likely to get green card status and that does not entitle you to vote.
My parents moved to the US about 5 years ago. They have been pushing for citizenship but apparently the courts are so backed-up that it is not uncommon for applicants to wait years for application, and even then, without requisite funds and/or knowledge of the US, you could easily be denied.
This is hardly a uniquely US trait. Citizenship in Canada is actually (in certain areas) more difficult to attain, the only difference being that we are more apt to grant refugee status and do not require green cards (or equivalent) to remain in the country (well, let’s just say that extradition is a lot less common in Canada).
As for Michael Moore, as much as I like his movies, he would be a horrible President. He’s witty, but I wouldn’t say that he’s overly intelligent in the manner that the position requires. Say what you will about Bush, but he is the perfect patsy for the entourage he’s “selected”. He has played the game well, and although Kerry may not have that level of finesse, he is much more capable of it that Michael Moore.
In all honesty, as scary as she may be personally, I strongly believe that Hillary Clinton should have thrown her hat into the Democrat ring. With Bill’s book, and now his health issues (who could have seen that coming?), and her strong position in the Senate, the Clinton name is still as popular as ever. A lot of fence-sitters that are sympathetic to the “Anyone but Bush” mentality, but fear Kerry’s past record, would have been salivating over a Clinton.
Ron said,
October 14, 2004 @ 2:34 pm
Hey, I never said Moore would be good at it (in fact, I think he’d be assassinated for even attempting to run for office), I just said, “It would be neat.”
I think what they need is more candidates that have half a chance of getting in. Ralph Nader’s 1.5 percent is negligible at best. It’s their own philosophy: more competition is good for business.
derek said,
October 14, 2004 @ 3:04 pm
Haha. Too true, I’m actually suprised that Michael Moore has yet to be assasinated for Fahrenheit 911.
I always laugh when the same folks that sing the praises of competition and lassez-faire, are the same that line the pockets of lawyers, judges, and politicians (make any distinction you like) to get legislation to work in their favour.
“Competition works when you’re on your way up the ladder. Afterwards, paid-for legislation kicks the ladder off the ledge.”