Heepism vs. Elitism

In spite of the difference in ages, Sen. Obama seems to be more of a "grown-up", than Sen. McCain.
We will need a great deal of steadiness, and willingness to learn new things, in the next eight years.

A little-mentioned fact about this campaign, is that former Bush aides, were the ones tutoring Gov. Palin.
They say that "God looks after little children and the United States of America," but we voters have some responsibility to end the current Administration--not to extend it through Gov. Palin.

Beware the replacement of today's "elite" by the new "anti-intellectualist" elite.

Reading this column and the previous column about Palin, it seems that Mr. Will does not necessarily endorse Sarah Palin. But how could he? She is a shrewd politician but is provincial, has little experience, and has even little education that qualifies her for the post of Vice President. The notion of conservative competence is thrown down in the heap of expediency. The fact that there is a realistic chance that she may actually become President must draw a dew of desperation to his conservative brow, much the way the President Bush did. The conservative cause has already been damaged by the former. It could be destroyed by the later, at least for several generations. I empathize with you.

I recognize that this column was written before the Republican convention, but since I was "humbly' entertaining houseguests, I was uanable to turn to it until today. I have hear Mr. Will on Sunday mornings, and reas his comments in Newsweek, repeatedly attempting to reinforce the notion that Sen. Obama is an "elitist" . Although acknowledging ( appropriately) that Sen. McCain was born to a family of power and affluence, he attributes the SAME "elitism" to Obama, because of his degrees from Ivy League Universities. It would be useful for Mr. Will to acknowledge the "journey" to the end result of educations between the two candidates. In fact, Mr. Mcain, like Mr. Bush before him,went to his post high school education as a "legacy", i.e. as the son ( and/or grandson) of prior grads who also were well known. Neither gentleman was noted for his outstanding scholarship while at their daddy's schools. Mr. Obama, on the other hand, went through undergraduate and law school on the basis of scholarships and loans. And had a distinguished career at each institution.

I wonder why George Will would fail to note the difference in EARNING your way into an institution of higher learning and getting there because of your folks' connections. The resulting degrees may all be from "elite" schools, but the manner of getting there, the nature of the tenure while there, and the resulting educational experience are likely quite different.

"Architectural determinism" is such a great term. I really enjoyed this essay and this term made me giggle. IfI wonder if my roots in a Brooklyn cold water flat, and a meager existence in a small town in PA would give me a better chance of holding public office. I also have a Bachelor's, and Master's degree, and now I'sure that I own two houses. This being said, I think I could put my hat in the ring. Oh, yes, my father was an alcoholic, too. Am I common enough? With 21 years of teaching on my resume, I think I have as much persuasive, collaborative experience as any other candidate. I loved the essay, Thanks for the giggle.

"Architectural determinism". what a great phrase. I now wish I was born in a 'log' cabin, or looked over the Hudson at sunset. Could be with my degrees and experience the land I lived on or the houses I now own might just qualify me to run for public office. Funny thought, but I'd hate to think that these play strongly in ones choice for President. I oved the essay, though. Thanks for the new slant.

Great article, but George, I believe it must be written "...the politics of Uriah Heep" which would result in "heepism".
Cheers.....

We've become too idealist and lost some of our common sense - we now NEED to brand our politicians as heros. Can we instead think of them as professionals just as secretaries and engineers? They are the elites of the political field - in spite of their economic wealth. I like the idea of us, common people, electing an un-common person wih the expectation that they have a good understanding, academically and in practice, of the nation's problems and the best solutions available.
I have no problem that some think conservative thinking is the best approach for our nation's problems - I wholeheartedly disagree. But DON'T discredit Obama's qualities, preparation, experience, and leadership potential over Palin's....now you just make yourself look like a fool.

SilkMaye, I think you should visit THIS website to get your facts straight: http://www.akip.org/
There are too many vicious rumors and lies being told, and you are guilty of helping to spread them. Shame on you and the others.

I think that Obama and his runningmate is office worthy. However, I am not even considering McCain and palin after the stunt they just pulled. There is a great blog on this stunt on www.urbanthoughtcollective.com

We have always been fooled as voters by the idea that the rich will sacrifice to serve the common man. Somehow they persuade us they are on our side. From their seven or several houses they share our pain as we are forced out of our own. They are ready to help the common man by giving their servants half a day off on holidays. What more do we commoners expect? Presidents should always be from rich families, otherwise the work ethic that has made America great will be lost forever.Sen. McCain is rich enough to be President. He earned his place the old fashioned way; he married into money. Long live the meritocricy as long as the merit is removed in an appropriate way.