Bucks
Patrick Murphy, Michael Smerconish, Susan Faludi “Stiffed “
Dear Friends,
Good morning. I thought of Michael Smerconish and Susan Faludi as I listened to Congressman Patrick Murphy address a group of bankers recently. Murphy is seeking reelection this year and seems to be everywhere, all the time. His listeners appreciated his fiscal conservative claim.
“I’m a
“blue dog” congressman,” he began, meaning that there are only 47 fiscal
conservative Democrats in Congress (three from
Murphy patted himself on the back for supporting the new “G. I. Bill” which offers four years of college to today’s veterans just as the original G I Bill created a booming, educated middle class of homeowners after World War II.
He’s also proud that the former
Murphy didn’t miss an opportunity
to jab President Bush. “
Murphy is also a major player in the Barack Obama presidential campaign. Radio talk show host Michael Smerconish addressed Obama in an interesting piece in the Inquirer (Aug. 17), which reminded me of Susan Faludi’s book “Stiffed.”
“There is one group no one has
recognized, and it is the group that will decide the election: the Angry White
Man,” Smerconish opined. “The Angry White Man comes from all economic
backgrounds, from dirt-poor to filthy rich. He represents all geographic areas
in
“The Angry White Man is a gun-owning he-man with no problem reconciling twin loves of football and family on Sunday afternoons,” Smerconish added. “A deer hunter and an avid golfer. A do-it-yourselfer who hates handouts and the culture that coddles them…Most of all, the Angry White Man loathers Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose voice reminds him of a shovel scraping a rock.”
In “Stiffed,” Faludi claims the generation of men born at the end of World War II was promised by their fathers that they would be in control, that they would have meaningful work, that life-long loyalty would be rewarded, whether by their companies or their government. These baby boomers were betrayed, she writes…and they are angry, very angry.
“Stiffed” is worth reading. Whether Faludi’s conclusion is correct isn’t the point. The fact is that there are angry white men everywhere. The question concerns Smerconish’s opinion. Will they make a difference in November?
In the next few weeks, I’ll have conversations with Murphy and Tom Manion, the Republican challenger. Obviously, the presidential race will play a major role in their success. Both candidates have a military background. Both appear to be fiscal conservatives. But Murphy supports women’s reproductive rights; Manion does not. Manion and McCain are hand in glove…no surprise.
I’ll ask them for their opinions about energy; the economy; education; health care; how to disengage from Iraq; Afghanistan; and one of my favorite topics…compulsory service.
What attributes make up the eighth congressional district voter? Where do voters stand on these topics? I have my ideas but I’ll ask them.
Last, I wonder why Americans were so disconnected from reality in the 2004 presidential election. My cardiologist’s view of George W. Bush versus John Kerry was a perfect summary. “I’m for George Bush because he makes me feel safer,” Dr.___told me, four years ago.
Today, this physician regrets her decision.
My friends who are supporting John McCain hang their hats on his experience. “John McCain has more experience in foreign affairs,” they say. I wish Americans would remember how experienced politicians have handled foreign affairs for the past 100 years. With the exception of World War II, which was forced upon us, it’s a dreadful tale.
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith