blamebrampton

For the first time in my adult life, I'm excited about American politics. I know it's ridiculous, I know that there is no way Obama can deliver half what people hope for, and I live in fear that he will turn out to be a cynical marketing exercise rather than the sensible man of actual ability he appears to be, and yet …

I was furious about Dubya. Not because he's a Republican, I'd have disagreed a lot with McCain had he won the 2000 nomination, but I would have at least respected him and agreed with a number of his actions because he is a pragmatic and capable man. And I'm a pragmatic and capable woman, so had he managed not to carpet bomb any part of the Middle East, I'd have expressed grudging approval. But, Dubya … Dubya made me feel sorry for Republicans because they deserve far, far better.

It wasn't possible to be excited about Clinton. I was impressed by some of the things he managed, especially regarding the economy, and appalled by others (Rwanda, not Monica. Monica was simply tasteless, but not a sign of political failure in the larger sense. In the smaller sense, WTF, Bill? Who is that stupid??)

The day I am excited about George H.W. Bush will be the day I check myself into care.

Ronald Reagan contained some surprises, he had a few wins, but they were balanced by incredible idiocy, such as allowing HIV to become a massive public health disaster through denial. And it was never exciting watching him. Nerve-racking, absolutely, but that's not quite the same thing. Still, at least we all avoided nuclear annihilation, so that was a win.

Jimmy Carter's mother was never excited about Jimmy Carter, so I see no reason why I should be. He does wonderful work for charity, which is a good thing, but that's all I can say. No, really, there's nothing else in my brain connected to the name. Er, bouncy hair and white teeth?

Gerald Ford was that strange President of my lifetime. After the drama of Spiro Agnew and Nixon, he was like watching a much-respected Head Master take the post. From thousands of miles away, I had the sense that he was nice, and practical and decent. But certainly not exciting.

Richard Nixon was nearly exciting, in the sense that watching a car spin out of control towards a busy crossing is exciting, but I think the more accurate word is startling. Maybe shocking. Perhaps disturbing. I was a little girl, it was all very strange. He was the first president that I was really aware of. When the news of Watergate broke, I asked my Father why it all mattered so much. 'The President should be more conscious of, and answerable to, the law, not less. Not in the letter of the law, but in his conscience. He should hold himself to higher standards.'

Perhaps that is why, despite four decades of watching American politics, despite my innate cynicism, despite the fact that I feel fairly sure I will, at some point in the next eight years, feel disappointed, right now, I am excited. Because Barack Obama seems to agree that, as President, he should hold himself to a higher standard.

If I'm still excited in four, or even eight years, I will be in terrible trouble, as my brain is not wired to stave off disillusionment with politicians.

PS On an unrelated issue, I am behind in replying to comments, but am merrily compiling the Doodle Database. Thanks, and keep your euphemism comments coming here!

PPS HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR YESTERDAY,