I can’t think of a single self-identified liberal who’s commented over the last couple of years who did more than share his feelings about an issue, rather than engage in a real debate. Repeating one’s original opinion, contrary to Dr. K’s belief, is not analysis. The only people who’ve actually addressed substantive issues are people like yonkel who describe themselves as moderates.

Where agreement is not possible, at least there’s clarity. But there’s no value in just listening to someone’s emotional or partisan opinions, particularly when they cannot, or will not, address any substantive objections that are raised. The kooks on the Far Right aren’t much better, but at least they make an attempt to explain why they’ve arrived at their conclusions rather than just endlessly repeat their opinions.

Take care, Phil

Do you honestly believe that McCain’s plan to suspend his campaign and parachute into Washington for a photo-op just as negotiations on the bailout package (having gone just fine without him) are wrapping up, is intended to rescue anything other than his campaign, this from the guy who admits he knows nothing about economics?

From where I am sitting, my “opinion,” as you call it, is as reasoned or more so than yours, and certainly more so than the ultimate righty reactionary, Mr. Ivan.

Wait, I forgot:

opinion + Ph.D. = “analysis”

Please forgive me and my lack of post-graduate education. Obviously you must have a firmer grasp on events than my BFA and I am capable of, and anyone who has the audacity to differ with you is clearly ignorant and stupid. How silly of me to think that my feeble intellect could possibly comprehend what is really going in politics or anything else, with a perspicacity such as yours!

Since anyone with your keen insight must have discerned it by now, please enlighten us, Dr. Jackson: what is McCain’s secret plan to convince the electorate that his flailing over the past few days is presidential, while Obama’s calm, collected, reasoning demeanor in the face of the same events (except for the tanking poll numbers, through which he remained calm and collected a couple of weeks ago) is not? What is McCain’s October surprise?

This isn’t the Huffington Post. People come here to debate issues, not share emotions.

You are completely incapable of offering anything other than your feelings and opinion, aren’t you? Most people would be embarrassed by having their lack of substance repeatedly pointed out.

Perhaps they will remember the words of your candidate:
“A steady attack on the white race . . . served as the ballast that could prevent the ideas of personal and communal responsibility from tipping into an ocean of despair.” Barack Obama, Dreams From My Father

Then they will recall that it was Obama who injected race into this election and say to themselves “Oh crap, I’ll go for the war hero”.

Do you really think that “intellectual” means that we should ignore certain salient attributes?

A “black commie,” Ivan? Is that how you demonstrate your “intellectual conservativism?”

See comments 1, 5 and 6 in http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2008/09/19/those-who-forget-the-past/#comments.

It’s boring and tiresome to have an adult conversation with someone who knows nothing about the subject he purports to discuss, and therefore can’t address any substantive challenges to his statements.

It’s a waste of time to treat a partisan seriously who only wants to share his feelings-based opinions.

The polls are showing 18% undecided. Translation: That’s 18% that don’t want to admit that they would never vote for a black commie.

Call me if you need me, I’ll be in the 57th state.