Passion vs. Pragmatism

Aside from the obvious ideological differences, which are relatively few and mostly minor, the most glaring inequity between Democrats and Republicans is a matter of personality.  As a whole, Democrats are more passionate, and Republicans are more pragmatic.  Of course there are exceptions on either side (John Kerry is the polar opposite of passionate, and current Republican foreign policy is hardly pragmatic), but for the most part I think the definition stands.

Think about it.  Democrats are often described (by themselves and by their enemies) as liberal, bleeding-heart, activist, etc.  Republicans are better known for being conservative, stodgy, stingy and numerous other elderly adjectives.  Democrats are young.  Republicans are old.  So goes the joke, "What does a Democrat grow up to be?  A Republican."  Democrats treat their candidate like rock stars.  Republicans view their nominees more like CEOs.

Democrats will crowd stadiums in frigid conditions to attend rallies.  Republicans would rather watch on TV.  "Sorry, Mr. McCain," they would say.  "It's cold and it's past our bedtime.  And you shouldn't be out there, either.  We can't have you catching the sniffles and going all William Henry Harrison on us."

And while I believe each side can produce intelligent, informed and articulate people to debate important issues and produce meaningful solutions, I am confident this election, like all the others, will be decided on Election Day by stupid people.  People I wouldn't trust with a pair of scissors.  People who will vote judging by how they feel at that exact moment.  People who get their information from email forwards.  People who may not vote if it is raining or if there is a line at the polling location.

They will drive our country this year.  Racists who would vote for a guy who slept with their spouses before they voted for a black man will give McCain a boost.  Inner city black residents will be bussed to polling locations on the party dime to vote Obama.  This Sunday, churches across the country will temporarily void their tax-free status as political sermons sway the uninformed believers.  Last-minute ads will shamelessly slander the candidates and celebrities will throw out their endorsements to sanctimoniously support policies that sharply contradict their public lifestyles.  The race to the finish is less a race and more of a boxing match, a final round where the only acceptable finish is the TKO of the opponent.

And so goes the democratic process.