Amid a torrent of political stories on Hillary’s presidential run, Obama’s exploratory committee, and the upcoming State of the Union, you may have missed something: at least 27 U.S. troops were killed this weekend in Iraq. 12 of them died in a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed northeast of Baghdad on Saturday, and which militants are now claiming they shot down.
Given this weekend’s news, and in the spirit of all the presidential messages on the web, I thought I would draft my own timely message. This is dedicated to all the presidential hopefuls out there. If I had a fireplace, I would sit in front of it. Picture me there, petting my cat, gazing wistfully at the city on a hill, while I tell you the following:
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Nobody cares what you’re doing right now. Seriously. Nobody cares what you say, what your website looks like, what education initiative you would totally fund if you’re elected. Nobody. Nadie. Uh Uh, don’t care.
I know, I know, this is politics. Practically, you have to get off to an early start so you can raise money and stay competitive with the other candidates. Campaigns are starting earlier and earlier, and you are just keeping up with the Joneses.
But let’s be real here. You won’t take office for another 2 years. Think about that. 2 years. Do you have any idea how many more soldiers and civilians will die in Iraq and Afghanistan over the next 2 years? Any idea how much money we will spend? Any idea how many other conflicts will emerge?
It’s truly frightening. So let’s dispense with the sweater-vest internet videos. Let’s get rid of the meaningless energy plans, the crappy Medicare funding bills and the non-binding resolutions. Chances are you’re in Congress right now, so you have a real opportunity to do something useful besides run for President over the next 2 years.
Stop posturing, stop positioning, and stop running.
Govern.