Defence of the Mayor?

"Well, he’s [Governor Pawlenty] gonna get his butt kicked by Barack Obama, but that’s another thing ..." Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.

Now, I didn't actually see the video until my roommate asked me to watch it and tell him what I thought. I called Rybak arrogant; my roommate severely disagreed and told me he didn't have to defend the mayor to me. Which, granted, he doesn't have to, but why not? Especially because he should.

Let's break it down:

I think that right now, for being Mayor, Rybak the best person running for the job- he has experience running this city, crime is down, he has plans to revitalise downtown and get businesses/jobs back to the city, and I've met the guy, and he's a pretty decent guy. However, this could come back to haunt him (especially if he finishes considering a gubernatorial bid and winds up running). Also, it should be noted, and here seems like a good place in which to note it- it's not that I disagree with what the Mayor was trying to say. I think if he'd said 'You know what, I think if Obama keeps his momentum up, no-one's going to be able to beat him- especially not Pawlenty,' then I wouldn't have any issue at all. None. I wouldn't be making this post at all. My issue is the severe arrogance that was displayed by the Mayor, and how my roommate feels that doesn't warrant any sort of defence at all!

Anything- and I repeat, anything- can happen before the 2012 elections. Maybe the Republicans will regroup and embrace the moderates that have been sitting on edge, desperate for them to get their act together (please, please, please this!); maybe Obama/the Democrats will push their health-care reform package forward without enough bipartisan support and it'll go down in flames (it seems leading Republicans aren't happy with Obama on this right now). Maybe Obama's press coup comes to a screeching halt and the fallout is badly managed. Maybe maybe maybe ... I could go on and on. But it's only been four months and 19 days since Obama took office- that's a long time left in his first term to severely mess something up and lose favour with the American public. Combine that with Republicans getting their act together, and the next election could go either way. That's actually the beauty of politics, and anyone in politics themselves who doesn't understand that fact should get out- now.

If right there wasn't enough of a reason for someone to want to defend Rybak's arrogance to me, here's another one: I support R.T. Rybak. Quite a lot. I volunteer with his re-election campaign. Clearly I like the guy (aside from this whole arrogance thing, he's kindof a hard guy to NOT like). And if I- a supporter- find what he said arrogant how many others will as well? If you don't think his arrogance (whether perceived or actually is slightly irrelevant) is worth defending- especially to a supporter, why not? That's what I don't understand. Because look: the Democrats are seen as arrogant- again, whether they are or not is irrelevant- it's the stereotype held by their opponents. It's how Democrats come across- and it's really bad that they do. This, coming from me, an educated white-girl living in an extremely progressive city, who might consider myself a Moderate Democrat if only they didn't piss me off so much. Like with this. Holding the high seats of power only lasts for so long. Let's ask the Republicans how long ago it was that they had control of the House, Senate, and White House? And now look where we are. Political tides change- and they change quickly. Alienating anyone in the middle- or even anyone from the other side who could very quickly hold the power reigns, just strikes me as stupid. Especially when you alienate them in such a stupid way. (To be fair, it's not like the Republicans are without fault- see previous posts for that- but right now it's a Democrat who's pissing me off).

Knowing all of that, and looking at what Rybak said, you should jump to defend his actions- or at the very least, go through and explain why you think Rybak should be allowed to act this arrogant!

Unless there's something I'm not understanding about politics, and it's perfectly ok for those whose party is in charge to go off and act like superior, condescending, jerks? I know! Let's ask the Democrats from six years ago about that one!