To: tom pope who wrote (84405 ) 5/11/2007 10:49:25 PM From: diana g Read Replies (5) | Respond to of 206085 Who was it that said "No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people." ************************ Tom Pope wrote: <<<<"The problem is that the non dim bulb politician who takes a position for demagogic reasons will be painted in a corner when elected, no matter how well he/she understands the true situation. So it comes to the same thing - it's still a dim bulb thing to do.">>> Tom, I wish you were right about this. But here in New York we have Chuck Schumer as proof you are wrong. His long continuation in the Senate using exactly these tactics shows that the voters, as a group, are not sharp enough to figure out his game. The same old tricks work again & again, year after year. ---- I think there are plenty more like him in gvmt. ---- Hillary, no matter what faults we see in her, is no dummy. She knows what it takes to get elected. She knows how to pander to the suspicions and fears of voters. The fact is that she uses these tactics because they work. ---- Imo, when we think we see a cagey opponent making a foolish move or saying a stupid thing, we should look more closely. Here's Hill-dog pointing an accusatory finger at Big Oil. This is because she doesn't understand the realities of the refining biz? I don't think so. That was my point. carranza2 wrote:"...I suppose she knows that those who know about refinery maintenance are few and unlikely to vote for her, so why not pander. There's little downside." Exactly right. From her POV as a candidate, this is an easy call. What does the truth about refinery maintainence have to do with it? Sorry to be so depressingly cynical. regards, diana