While We're on the Subject of American Exceptionalism - Some Vox Pops Posted by David Shorr

Over at NYTimes.com's Caucus blog, Richard Stevenson wrote on Friday about the Republicans' "Obama doesn't believe in American exceptionalism" line as potent political weapon. I have written about this before, mainly to emphasize how out of touch and myopic it is. Actually, I suggested the more accurate name for the Republicans' idea would be American Infallibility or American Narcissism. (Within the Times family, op-ed columnist Charles Blow offers his own reply.) 

But with the topic being the supposed political appeal of the Republicans' argument, the best way to respond is to get views from the public. Thank goodness for The Caucus' comments section, where we can find a sampling of popular sentiment.

As you'll see, people realize -- perhaps more than they're given credit for -- that we live in a 21st Century world that demands more than shallow slogans. I only read about half of the nearly 400 comments (and some of the below are excerpts), but they strike me as the sentiments of good stewards of America's example and tradition.  

The Fresser (Forest Hills, NY) understands that America needs the rest of the world's sympathy rather than hostility:

The Republican definition of American Exceptionalism is seen around the world as American Arrogance, wins us no friends and gains us many enemies. 

These clowns think they understand global economics and business, but to compete in today's global economy, we need friends and trading partners, not more angry foreign nationals who refuse to purchase American goods.

Blue Deep in the Red States (Atlanta) knows that it's not exceptional to deny the challenges facing the country:

Exceptionalism is not waving a banner while such critical issues are before us. Rather exceptionalism acknowledges our challenges as well as our strengths. The GOP continues to live in a fanstasy world. 

King Cranky of El Paso calls BS on the GOP economic argument:

By trying to tie "American Exceptionalism" to our military and overseas debacles, the Republicans hope to hide another reality, that cutting government social safety net spending, pushing austerity on the vast majority of the people not already at the top of the financial ladder, and weakening unions has NEVER led to an increase in private sector, middle class jobs, and there's no reason to think that outcome will be any different this time around.

Tommy Tune writes in from Heartland, USA:

Exceptionalism and unilateralism were at the heart of the Bush II presidency, and look how that turned out. And most people haven't forgotten that. The candidates may be making the argument, but that does not mean that anyone is buying it. Voters are much more in tune with what is going on in government and are also more knowlegeable than they were from 2000 to 2008. The republicans have got their work cut out for them, and this exceptionalism argument will not fly. 

Succinctly from oncepermile in Katy, TX:

American exceptionalism, aka, hubris.

bcamarda of NJ:

"American Exceptionalism" is just the usual GOP code for "Anyone who disagrees with me is unpatriotic." I'm going on 56 and I've been hearing that from the GOP all my life. Boy, does it ever get old. And boy is it ever stupid. 

Phil in NY sets the bar:

The label "exceptional" is earned, not just inherited. Saving the world from Hitler: exceptional. Goldman Sachs: not so much.

Political analysis from David Melbane of Morgantown, WV:

These stupid pronouncements are just for the primaries (where the audience appreciates them). Foreign policy debates will work in Obama's favor in the general: he got bin Laden, wound down two unpopular wars, and kicked out Qaddafi without losing a single U.S. soldier, while his opponent will have zero FP experience. Whoever his opponent is will try to keep the focus on the economy if he's smart.

But this sort of talk should remind the Dems of exactly what kind of thing awaits us on the foreign policy front if Obama is not reelected: more war.

Jeffrey in CA:

The world looks to the U.S. for inspiration and as an example of democracy and freedom. But shouting about exceptionalism, advocating torture, and being quick with military solutions and insults is not inspiring and only devalues our exceptional potential and our unique contribution--qualities that are earned, not simply shouted as slogans.

SD in Cleveland reminds about the real Obama: 

"When asked directly about American exceptionalism in 2009, Mr. Obama replied ... “I think that we have a core set of values that are enshrined in our Constitution, in our body of law, in our democratic practices, in our belief in free speech and equality, that, though imperfect, are exceptional.”

President Obama said it much better than I could, but his statement reflects my feelings exactly. That's a mature and thoughtful response to a rather silly question. Jingoistic flag-waving is juvenile, in my book, and doesn't do anything to address the serious problems our country is facing.

As does Nate in Seattle:

I'm just not buying it. Romney and Perry are trying to paint Obama as an Eeyore who things that Americans are lazy and nothing special. That meme won't resonate because it just isn't reflected in Obama's words, demeanor, or actions. Obama's appeal has always been his upbeat public persona and he has exhibited a muscular foreign policy.

June in NY:

The REAL problem with this Republican "platform" is it's based on a Big Lie supported by many smaller lies. No thinking person could observe this president with open eyes and seriously question his patriotism or love of country. Mitt Romney deliberately twisted Pres. Obama's recent remarks to suit Mitt Romney's dishonest purpose. But let's be real, who is it easier to believe on the subject of American exceptionalism - the guy who fought to save the American auto industry (Obama), or the guy who would have let it die. The guy who has already created millions of American jobs (Obama) or the guy who built his personal fortune by throwing thousands of Americans out of work? And you could go down the line with each of the candidates and none of them have any compelling evidence to offer up as to their love of country over Pres. Obama's.

roland68 in Denver: 

As usual the republicans can't tell substance from jingoism. Saying it so don't make it so. Unless you simply want to pander to Americans suffering from “what the heck has happened” syndrome. You have to earn exceptionalism over and over, starting with Presidential candidates, senators and representatives. Two strikes against them already.

Photo credit: randychiu

Comments

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Joined states exceptionalism represents the way of thinking that the Joined Declares is qualitatively different from other nations.

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Joined states exceptionalism represents the way of thinking that the Joined Declares is qualitatively different from other nations.

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The political analysis from David Melbane maybe is ringt.