Hold the Oedipus Complex

Like me, my father is a fierce independent. Historically, he has employed reason and compassion equally, though stores of the latter seem to be depleting with age, and he remains, above all else, pragmatic, which is just about the nicest thing I can say about someone's political views. That said, unlike me, he is still undecided in this election, a stance forcing me to reevaluate the tenor of my evangelism for Obama/Biden. At this point, I have to fight the urge to accuse him - and others who remain undecided - of not paying attention, but that does no one any good, and, in my father's case anyway, it simply isn't true.

Initially I tried to persuade him that I am my father's son, and pride myself on examining issues from as many angles as possible to unearth solution first, candidate second. That when the dust settled and the candidates were reduced to spreadsheets, Obama/Biden come out on top. Add the obvious charisma and intellect of Obama, and you've got a candidate as good off paper as he is on it.

It didn't work.

"Experience," he explained. When asked what that meant in practical terms, he continued, "It's the only thing that can generate real wisdom." It made sense on the surface; I am certainly wiser than I was ten years ago (though, probably slightly dumber too). I wondered about the experience/wisdom tipping point. Someone who is 95 would technically have more experience, but would they be wiser? More to the point, would McCain make an even better candidate at 95?

I pressed him on this, peppered my case for Obama with real data points, and even pleaded to his innate optimism: "One candidate seems to be so much more positive and hopeful than the other, who seems to be running on fear - to the point where he is labeled an 'elitist' or an 'idealist'. When did it become wrong to be an elitist, Dad? I certainly believe our form of government and cultural construct are elite, and I'd much rather have ideals than cynicism. In fact, I think Obama should come right out and say 'Yes, I AM an elitist, and you should be too!'"

I held the phone to my ear, waiting for the concession.

"You're just like your mother, it's cute."