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| Election 2008 |
Waiting for Barack Obama: A Nightmare in One Act
Keep waiting, guys, Barack Obama will admit he's the nominee. We think.
A few hours before the results for Oregon Democratic primary were in on Tuesday, Barack Obama made a speech in Iowa where he said the nomination was "within reach." He also went out of his way to praise Hillary Clinton, while speaking as if he was in a general election.
Just about every viewer was hoping that Obama would just come out and say it: "I won the nomination. On to the general election." Of course, it never happened. In fact, this whole process of keeping Obama supporters (and Democrats in general) on edge, hoping their candidate finally admits he's locked up the nomination is beginning to feel a wee bit Beckett-ian.
In fact, old Sammy Beckett's "Waiting For Godot," could have very well been written with the Illinois senator in mind. We tweaked a particularly relevant scene, but just barely. Below is the original text with our edits in red.
He should be here claim victory.
VLADIMIR:
He didn't say for sure he'd come claim victory.
ESTRAGON:
And if he doesn't come claim victory?
VLADIMIR:
We'll come back tomorrow.
ESTRAGON:
And then the day after tomorrow.
VLADIMIR:
Possibly.
ESTRAGON:
And so on.
VLADIMIR:
The point is——
ESTRAGON:
Until he comes claims victory.
VLADIMIR:
You're merciless.
ESTRAGON:
We came here yesterday.
VLADIMIR:
Ah no, there you're mistaken.
ESTRAGON:
What did we do yesterday?
. . .
ESTRAGON:
Don't let's do anything. It's safer.
VLADIMIR:
Let's wait and see what he says.
ESTRAGON:
Who?
VLADIMIR:
Godot Obama.
ESTRAGON:
Good idea.
VLADIMIR:
Let's wait till we know exactly how we stand.
ESTRAGON:
On the other hand it might be better to strike the iron before it freezes Clinton drops out.
VLADIMIR:
I'm curious to hear what he has to offer. Then we'll take it or leave it vote for McCain.
ESTRAGON:
What exactly did we ask him for?
VLADIMIR:
Were you not there?
ESTRAGON:
I can't have been listening.
VLADIMIR:
Oh . . . Nothing very definite, just to stop blue-balling the nation and accept victory.
ESTRAGON:
A kind of prayer.
VLADIMIR:
Precisely.
ESTRAGON:
A vague supplication.
VLADIMIR:
Exactly.
ESTRAGON:
And what did he reply?
VLADIMIR:
That he'd see he didn't want to piss off Hillary and her white supporters.
ESTRAGON:
That he couldn't promise anything.
VLADIMIR:
That he'd have to think it over.
ESTRAGON:
In the quiet of his Illinois home.
VLADIMIR:
Consult his family.
ESTRAGON:
His friends.
VLADIMIR:
His agents campaign managers.
ESTRAGON:
His correspondents political handlers.
VLADIMIR:
His books electoral maps.
ESTRAGON:
His bank account.
VLADIMIR:
Before taking a decision.
ESTRAGON:
It's the normal thing.
VLADIMIR:
Is it not?
ESTRAGON:
I think it is. Although this primary season sucks way more than others.
VLADIMIR:
I think so too.
(Silence.)
ESTRAGON:
(anxious). And we?
VLADIMIR:
I beg your pardon?
ESTRAGON:
I said, And we?
VLADIMIR:
I don't understand.
ESTRAGON:
Where do we come in?
VLADIMIR:
Come in?
ESTRAGON:
Take your time.
VLADIMIR:
Come in? On our hands and knees and beg him to put this entire nation out of its misery.
ESTRAGON:
As bad as that?
Related: Somehow, Democratic race continues after Obama wins Oregon
