So what did everyone think of the doc on Goldwater?

[Sarang01]

I find it sad that if a Republican tried to run like that today in most places he wouldn't have a chance. When I say this I guess I mean the fact he wouldn't pander to the Religious Right as well as the fact he'd say what he believed in instead of playing the #'s game like all the Republicans and Democrats do now.

As for my overall impressions of the doc itself it seemed quite interesting and enjoyable. I found it pathetic when one in the doc compared him to Reagan when he so obviously pandered to the Religious Right which was where Goldwater and him quite drastically parted ways in ideologies.

 

[mykevermin]

Reagan ushered in a reaissance, of sorts, of "Goldwater nostalgia," though (despite some differences you point out). What's important is that Reagan was far closer to Goldwater than Carter, so it was an easier analogy to swallow. Also, I think Reagan first made his transition from film to political life as a protoge of Goldwater's (I'm not positive of that, however).

Goldwater's small government/low taxation wouldn't fly today. The Republican party is currently pro-big government on the military front, on the business front (not in legislating against them, rather, but in favors offered, cronyism, and the influence of business in the government - we're well past laissez faire at that point), and on the social front.

Goldwater wasn't perfect, but he was a vastly more respectable and identifiable "Republican" than those who bear the moniker these days. His legacy has been eroded by those who clamor for freedom at the same time they use the government to erode the rights of those (homosexuals and minorities) that they disagree with.

Goldwater wasn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, however (despite what hindsight will tell you); he was largely unpopular during the 1964 bid for the presidency because of one major position: he was accused of being pro-war, and often had charges levied against him that he would lead us into World War III. It was his desire to focus on a "wide war" to prevent the spread of Communism.

So, in the end, while he's rolling in his grave at what the Republican Party has done domestically since 1980, militarily he's resting easy. After all, he's their mentor in that regard.

Er...so what's this doc all about? Where can I see it?

 

[Sarang01]

It was on HBO yesterday so just look for it there. Militarily you have a point although I don't think he would argee with some of their actions at present. I couild see him leaving the world alone except for what you say with Communism.
Speaking of that McCain notes Goldwater saying that "If I was President, you wouldn't be in Korean prison.". McCain responds by saying "You're right, I'd be in a Chinese one instead.". Chuckle.

 

[dafoomie]

Barry Goldwater is a shining example of all the great things the Republican party used to stand for for before the religious zealots took over. As someone who refused to pander to the religious nutjobs, hated Roberton, Falwell, and Nixon, believed abortion was a personal choice and should not be interfered with by the government, thought what Clinton did wasn't a big deal, and thought gays could serve in the military, there would be absolutely no place in the Republican party for him today, a very sad state of affairs. He'd probably be a libertarian today.

The Republicans are the big government party today that the Democrats of the 60s were. Its easy to see why Bush immediately sought out Ted Kennedy, the last dinosaur of the 60s big government Democrats, to push through his big government education program.

 

[Sarang01]

First off thank you for yours and myke's commentary when NO ONE else responded yet. I know not all of you have HBO but more have it that aren't responding.
Also Fooms I couldn't agree with you more about him and the Religious Right. This is a man who, Republican or Democrat, I could respect for a lot of his opinions. I'm sure he'd also be rolling in his grave with the media right now as well. He didn't strike me as a pro-1984 type of guy from the doc. Too bad he's not around today since he would flame Bush like nobodies business, maybe not over Iraq as much but his complete pandering to the Religious Right on Social issues that don't belong in the 1st place. Goldwater nailed it on Abortion when he said it's that persons choice.