“The Wire” and the 2008 Presidential RaceRandy Shawbyline‚ Mar. 11‚ 2008The final episode of “The Wire” aired Sunday night. Even those who never saw an episode have likely read critics’ raves, with many calling it the most profound examination of urban America ever depicted on television. The essential message of “The Wire” is the suppression of institutional change and reform, whether in schools, the criminal justice system, city politics, or daily newspapers. Americans are raised to believe in progress, but “The Wire” details how and why solutions to the problems of urban America are continually blocked by powerful institutional interests working in concert with the demands of patronage and ambition. Even politicians that initially want to change the cycle of failed policies--like the show’s Mayor Tommy Carcettti--ultimately sacrifice this agenda and put their personal ambitions first. In vividly describing how politicians use the rhetoric of “change” and “reform” to recycle old personnel and failed policies, “The Wire’s” Carcetti has become the perfect metaphor for Hillary Clinton’s political career, and her 2008 presidential race. |