Endorsing Obama
This is an exciting time to be an American and a democrat. Super Tuesday was, for this self-professed political junkie, the best kind of holiday or event (and a much more interesting contest than the first three and a half quarters of the Super Bowl of a few days earlier.) We get to honor our ancestors and continue the legacy of freedom and the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness by the simple act of voting. While the Republicans are doing their thing and having a little bit of fun doing it, it's truly the Democrats' year for excitement in the primaries. We dems have the good fortune to be choosing between the lesser of two goods.
I've been a fan of Barack's for awhile. I've been impressed with his abilities to inspire since I'd started listening to his podcasts in 2006. He is a truly gifted speaker and filled with an as-yet-unmeasurable amount of potential and promise. His ability to find unity within his constituency with the single word of "change" is truly admirable and will most likely be some part of renewing our country as we repair the damage we have done to ourselves and the world in the last 7+ years.
His story is also one of promise. This idea that a two-year US Senator can be the first ever black President for the US is also inspiring and exciting and thrilling. "Mr. Smith" can go to Washington and win and wouldn't that be a testament to American ingenuity and determination. But that's where I get a little derailed....and then there is Hillary.
Turns out that Hillary is also a vote for "Change". The difference is she's been doing it for the last 2 decades at least; as a senator for New York, in the tradition-breaking role of President Clinton's First Lady, and within a life of service to the community. Hillary isn't "going to" be an agent of change, she is an agent of change and has been for most of her life. She more than anybody knows what is to fight the good fight against the viciousness that some Republicans seem to thrive on propagating, against the behemoth that is the Health Care Industry and towards a better life for children and families. I believe in her ability to effect change because I've grown up watching her do it.
When making my decision about my own personal endorsement in the voting booth, I thought about a life with both of these esteemed patriots in the role of my President. I kept coming back to January 21st 2009. What would that day be like for either as president? Who would be better able to honor my vote for change, for healthcare, for the economy, for repairing the damage of a failed global policy, for the earth and our ability to continue to live on it, for my freedom, and for the best education for all Americans? On January 21st there is no question that Hillary is my best chance. Obama might eventually become a good bet, maybe even one day a better chance. The problem is, I have no idea of when that day of his presidency might actually be.
The truth is "Mr. Smith" has already gone to Washington and there's not a thing he has touched that hasn't turned to dung. In 2000, Republicans put an unknown outsider with "promises" and "potential" in the White House. While Mr. Obama on his worst day could win a test of intellect, ingenuity, and character against President Bush Jr. on his best, they both had as their most promising quality..."potential." I'm tired of having faith in potential. I want someone who has the experience to deliver better government, not just idealize it. I'm hiring my president based on all of those things that Hillary and Obama have in common: change, an appreciation for freedom and democracy, a vision for the future. I am also hiring my president based on a proven track record of fighting against the Big Guns.
That's why I won't be endorsing Obama....this time. He's just not ready. I need to see more of his potential realized before I give him my vote for something so important as my President. It's not because I'm a woman, or less of a liberal, or Mexican, or racist, or older or younger. I'm endorsing Hillary for President because she won't back down, because she's been to hell and back, and because she understands that the only real way to effect change is one...step...at...a....time.
Either way, I'm so grateful to be an American and I'm eager to roll up my own sleeves and start rebuilding our legacy of freedom, and rights, and democracy.
5pm:
I just found this article about Barack. I must say after reading his press today about warning "Republicans will have a dump truck full of dirt to unload on Hillary Rodham Clinton if the former first lady wins the Democratic presidential nomination" and making snarky references about how super delegates may or may not vote, he may be losing my respect a little bit. Keep it above the waist Obama, we're all democrats here.
And if you think Hillary Clinton's "research operation" as you call it is anything compared to the kind of smear you'll face opposing the Republicans you better run and hide now. That kind of naivete will most definitely not win you the presidency...whether you are the democratic nominee or not.
6pm:
And it looks like even the Republicans were bemused by Obama's morning statements.
Comments
Do you think Hillary can beat the Republican candidate, is it looking like McCain still?
At first I thought this would be an exciting year for politics as well but I think my beau summed it up best when he said something like, he didn't really feel strongly about any one democratic candidate, and seeing the results on Super Tuesday as they rolled in, no one else did really either. Everyone just wants SOMEONE other than BUSH. Any democratic will do. The only time I feel I saw candidates coming out of the water with variety, experience, and pan ash was back when Howard Dean's race happened. We had him, Nader, Kunicinich, Mosley-Braun, first time people from all backgrounds getting up there, WANTING CHANGE. And it was that election that killed my political optimism when Howard Dean's loss in Iowa turned into a media circus...and then turned into an election steal by Bush from Al Gore. It was ugly after I had poured my heart and soul into helping campaign, getting more people registered to vote, and educating myself on the candidates.
I must say though, I really like what you said about Hillary, she deserves more respect from more people, so thanks. Despite her political tendency to double talk, I want/ed to vote for her. However, I worry about her not winning against the Republicans. Seeing as we need a change...will enough democrats get out there and do something about it?
Posted by: Erikka | February 27, 2008 04:30 PM