So I've spent this primary season undecided and unmoved. I've been following the news avidly, but I just haven't been inspired by anyone. Recently, I've been a big fan of Chris Dodd, and I've decided to jump on board the Dodd Squad. At the same time, I'm a realist, and I know he's, shall we say, a bit of a long shot right now. If he catches fire, then great! But if not, I'm back to where I started.
(More on the flip.)
I like both Edwards and Obama, but I'm genuinely convinced Edwards has a big problem in light of his decision to accept matching funds for the primary, and I'm genuinely convinced Obama is not ready for prime time in light of how badly he's handled this McClurkin thing, among other events.
So that leaves me with Hillary. Hillary, who I'm so not inspired by. Hillary, who voted for the Iraq debacle and refuses to admit she was wrong. Hillary, who has the highest negatives and most corporate and lobbyist ties of any Dem, and who the GOP will absolutely get up to fight against, harder than just about anyone.
Yet this is also Hillary, the utterly disciplined. Hillary, with the awesome rapid response team. Hillary, whose husband is the BIG DOG. Hillary, who is a smart, competent, caring and tough woman. Yes, I could pull the lever for her. Yes, I think she could win, even though it would be a tougher fight than for some. Yes, if she gets the nom, it's even possible that I could become energized for her.
But right now? I hate the notion that I might have to back into her camp via default. I'm still casting about, looking for that perfect candidate. I would have loved to see Clark jump in, but he waited too long and ultimately (wisely) decided against it, undoubtedly realizing the field was already crowded with viable candidates.
Who does that leave us but Gore?
I think many Gore supporters are genuine fans (in the sense of fanatics, and I don't mean that in a bad way), and I think other Gore supporters are still aggrieved over the way he was robbed in 2000. But I also think a lot of Gore supporters are kind of like me, people who just aren't satisfied with the current crop and would love for another option to present itself.
In light of the recent poll (diaried at http://www.dailykos.com/... ) showing a hypothetical Gore at 32 to Hillary's 37, I'm actually LESS convinced than before that Gore will jump in. I think if he were clearly leading, he'd have a few sleepless nights trying to decide. But I honestly don't think he'll put himself and his family through a bruising, neck-and-neck primary campaign, only to potentially fall to Hillary.
I suppose I'm just musing, this isn't one of those diaries with an action item or some deep analysis or abiding value. But man, would I love to have the option of pulling for Gore in the primaries. It might help dispel this sense of malaise that has been setting in for a while now, in me.
What do you think?
DTH