Senator Clinton . . . I am not a big fan. To be honest, I've been holding a grudge for 14 years. I haven't been able to let go of the disappointment, really disillusionment, of the whole Health Care Debacle in '94. Today is the day that I let go of that resentment and look Forward to the incredible possibility that, in my life time, a progressive agenda could be enacted. I follow politics for sure, but I'm not a journalist or some kind of sophisticated political operative. In fact, I'm a bit of a rarity on Kos -- a corporate type -- a management consultant with an interest in strategy and in narrative. It's what I do for living.
I was born a Democrat. My Dad and Mom were active in Democratic politics in the 50s-70s and were particular supports of the great Senator from Idaho, Frank Church. My Dad went to law school at Standard with Frank and always supported his various campaigns. I was exposed early to the idea that politics mattered -- that we should stand up and fight for what we believed in. All qualities that I much admire in you.
Mrs. Clinton . . . you will not be President. That much is clear at this point -- pick your reason. I'd like you to imagine something else. Imagine the opportunity to play a defining role in bringing into reality the progressive agenda I know you support. The right way out of Iraq. Health care for all. An equitable tax structure. The transition from Peak Oil to a Green Economy. Reproductive rights. All children carried forward vs. all children left behind. Just to name a few. Think what we could do as Democrats working together! It would be transformational. When I think of you as a politician . . . I see certain strengths: fighting spirit, commitment, loyalty to your friends and to the cause, smarts OMG!, leadership/management ability, and finally -- perhaps most importantly -- the ability to influence others and bring them to your point of view -- a kind of tenacity really. What is it? The ability to wear people down.
Senator . . . there is only one job for you -- Majority Leader of the United States Senate. In this role, you would be in an incredibly influential position. You would exert institutional control over the progressive agenda in congress. Should Senator Obama win this Presidential contest you would have an ally. The two of you working together is the ultimate prize! Please consider this advice. It caters to your strengths . . . to what people love and admire about you.
You have my respect