Direct attacks are typically cast in a negative light, often justifiably so. But, in circumstances where the comment is specific enough and the target is offered a chance to respond, they can provide stimulants to conversations and address real concerns of the voters.
And, I thank Sen. Clinton for addressing one of mine last night and allowing me to get my long-awaited answer.
One afternoon in 2004, I noticed the debate among the candidates for the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate would be televised. Already, a presumptive candidate existed, little did we know how many presumptive nominees each side would have before election day; but I decided to watch anyway. Senatorial primary debates aren't frequent.
I had an idea for whom I'd vote, but I was by no means invested or set on that person, he just seemed the most qualified. Then, the debate began...
One afternoon in 2004, I noticed the debate among the candidates for the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate would be televised. Already, a presumptive candidate existed, little did we know how many presumptive nominees each side would have before election day; but I decided to watch anyway. Senatorial primary debates aren't frequent.
I had an idea for whom I'd vote, but I was by no means invested or set on that person, he just seemed the most qualified. Then, the debate began...
By about halfway through the debate, there was no way I would not be voting for then-State Senator Barack Obama. By the end, I had decided that I would gladly support him all the way to the White House. I'm not saying that as an I told you so' in the harsh reality of Illinois politics, I still wasn't convinced he'd could even win the nomination. But, his calm, frank, and intellectually-stimulating delivery during that debate (which I still consider better than any so far this year) suited me well. I went to his Web site a found that I, in fact, agreed with his positions, so I hitched my cart to his wagon.
Then, he won the nomination.
Now, in 2004, health care was the most important issue. I know it was supposed to be the wars, but I wasn't certain abandoning the Iraq so soon after throwing the country into political and social tumult was the best course. For president, I liked Rep. Kucinich for his single-payer, universal system, but, understanding he would not win, supported Dean as a compromise candidate. At least, we could cover the kids; I would not support anyone who did not say they would intervene to expand coverage.
Returning to the Senatorial campaign, after he won the nomination, I periodically would return to Obama's site to ensure that when I was encouraging others to vote for him, I was getting his positions correct and not projecting my own onto him. One day, I was shocked to see that his call for universal coverage had disappeared. I immediately e-mailed the campaign to ask why, never got a response, and that apparent switch bothered me for a long-time. I wondered if he compromised that stance or was just saying it to win the primary? Had I been had?
Then, last night, I got my answer. Sen. Clinton directly posed that concern when she contrasted herself with Sen. Obama, taking viewers through that very progression. Now, I would get my answer...