Let me just say before I begin this diary that I am devastated. From now on, I will be paying more attention to Britney Spears than to Hillary Clinton.
I really thought that I was a part of a movement. I thought I was about to witness a sea-changing event. Sadly, I was disappointed and deeply saddened by the results of yesterday’s New Hampshire primary. First off, let me begrudgingly congratulate Mrs. Clinton for her "comeback" win and "finding her voice." Yes, she defied the media pundits, the polls and the expectations. Unfortunately for someone such as myself, it does nothing for me in the long run.
Due to her victory, I will not read or watch anything regarding the 2008 Democratic presidential primary anymore. I don’t care. I really don’t. Luckily for me, I have a life. I am an adjunct professor at three community colleges in New Jersey (eagerly seeking full time work) and I will devote the rest of 2008 to the welfare of my students. Also, I will devote myself to reading. I have numerous books to read and I will give my computer a rest until school begins.
The political reality has set in for me. It seems that the selfishness and egocentrism of Mr. and Mrs. Clinton has made it difficult for anyone to have a voice in the Democratic Party. The past 48 hours before the New Hampshire primary showed why people such as myself will abandon the political process and will hope for a Michael Bloomberg candidacy. When Mrs. Clinton became "emotional," that story took out all of the oxygen on the Democratic side and forced the media to focus on her. Then, the spin from the media made the situation even worse. The anti-crying and Edmund Muskie stories from 36 years ago backfired on them. As someone who once worked in the media, I for one know that the message carried the day. Also, as a woman, I was offended by New Hampshire’s female voters. They fell for the oldest political ploy: They felt sympathy for Mrs. Clinton. A sympathy that was manufactured by her handlers and her husband to show empathy and warmth. She lost the female vote in Iowa and she wasn’t about to lose that vote again in New Hampshire and she will continue to win the female vote that will put her over the top. If this is a continuing factor, then count me out of the political process.
Mrs. Clinton’s other comments regarding Martin Luther King and Lyndon Baines Johnson was sad and ridiculous at the same time. Sadly, her husband, who at one time I voted twice for and had respect for, has lost me with his "the biggest fairy tale I’ve ever seen" quote. Sadly, this gentleman will go to South Carolina and use his political skills to seduce African American voters who will fall for his shtick like they always will and help his wife win there.
As you see, I don’t hold out hope for the other candidates to defeat her in the next month. John Edwards will not drop out and will continue to split the anti-Clinton vote. Bill Richardson wants to be Hillary’s vice presidential nominee and will prop her up at every debate scheduled. The Nevada caucus will most likely go to Mrs. Clinton, union endorsements or not. She and her husband will use "plantation politics" to win in South Carolina (I'm African Americanby the way). Plus, with her super delegates and her money, she’ll probably sweep almost everywhere on Feb. 5, including my home state of New Jersey where my governor and my senators are staunch supporters who will put her over the top. So congratulations Mrs. Clinton for your pyrrhic victory on Jan. 8. Your supporters were correct. You fought for your victory and you have won; however, you have not won me. I haven’t decided whether to vote for you in November. Yes, the Supreme Court is in peril; however, only bloggers and right minded people care about that and others who don’t will vote for those they could "have a beer with" rather than who they’ll choose for the courts.
In conclusion, life goes on for me. Politically, it’s over but, with apologies to Edward Kennedy, the work is over, the hope is gone, and the dream ended on January 8, 2008.