So much was made during the Democratic convention about the so-called "PUMAs," or "party unity my ass." There was supposedly some huge, faceless mass of Hillary supporters (which included me, during the primaries) who refused to support Barack Obama and were going to swing the vote (especially older women) to McShame. What happened generally was that the networks interviewed about five of the PUMAs and concluded that there was this vast network of them. As time went on, we realized that it was probably 50 nutbags shacked up in a Motel 6 way off in Fort Collins and hanging around the convention to stir up shit. Sure enough, the whole imbroglio died quietly; we've heard nary a peep about such things since Obama got the nomination. Democrats are as united as I've ever seen them.
So sometime last night, I get sent this piece of garbage:
Dear ___,
Many of you were strong Hillary Clinton supporters. In light of the recent events we realize that many of you are unsure how to best use your vote.
As democrats we find ourselves in a similar situation of doubt as to how best continue the fight this November election. In response, we have a created a site specifically for voters like you: democrats who wish to continue the fight we have worked so long and hard to support.
Visit ContinuingTheFight where we feature news and videos by and for democrats such as yourself. We, as a group, have decided to support Senator McCain's bid for president this fall. At ContinuingTheFight you can also keep track of various campaign events and we hope you will find the opinions expressed in the site in line with yours.
Hillary's defeat in the democratic primaries was a tough loss for all of us. But we should not let that discourage us now during such a tenuous point in our country's history. Come join the movement at ContinuingTheFight and together we will make a difference by guiding the US into the future we know is right.
Respectfully,
Democrats for McCain
Are they nuts? "The fight we have worked so long and hard to support"? What "fight"? Surely not the one that Hillary - and Barack Obama - were advancing; getting a Democratic president and saving this country from more years of Repugnicon destruction. I don't know a single Hillary supporter who isn't planning on casting his or her ballot for Obama this year. I haven't even heard of one. They're wasting their time. Not only that, but their level of delusion is truly awesome to behold.
In a couple of weeks, I'm packing up my car and my dog and will drive from the Bay Area back to my native Ohio to do voter protection for the Obama campaign. (I had thought I was going to Cleveland, where I'm from, but the campaign tells me they need me to work in Dayton. Guys? I'll do it, but, umm, are you sure you don't have anything open in NE Ohio? Thx!) This is a major commitment. I'm not some college kid who can live on the cheap, sleeping in his car and eating out of truck stops for two weeks. (Although I wish I still was.) I'm a middle-aged attorney. I've had to clear two weeks off my calendar and make arrangements with family and friends to stay with them. But it's all worth it, because as far as I'm concerned, it's do-or-die time for America. And I know others - other lawyers, college kids, slackers, parents, techies, artists, all sorts - who are taking the same types of extreme measures. The level of inspiration and commitment generated by the Obama candidacy is unlike anything I've ever seen.
So do any of these reds really think McCain can win this thing by getting all of us Hillary supporters to get angry about Obama? If so, I think the Repubs have really gone off the chain. Getting this email only strengthened my resolve. I wouldn't even consider voting for McPalin. I'll never be a soldier in their rotten culture war. I'll never stand on the side of the dictatorial Repubs and evangelical sickos who are trying to destroy this country. No way, no how.
On to victory, Dems!