I am not a Hillary Clinton Fan. I did not like the way that she handled health care in the 90's, I was a New Yorker when she ran for senate and I was not pleased with her performance, and I absolutely did not like the way she ran for president.
I felt that Clinton's secretive and aggressive approach to health care made it so that for over a decade we could not have a serious discussion about the issue and because my parents have major health issues, it was personal for me. Second, when in the senate, she made huge promises to my region (Buffalo) about bringing jobs to the area and the exact opposite occurred. So as I saw Buffalo struggle more and more, I held her partially responsible. Finally, I felt that she led a dishonorable primary campaign that attacked Obama in ways that McCain did not even do (Reverend Wright, etc.).
For all of the three reasons above, I have been a Hillary Clinton critic for over a decade. However, today, I am coming to you and asking the Kos community for support as I change my mind and state unequivocally:
I support Hillary Clinton for the position of Secretary of State and am excited about the job she will do!
There was no greater critic of Clinton's in the primaries than me, swearing I would never vote for her no matter what the circumstances. However, over the past two weeks I have had a major change of heart. I think that one of the biggest triggers of this change of heart was the growing media narrative that lefty bloggers would revolt with the pick, but whatever the reason, I now think that appointing Clinton is one of the best moves that Obama could have made. When history looks back at this moment I strongly believe that it will be viewed as pivotal for both Obama and for Clinton as well.
Here are the basic reasons that i think this is a great move for Obama:
- It shows confidence and strength. Hillary Clinton has one of the most powerful personalities in politics. The Clintons in general have an aura that is intimidating and aggressive. Both Clintons bring baggage that at least could be a distraction and at most a big problem. Obama's pick shows that he is willing to pick the best person for the job despite all of this and despite the objection of many of his most ardent supporters like me. There is nothing that displays leadership more than being able to reach out to your formal rivals and humble yourself by asking for their help.
- Hillary Clinton already knows most of the people she will be dealing with, she has an incredible knowledge of foreign affairs, and her closest confidant has personal foreign policy experience that can be drawn from and there is knowledge of the mistakes that were made and perhaps can be avoided this time.
- The Clinton brand is a very powerful brand in the world. Other than Obama, there are few, if any leaders that are as well respected. This will be invaluable.
- I believe that Hillary was looking for redemption after he defeat. One of the reasons she held out for so long in the primaries, even though it was mathematically over, was not just pride, but that she felt a responsibility to these 18 million voters. If Obama would have offered her the VP job, it would have been symbolic redemption, but not true redemption. Instead, he gave her the most powerful job next to his, which will allow her to affect world history in ways that she would not have been able to as VP.
- Finally, there is the line that the media keeps repeating: keep your friends close and your enemies closer. While I do not think they are enemies any longer, if Hillary would have remained in the senate, there would always have been a tension and perhaps even thoughts of 2012. This way, he takes a potential challenger and gives her the opportunity to be his biggest ally. And perhaps this is one of the so-called Sister Soljah moments for Obama where he challenges his supporters like me to let go of our animosity and come together. I know I have had a bitterness in my mouth since the primaries that will be let go if she becomes the legendary Secretary of State that I think she will be.
- I think that Hillary as SoS creates a bridge between the 20th and 21st centuries. Obama will be the first 21st century president and Hillary will help be a bridge between the best of the last century and the best of this century - creating a legacy for herself in the process.
Here are the basic reasons that this is a great move for Hillary:
- It was becoming increasingly clear that she was not going to have much more than a symbolic role in the creation of the health care agenda in the senate. While she would have made a contribution, it would not have been anything major. Ted Kennedy was taking the lead and she would have had to take a back seat. By the time she would have achieved seniority in the Senate, she would be in her 70's or 80's and who knows what the landscape would look like by then.
- If Obama does have 2 terms in office, the chances for Hillary to become president would be very low. She would be 68 and while possible, Democrats in modern history are not big on giving second chances at running for president.
- As Secretary of State, she not only has an opportunity to be a part of a hopefully historic presidency, but imagine this: Being the Secretary of State that helps form a relationship with the New Iraq. Being the SoS that brokers deals with Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Being the SoS that helps reshape America's image in the world. She could truly hold a historic role if she is as good as I think she will be.
- See reasons 4 and 6 above: Redemption and the creation of her own legacy. Half of the Democratic party held resentment towards her and Bill, this will help heal that rift and restore their legacy.
Why I am not worried about some of the problems that the MSM is endlessly talking about:
- That she will create a shadow presidency. If this were the case it would do the exact opposite of what Hillary wants: it would tarnish her legacy and hand the government back to the republicans. She has every motivation to do her best to create a historic presidency that will only increase the legacy of the Clintons. I am convinced she will do her best to help Obama and serve her country.
- That Obama will not be able to control "the Clintons". Anyone that thinks this has not paid attention. Obama's continuously drawn people in through inclusion. I am absolutely convinced that Obama will do everything he can to make sure that Hillary will shape foreign policy and be included in every decision. While she may disagree with him at times, her senate work shows that she can work with people that she disagrees with.
- Finally and most importantly - the MSM will not quit pushing the idea that there will be revolts among lefty bloggers. We need to snuff this out right now. We need to get behind Obama and Clinton, be excited that our party is unified again and that we are going to change America's face in the world.
So, i ask you today to join me in letting go of any animosity towards the Clintons for anything in the past, and look towards the future. Join me in saying loudly: I Support Obama; and as of now, I strongly support Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State with excitement for the new face that America will have in the world.
Please show your support in the poll below and in the comments. Let's show the MSM that we are 100 percent behind President Obama and are excited about the new direction that he and Secretary of State Clinton will be taking the country!
Update: Please Digg to Show Your Support!