I must be privileged to live in New Jersey, as it is a state that counts, according to the Clinton campaign. However, I wish to thank the 20+ and growing states that don't count, and I'd like to offer a personal apology for sharing a similar rash attitude towards many of these same states in the past.
You see, it was not so long ago that I would make jokes about the only important states being New York et al on the East Coast, Illinois in the middle, and California et al on the West Coast [I'm sure you've heard a flyover joke before so I won't rehash].
Though I take responsibility for my own prejudices, I feel that the political and cultural themes throughout my childhood and teenage years of the liberal bastions of big cities and red vs blue states helped to shape my view. Upon traveling extensively and meeting wonderful people from all over the US in my later teen and college years, my views have changed. Until recently however, I haven't fully understood the detriment of this narrow-country view.
I credit Howard Dean for offering Democrats a new vision of America, one that includes all states and territories. The Democratic party is now prospering in states once wholly conceded to the Republicans. I am fearful that a Hillary Clinton presidency will inevitably reverse this outreach and new vision for our party and for America, and am especially troubled by her and her campaigns recent comments showing wanton disregard for many states and the voters therein.
Barack Obama has made inwards in places where until recently no one would have imagined. His stunning victories across the United Statesand the breadth and depth of the crowds he draws is inspiring. Its incredible to realize the strength of the progressive movement in places once thought entirely conservative.
The 2008 election nears and I see the map as more of a purple than red or blue and I hope that this 50-state strategy stands for years to come. I don't think that Democrats should concede any state early nor write off large portions of the electorate.
As a reformed 'bi-coastal snob,' I now whole-heartedly embrace my progressive brothers and sisters across the country. I urge those in Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvania to show unity with large swaths of the nation and vote for Barack Obama for President, helping to put to rest the notion that some states matter while others don't. Lets move on to a more embracing and inclusive solution --- this truly is a national movement! Yes we can!