This is not only in response to a specific diary, but also in response to a lot of comments I am starting to hear around here, in other blogs, and from my friends. I am a fervent Obama supporter. I have maxed out my contribution to him, and so has my wife. I've met him on two ocassions, canvassed for him, and made calls for him. In short, I want him to win the nomination. I want him to win the election. Hell, i think I want him to win re-election already. I have been turned off by some of the Clinton tactics (mainly Bill's) in this campaign. But I do like Hillary, have a fondness for the Clinton Presidency, and really believe my signature: "I am not voting against Hillary, I am voting for Obama." I wish people on both sides would keep that in perspective, but that is not what this diary is about. No, I want Obama to win, and I would be thrilled personally if it all wrapped up now. But I do not think that would be good for the party, good for the country, or good for Obama. Hillary is not obligated at all to drop out and she should not drop out.
Join me on the flip to explain.
Here are some of the reasons being put forth why Hillary should drop out:
- She can't win. This just is not true. Political winds can change in a few weeks and who knows she may pull out big wins in Ohio and Texas and then with the rest even up the pledged delegates (or get it close enough where super-delegates will be decisive AND legitimate).
She has plenty of passionate supporters (many of whom are here and many elsewhere) who have worked their asses off. They deserve to see her fight it out (although she should fight clean).
- Staying in will hurt the Party. I cannot disagree more. The democratic process is a good thing. So long as there is a real fight (and there still is), there are people (both Democrats AND Independents) interested in voting in the Democratic primaries -- the turnouts for Dems are just getting larger and larger than they are for the dull Rethug race. This cannot be a bad thing for us, unless one side gets real nasty (and as much as I am pulling for Obama, Hillary has not really crossed the line yet -- though Bill has skirted close to it). There are many young voters in Ohio and Texas (and maybe even Penn.) whose first political experience will be voting in a Democratic primary between two great candidates. Those voters are going to be more likely to stay Democratic for a long time. This is a bad thing? This will hurt the party? Please!!! By bringing the fight to Texas & Ohio, a lot of people who would not usually be interested in Democratic politics (especially in Texas) are going to be exposed to two big name, and in my opinion great, candidates and will be interested in hearing them. Lots of young people will get their first exposure to the excitement of a real campaign where their vote matters in this contest. If Hillary pulls out now, they would not get this chance.
Bottom line here: It is a good thing that the voters in Ohio and Texas (and maybe Penn.) will have a say in the Democratic primary; why should Hillary pull out and not let them have that say????
- Hillary should drop out to prevent any party-destroying, undemocratic shenanigans at the convention. No. It's way too early to be worrying about this (again so long as the two sides stay relatively clean). There will be plenty of time to kiss and make up between now and the convention -- it is only February. For those of us who remember 2000, and the fight between W and McCain, which was 10X worse than this, we all know that two contenders can let bygones be bygones and literally kiss and make up. (Warning: picture at link may induce vomiting.)
On this "destroying the party," people are losing perspective big-time. Bill Clinton didn't really clinch his nomination until May or June of 1992. Al Gore and Kerry clinched theirs around March (it isn't even March yet!!!!): How'd that work out for Gore and Kerry??? I agree if it is June and Hillary's only chance is by twisting a ton of super-delegates' arms, she should pull out. But guys, it is freaking FEBRUARY. There is almost nine months to the election, five months or so to the convention. No one should be dropping out unless they really have NO chance of winning.
Again, this Obama supporter says Hillary should not drop out. Dropping out would not be good for the party, it would not be good for the country, and it would not be good for Obama (he has become a better campaigner because of Hillary and the Clinton machine -- taking them on is great practice for the Rethugs).