I recently participated in the Colorado State Convention. I also read MyDD.com on occasion, though I have no account and cannot comment. However, the animosity of this primary season has reminded me of a funny story involving my 4 year old son. My 6 year old daughter participated in this life lesson about Democratic politics, as well.
One day, my son returned with Mama from the grocery store (all natural organic, as I am an elitist when it comes to what I put in my body). He runs up to me and says:
"Dad, guess who I saw on a magazine!"
Smiling, I respond:
"Do tell."
He replies:
"Hillary Cliton" He's so cute with the lack of n(s) in his pronunciation.
"Oh, really?" says I.
"Yeah... we hate Hillary Cliton."
Daddy gets a little serious.
"First of all, Nate, I don't like you using the "H" word, it's disrespectful... on top of that, we certainly do not "hate" Hillary Clinton. We simply disagree with some of the policies of her husband's administration."
He looks a little confused, I better elaborate.
"Look, Nate, it's like this. At your preschool, there are 3 teachers in your classroom. Sometimes, they have to decide who is going to lead the class. Simply picking one doesn't in any way diminish the others."
He still looks confused.
"See, we are all on the same team. We're voting to see who leads the team, but we are all on the same side."
I'm contemplating whether he can comprehend the AUMF, NAFTA and the repeal of the Glass Steagall Act when his face lights up.
"Oooooooohhhhhhhhhh. So Hillary Cliton is with us?"
"Why, yes, son... she is with us.", I say proudly. "The bad guys are John McCain and George Bush."
His eyes narrow.
"I hate Bush.", he says with determination.
I don't correct him this time.
Now, the point of this story is that if my 4 year old son can grasp this concept in about 5 minutes, why is it so hard for life long Democrats?