Because there has been little discussion of the real issues, many people are just stuck on personalities. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve heard people refer to the two major party candidates as, a couple of clowns, Dumb and Dumber, and Beavis and Butthead. I certainly agree that one of them fits that characterization. But, too many people believe the caricature of Hillary Clinton without bothering to discover the real, living, breathing human behind it.
Both candidates have shown us who they are. It’s up to us to believe them. I think that has been one of the most frustrating things about this campaign for me. I’m not sure that the people waiting for some magical, mind changing words from Hillary Clinton are actually willing to hear them. My millennial son for the longest time said that she had not said a single thing to convince him he should vote for her. Finally, it happened at the second debate. For the life of me, I cannot remember what it was exactly, but had to do with a clearly articulated policy. All I could think was, she’s been saying that all along. But whatever, we finally have your vote.
One of my friends said, over the weekend, that we’ve always chosen the lesser of two evils. It would be nice to actually vote for someone instead of against someone. I can say, without hesitation, that I am voting for Hillary Clinton – actually already did.
I look at Hillary Clinton and I see a woman who has given her life to public service. Maybe she can’t talk the talk the way we want her to, or think she should. Maybe she’s dodged a question or two. But her walk should be enough to speak for her. Her work should be enough to say that she would listen to and represent the people of this country.
I’ve avoided Facebook, but took a chance to go on yesterday. I wish I had not. Friends are still posting their disappointment in the choices of this election. After the primary, I wondered what could Hillary possibly say to people who are so convinced that she is just the wrong person to be the Democratic nominee. What could she say to people still asking about emails? What could she say to people who believe that she won’t tell the truth? Because if you expect a lie, all you hear is a lie. If you’re not open to the possibility that you might be wrong about an individual, how can that person “win you over”?
And so, I go back to the issues. Hillary Clinton cares about the things I care about. Her website lists them and provides specific details about her plans. They don’t make good bumper stickers or t-shirt messages, but they will make a difference in the lives of real people. I pray that on Wednesday, she will have the chance to show them.