By the time I am eligible to vote- the elections will be over, and the candidate sworn in. You see, I am eligible for citizenship only in 2009. However, I am a democrat, whether officially one or not. And the recent primaries, and the events leading up to them have made me think very seriously as to who I would vote for - if I could vote. My experiences may vary from yours, because I have lived in other countries and have been tinged by political experiences there. My opinions may not be agreeable to you, because hell, opinions in such a heated matter seldom are. But for what it is worth- here are the observations you could say who is not vested in a particular candidate, but very keen on the party.
To a observer, the scenario has changed alarmingly. A few months ago it was all about the inevitability of Hillary, then Barack went and won Iowa. Then it was all about Barack, and how he shall mop the floor with Hillary in NH, and then Hillary wins. Sexism, racism, fluff vs. experience, establishment vs. change, I have heard every dimension of every argument played on TV, in blogs. Emotions run high. And yet, democrats seem to finally believe once again. They have someone to get excited about- which the ahem other side does not.
Let me make one thing clear straight off. I believe all candidates would make great presidents. If I voted, I'd have voted for Richardson, - but in his absence, I believe each has something unique to bring to the table.
Look at Edwards- the guy who will fight for the common man. He is passionate. I honestly believe he will walk the walk. However, in a primary where his competitors are an extremely charismatic African American, and a very famous Lady Senator, he gets the short end of the stick. Not only are media corporations terrified of him, he – as a white male, probably less “newsworthy” than others. For whatever reason, he never got a chance for his message to be heard by Middle America- people who could have benefited from him. Personally, I believe that it is commendable that he is still running, and that his supporters still believe in him. That is what constitutes loyalty to a message, to a people or to a leader, and I would like this opportunity to mildly chide those who presume loyalty is so easy to switch. (Here's looking at all you "stop supporting Edwards and vote for Obama" people)”. But, I also believe that though Edwards has a great future in American politics, I find it hard to see him as a presidential candidate. Maybe SC will prove me wrong. That would merit another Blog entry however.
Hillary- well, when I think of her, I think of a very tough woman who has had it rough. She is competent, she is organized, she is very thorough. Again, if she gets elected, she will make for a solid president. However, I am biased.
I come from a country that likes its dynasties. We elect daughters. We elect wives. Hell, we elect daughter-in-laws if nothing else is alive/available. Thus, the bias is an absolute emotional reaction to electing the wife of an ex-president. However, I can rationalize to myself that her marriage is not her fault, and I should judge her for who she is. But to analyze why I cannot bring myself to be as enthusiastic about her, I will have to bring the other candidate into consideration.
Now under most circumstances, I would have found Obama’s lack of credentials and experience laughable. In the past, I’d have made some trite comment about how the race has been reduced to an American Idol like competition. I’d have been the sort of person Barack supporters would have liked to throttle. But after the past few months- I find myself not only reconsidering everything, but also feeling rather stupid that I ever felt that way.
It is my opinion, and I might be absolutely off the mark here, is that a wonderful thing happened in these primaries. Democrats came alive. Young people got enthused. There was finally a buzz that I have never seen in this country regarding politics. I doubt it would have been the case if the candidates had been Hillary, Edwards and say- Chris Dodd. Whether you like him or not, Barack was an important component of this buzz.
I might be a little jaded, but when this guy talks, I can see why he inspires. You have to be pretty darn heartless or cold to not feel some sense of idealism nudge your conscience. But most of all, for someone who is a minority, female and an immigrant, he represents to me a Dream America. Where a half black guy, who grew up in Indonesia, and has a Muslim middle name can be a viable candidate for presidency. It is not logical, and Hillary supporters can call me out on the fact that it doesn’t mean that he is qualified to be president. To them, I say- true enough. But logic has nothing to do with it. Nothing. I am a woman, so Hillary’s positions and policies resonate with me. As someone who went into debt because she was uninsured, Edwards appeals to me. But as a human being, it is Obama who ends up inspiring me.
Not that it counts for anything...heh.