Crossposted at MyDD
To all supporters of Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama:
Here's your chance to swing a real undecided voter.
I'm a committed progressive Democrat. I'm a big fan of both of our candidates and am having a hard time choosing one. And I don't think I'm alone. I've heard both candidates' stances on important issues and am left largely agreeing with both, and believing that their differences are fairly minor. I've heard plenty of negative talking points and attacks on both, and I've dismissed most of them and have come to terms with the others. So please don't go negative in the comments below--I think both of our candidates are good choices and nothing you might say is likely to convince me otherwise. That's not to say that each doesn't have strengths and weaknesses: I like Hillary's debating skills and Barack's ability to inspire. Clinton has more experience, Obama seems more genuine.
Bottom line: both would be presidents that I could get behind. I'd like to hear your reasoning on who would be more effective, more successful. Who has what it takes to be a great president, rather than one who is just "good enough."
Here's how you can help me make up my mind:
- We know the Republicans will come out swinging against the nominee, regardless of who wins. And if the Democrat wins in November, the right-wing attacks won't stop. Can your candidate take on the Republican attack machine before and after Election Day?
- For both candidates, a large percentage of the country is uncertain or antagonistic. Will your candidate win over enough skeptics, doubters, and haters to form an effective governing coalition?
- Both candidates are promising to achieve a number of great things. They have very different governing strategies. Will your candidate's strategy for achieving change work? Can it be done? Have others been successful with the same strategy (or a similar one)?
- Finally, will your candidate's administration truly be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people?
The most convincing arguments will help me make up my mind.
For bonus points: take a look at mcjoan's post and show me evidence that your candidate is the leader that she is looking for.