I have decided to support the Democratic nominee, no matter who it is.
I am also a strong supporter of Senator Obama's. I've given money, made
phone calls, sent emails - because I am inspired by Barack Obama and his
message. And the message his election will send to the country and the
world.
The policy differences between he and Senator Clinton are miniscule compared to the differences between the Democrats and John McCain and the
Republicans. I think John McCain is a good man and he has and deserves my respect, but I dont want him to be the next president and continue the Bush policies. He will gear up the war machine to levels we haven't even begun to see under Bush.
So I am in a bit of a quandry. I am inspired by Obama. I'd also like to
see a woman become president.
If this race were in the Republican party, the decision would be made to
give it to the most "senior" candidate.
Hillary worries me because so many Republicans hate her. Has anyone been
able to say why, or is it just the sexist bigots in the republican party who do? They don't hate Elizabeth Dole or Condi Rice though. And while I was glad Bill Clinton won 2 terms, I will never forget him looking into the camera and lying to the American People.
Obama worries me because he's untested in a fight on National Security which the Republicans will wage. But even though things have improved in Iraq, we shouldnt have gone in and we need to pressure the Iraqis to reconcile their differences and protect their own country. But I also worry Hillary will try to prove she's strong by being too hawkish (like she voted to give Bush authority to go into Iran).
And we need to compete for Independents to win the November election. I
dont think Hillary could do that. I think Obama can.
I am beginning to think we do need them both. But I prefer the
inspirational leader Obama at the top of the ticket. And how does Obama
take on the Clinton baggage? There's so much of it. I thought maybe he
could pick Claire McKaskill as his VP to satisfy those clammering for a
woman. But she hasn't impressed me.
So I am thinking the only solution is for Hillary to be the nominee and for Obama to work just as hard for the Democratic party as he has for his own campaign. She needs him as her VP. And he needs to accept or else accept the blame if she loses in the fall.
Or they could just draw straws. That seems fair to me.