Senator Obama can win the Presidential election, probably decisively, but that’s not why I support him. Senator Clinton can win too.
I don’t only want a President, I want progressive action. A progressive agenda would come up against the same noise machine that derailed health care reform in 1993. The President would have to get public opinion solidly behind such an agenda. When it comes to inspiration, Senator Obama beats Senator Clinton hands down. It would also be easier to change the power structure of the Democratic Party with a President Obama, something the disappointing performance in Congress mandates. That is why I support Senator Obama.
Because I support Senator Obama, I also defend Senator Clinton. More below.
Let me take you back to 1992. Then the Clintons weren’t seen part of the machine and corrupted by it, but young idealists. The man from Hope and his assertive, astute partner (who the right derided as "Saint Hillary" because she looked "too good"). The well-oiled attack machine made short work of that, starting with the "uppity woman" storyline, moving to President Clinton’s personal life, and ending up with allegations of every kind of corruption imaginable. Senator Clinton got well tarred in the process, which is why I get upset when I see some of these get repeated during the primary process. But it’s more than just being pissed off at the right-wing noise machine and their smears, it’s because I want to win in November.
The best thing for Senator Obama right now would be party unity as soon as possible. Some here are focused only on the next primaries, but regardless of his performance in them I think he’ll win the nomination. However, he needs broad support to win in November, and alienating a large portion of the Democratic Party doesn’t help. Don’t tell me "She started it first," tell me how you can help fix it, because it needs to be done. Don’t assume everyone will just be swept along, make an effort to reach out. Or perhaps just tone it down, especially the "she’s worse than Bush" or the recycled noise machine smears.
Earlier today I wrote a concerned (but not trollish, I hope) comment about the "Obama said something about public financing" issue. On reflection, I realized that because of the attacks that are sure to come, it would be foolish to reduce the campaign’s income. You don’t bring a knife to a gunfight. So it’s best to be pragmatic and hope the story generated last night from Senator McCain’s charges dies down. Bill Clinton would have done exactly the same thing in 1992. I’m not saying this to piss anyone off, but to give them some perspective.
Above I wrote that Senator Obama "can" not "will" become President Obama. Nothing in politics is a sure thing, you have to keep working until it's over. The right-wing noise machine is almost sure to to a repeat and smear the candidate, whether deserved or not, and with no respect for the truth. The way to fight this is not only a rapid response but to get people in your tent and get out the vote. Every vote.
I, and many others here, are prepared to be pragmatic when it comes to pledges of public financing. Why shouldn’t we be pragmatic when it comes to party unity? Reach out, or at the least, be tolerant.