I wanted to share my perceptions of the Democratic nomination race. Being a Canadian, living in Canada, I'm an outsider to most of you; but, my interest and indeed my stake in the decision you're making is palpable.
I think Barack Obama is your only choice. To find out why, read more...
I actually have some recent U.S.A. living experience. From 2003 to 2004 I followed my partner to Charleston, SC. We were a progressive, gay, Canadian couple left to our own defenses in a fascinating and sometimes alarming new corner of the world. The experience is worthy of another diary, but that's not what this one is about.
I was down there during your last national primaries. It was at that time that I began taking a deeper interest in American politics. I remember thinking that Howard Dean was going to change the world. I still can't believe how the media could so blatantly hoodwink a nation into believing this wonderful, decent, thoughtful, intelligent, innovative man was nuts.
So, you chose John Kerry. He wouldn't have been my first pick - not a huge amount of charisma there - kinda bland. But I believed he was genuine. I believed in him. He was a good guy and he was sensible and his message made sense. He wasn't lying to his country.
And then he was swiftboated by the Republicans. And then, who knows, maybe your election was stolen? I don't understand that one either. But George W. Bush was re-elected for another four years. Now he believed he had some kind of mandate beyond his previous disastrous term. Another four years of corruption and lies and wars and, well, lots of crap.
I quite literally cried for the world that night.
So here we are... another nomination decision to be made.
I watch with bated breath - I kid you not. I want so badly for you guys to choose Obama. I wish I could vote for him.
I've never had anything against Hillary Clinton, until now...until this contest with Barack Obama. Now I don't trust her.
Obama glows with authenticity. The reason so many people believe what he says is that HE believes it. It's obvious. He's not trying to sell you some line to get elected. He doesn't take his opponent's strengths and twist them into something ugly. The man has integrity, vision, charisma, drive, wisdom... I could go on and on - what negative is there to say about him, honestly?? He's already proven who he is in his career. He's like a dream-come-true. Oh, and I don't drink Kool-Aid.
Clinton - well. Instead of a sincere campaign from her, we get smears and distortions - and against a fellow Democrat, no less. She's digging for dirt that doesn't exist, so she tries to spin the truth. Haven't you had enough of that? It's exactly the kind of thing people are so sick of in politics.
I see her message changing as the wind changes. I see her desparately using Rovian tactics to make her opponent look bad.
And I see a woman with her own ambitions trumping everything else.
Do you really want another eight years of virtual status quo - that is, IF she can even beat John McCain in the general?
It's time to turn the page on the Washington establishment and take back your country! It's time to choose a president who can be a true world leader and visionary.
Please choose hope over despair.
Oh, and in advance to anyone who doesn't care what a Canadian thinks... this diary clearly wasn't for you....
Peace.