As a long time and suffering progressive, I would like to analyze the two Democratic candidates from my point of view. To some progressive is a dirty word, for reason, but it was progressives that gave us the party of the people. we have long struggled to make this a more responsive government for the people. Please, before I get any troll crap read what I say about each of the candidates. Obama will be tomorrow's post.
Clinton, The Progressive
Oh, hell no! I have heard her called this recently on the tube and in the media. After much thought I need to ask, what are they smoking? Whatever it is they need to get off that junk and switch to decaf. As an ultra-liberal or progressive, if you will, I take exception to Clinton or Obama, for that matter, being labeled a progressive. I see little in the positions that would lead me or any other progressive to agree with the label.
Sorry, I digress. Norman Solomon said it right, " But the people who "do consider Hillary progressive" could mostly be divided into two categories -- those who are Fox-News-attuned enough to believe any non-Republican is a far leftist, and those who are left-leaning but don't realize how viciously opportunistic Sen. Clinton has been."
For that matter neither can Obama claim the handle as a progressive. But Clinton is the least capable. Why do I say this?
Has hawkish foreign policy advisors involved in past US misdeeds and failures
Supports Israeli aggression and apartheid
Voted numerous times to continue funding the war
Supports or won't oppose nuclear power
Has no meaningful economic program
Supports capital punishment
Supports war on drugs
Supports Real ID
Supports No Child Left Behind
All of the above positions are as anti-progressive as they come. NO ONE can claim the mantle of progressive and support the positions that have been supported by Clinton in the past. If one is a true progressive, it will take lots of thought on where to put one’s vote. Does one vote to eliminate the Repubs or does one vote one’s convictions. It will not be an easy decision. Personally, I want to vote for a democrat. But so far I have not made up my mind from the existing candidates.
It is, for me, a conundrum, do I vote to put a democrat in the White house or do I vote my convictions. Yes, I hate what Bush has done to our country. But will any of the remaining candidates, truly be the savior of our party?