I sense a lot of negativity on the DailyKos today and think it's unwarranted. There's a lot to be down about but there's probably more to be up about.
Clinton won 2 states after a 1 month, 11 state drought. Two states that she was expected to win but it also showed her solid support with Democrats in those areas.
Obama, overcame harsh rhetoric and personal attacks to win one state and basically split the state of Texas with Hillary. This was a stronger showing than was expected for Obama and continues to show that he's a really strong candidate. A man of color, who incorrectly is labeled Muslim and who refuses to put his hand on the bible (also false)...get's ~50% in Texas. wow!
More positive observations below the fold.....
Again there was record turnout for Democrats but ultimately a great sign for America when that many people are passionate about politics.
Hillary Clinton, as the first potential female candidate showed that she still has some fight in her and used seasoned political moves to win the states she was expected to win. Some of her tactics may questionable, but some would argue that that's what's needed to win in politics and ignoring that is being overly optimistic. The negative rhetoric and 90's, Bush-era divisiveness is what Republicans will throw at the eventual Democratic nominee so being battle hardened and having the ability to throw that back will help in the general election.
On the flip-side, Barack Obama has shown that you can elevate the debate and move beyond red state, blue state politics with a positive purple message and be successful at it. The fact that Obama didn't get blown out by 20% proves that. There is a large segment of Americans who are cynical about government because it's no longer about solutions for constituents but about arguing and politicking ala Crossfire, Hannity and Colmes, Bill O'Reilly. He's also proven to be a very strong candidate who's experience of overcoming odds (being successful both personally and professionally as a man of color raised by a single mother) has helped him overcome tremendous odds in this election. To be leading Hillary Clinton in delegates and states won considering her husband is a popular 2 term president who's actively campaigning for her, who was the front-runner and had much of the Democratic party machinery and donors locked up behind her is an astonishing feat and makes the argument that he would do really well in the general election.
One thing this primary season has made me realize is that I'm a huge supporter of term limits now.
3 max. terms for Senators (18 years)
5 max. terms for Congressman (10 years)
We have too much old life in the Washington. How many Congressman are out of touch? When was the last time they bought groceries or were unemployed? How much real life experience do they have? Do we really want career politicians? Isn't that the root of the problem? If our elected officials knew they only had a limited time wouldn't that make them bolder? More willing to work towards solutions?
If a person wants to work in government or politics longer they can work in different positions. Be a Senator, then a governor, then a city councilman (there's your lifetime) ;)
I'm not sure if people can tell who I'm supporting in this primary (if they really want to know read my comments or other diaries)....I don't want to say in this thread because I'm being positive ;)
However I switched from being an Independent to a Democrat in 2003 because of Howard Dean. I've been a Democrat since then but depending on how this primary turns out I may go back to being an Independent.
(if you think that's ending a positive diary on a negative note, I don't really see it that way.... :) )