I'm 54 years old and have sat glued to the TV throughout my life watching the spectacle of political conventions both Republican and Democrat. I've seen the long roll calls, some of which were actually in doubt. It's an exhilarating time for Americans huddled around their TV sets especially if they really sunk their hearts into one or more of the candidates.
There's indications that the Democratic Convention in Denver is moving towards one of these nights when history repeats itself and we get to sit and watch it all play out again. This is not the time....`
Barack Obama has tied up the nomination. It's a matter of numbers that only a huge mutiny of delegates can overcome. We know that is not going to happen. It's become increasingly clear over the past week or so that the Clintons (primarily Bill) still feel very robbed and slighted and want the pageantry and exposure a full floor vote will bring them. I'm not even going to argue that Hillary doesn't deserve it. She does in spades. She helped set a place for women firmly at the table of American politics for all days forward. Her race was historic.
However, we are at a time unlike any other in my years of life, an age where we're but a false step away from a full fledged fall into a fascist state devoid of many of our Constitutional guarantees. Even though I'm optimistic Obama will begin the long turnaround away from this path, he can only do it if he's elected and he has a sizable majority in Congress. This is also more than just taking control. The abhorrent action of the Republicans over the past decade also requires that they be spanked hard and sent home with their tails between their legs.
It is in the best interest of our country for Obama to win in a landslide and anything that can detract from that course is wrong and that fact should be understood by any American with a progressive mind, voters and politicians alike.
Throughout history Americans have shucked aside their own self-interest and sacrificed for the better good of the country. George Washington could have become king and yet he knew his own personal glory would eclipse the birth of a nation. Abraham Lincoln walked onto Civil War battlefields to see the situation for himself when anyone would have understood him staying behind the safe walls of the White House. A bullet through his hat showed how much risk he took. Even Richard Nixon listened to the congressmen such as Barry Goldwater that night that before he resigned and their message that his resignation was what the country needed to go forward and heal. Hindsight aside, Al Gore decided that the bitter fight that would be necessary to recount the Florida votes was less important than the stability of our electoral process and the piece of mind of a nation. (Of course had he known what an asshole GWB would turn out, I'm sure he would have fought tooth and nail).
The common thread in all of these people was that, when confronted with a matter of ego, power, and safety against the greater good of the United States, they made the decision they felt was right not necessarily for them but for the country they loved. (I know. I'm way out on a limb here with Nixon but even he seems innocuous compared to the current crew).
So Hillary, and all your supporters here's my plea to you. Know that we're impressed at the fervent support you generated and that we fully acknowledge your place in history. By historical standards you deserve your roll call and your moment in the spotlight.
But this year is different. It's my opinion that for the greater good of our democracy right now, it's a time of sacrifice for all towards the goal of not only running the bad guys out of town with unimaginable and united force but to burn any trail they might have to return within our lifetimes. This need for a united front minus pageantry that is sure to cause some divisions has never been greater and the risks are immeasurable if we don't do this right.
Hillary, tell the Democrats who are pledged to vote for you that the country needs them to send a clear and unambiguous message to the country that Barack Obama has the full support of a mob so sizable that no amount of Rovian dirty tricks can stop it. You'll have plenty of time to build your legacy upon this act of patriotism and humility when you hit the ground running as a Senate leader next year. It could easily pave your way to the White House in future years and cement your place in history.