Why I still support Matthew Santos
by greatn
Fri Jan 04, 2008 at 02:44:09 PM PDT
People are leaving Santos and flocking to Bingo Bob, or Hoynes, but they're making a huge mistake.
Make no mistake. Matt Santos is still our man.
- greatn's diary :: ::
As we all know, the Santos surge was not as strong as many of us hoped. But it was real. Matt Santos came from absolutely nothing and managed to finish third in the Iowa caucuses last night. This candidate had no money, and few political friends. He did it on his passion and political beliefs. We all know the night before caucus he delivered a bold and impassioned plea to caucus goers, live. Bob and Hoynes were too busy throwing negative ads and millions of dollars at one another to notice. They were too busy trying to exclude candidates like Santos from the debates.
Santos didn't win Iowa, but he sure as hell won last night. Now is the time we need to donate and support Santos more than ever. Here's why.
- His message. Of all the candidates, Santos is the only one who speaks to poverty and the need for a reform to education in this nation. He is the only one with a fully fledged health care plan. Hoynes and Bingo Bob are both running on their inevitability.
- Track record. Santos isn't just talking about policies. He has a track record of pushing for these policies in congress, of fighting for the little guy. Russel and Hoynes have made careers out of running for president and using leverage to weasel themselves into VP slots. They were the worst mistakes of the Bartlett administration. (Yes, INCLUDING him handing the White house to the Republicans)
- Electability. This is absolutely huge. We all know who the Rethug nominee will be. Vinnick. This man is a borderline libertarian, except he somehow manages to also be a hawk. It's as if Neal Boortz was running for president. And HE WILL WIN. Vinnick will have California in the bag, and you had better believe it. The only possible counter is if the Democrats can pick up Texas. Santos is the only way that is possible. Aside from that fact, Hoynes's past is far too tied up in controversy and extra-marital affairs. Russel is a glorified coal lobbyist.
- Race. I'm sorry to even bring this up, but I do so only because of YOU fellow kossacks who won't let it go. You say a Hispanic man can never get elected, when this is over and over again refuted by polls and data. Last night in Iowa's caucus Santos pulled 21% of the delegates. This state is 94% white and only 2.3% Hispanic. Whites had NO problem voting for him. And Hispanics, the nation's third largest voting block, gave him 95% of their votes according to entrance polls. Some say this will make it easy for Vinnick to say he'll be weak on immigration, but Vinnick has absolutely nothing on that issue.
All in all, Santos is the populist candidate and populist choice. He is the most progressive candidate and a perfect successor to Bartlett. He is the only one who can win the general. Do NOT give up hope. Santos can win the primary. I believe Hoynes can realize he's finished before Super Tuesday. If he drops out, Santos has a clear shot at California, with its large Hispanic voting population. I will make the bold prediction right now that this will happen.
I just want to thank everyone who caucused for Santos last night, and let's keep the dream alive and elect a true populist candidate.
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