I voted for President Obama for many reasons and one of the most important was his ability and willingness to work with everyone to solve problems. I didn't vote for someone like Dennis Kucinich because I didn't want someone who only respects the left and demonizes the right(even if they deserve it). I wanted a President who sees the people of this country as neighbors living together. I wanted a President of the United States of America. Not of California or Massachusetts. Not of Texas or North Dakota. All of the United States of America.
Now, Senators and Representatives on the other hand. They represent the people of their state or district. John McCain doesn't represent the people of California. Alan Grayson doesn't represent the people of Idaho. They represent their own people and while they have a responsibility to work with other Senators and Representatives their number one priority is their own people. It's their job to fight for what their people want and need. There is a priority for them and it's not people in other states.
So, while it is the Presidents job to work with all of Congress from every state it is the job of each and every Congress person to fight for what they were sent to Washington to fight for. I am 100% behind the President for working with whoever he is able to work with to get as much good done as he can. I am 100% behind every Senator and Representative who is fighting with the President tooth and nail to get what they think is best for their people.
Now, what I would like to know is why Senator Sanders seems to be the only Senator who is willing to fight for what he wants? I expect the President the work out a deal but I expect Senators and Representatives to fight for everything they want. Where's the rest of the fighters? I know I've heard a lot of Senators and Representatives aren't happy with this deal. Where were they today? Why is it only the Democratic Socialist who is willing to get his hands dirty for what he believes in?
Well, I am beyond proud of Senator Sanders today. He doesn't just threaten he acts. He doesn't just go on cable tv to preach to the choir and then hide behind staff while waiting for a chance to sneak back home for Christmas.
And I am beyond proud of President Obama today. It takes strength to make the hard decisions that piss off everyone.
I am thankful that we've got some really great people who have the strength of character to do what they think is best for the people they serve.
I am glad that the President made a deal, but I am ever more happy that there were some Senators and Representatives who weren't willing to settle for the deal and who were willing to fight to make it better or to kill it if it came to it. Though I do wish their were more Senators and Representatives who had the same kind of courage that Senator Sanders has shown. He could have kept quiet and hidden behind the President's deal and waited to go home for the holidays. But he didn't. He got out in front to lead the fight for what he thought was best. Which is why he's my favorite Senator.