Please don't do that

This is my first diary, so cut me some slack.

I am writing this because I've been noticing a disturbing trend here at Daily Kos.  I've noticed a lot of Obama supporters claiming that they wont vote for Hillary in the general election.  That they will vote Nader or McCain or stay home.  It's not just on Kos, I've talked to a few people face to face who told me the same thing.  I have one thing to say to these people:

Please don't do that.

I'm an Obama supporter, I really hope that he gets the nomination.  I think that he ultimately will.  But if he doesn't, I will vote for Clinton without hesitation.  This election is too important.  We've got an environment in peril, or economy is tanking, we're stuck in Iraq with no end in sight.

I don't like the campaign that Senator Clinton is running.  It's been nasty, disrespectful, based primarily on ad hominem attacks.  It's been surprisingly Rovian in its implementation.  I know it sucks, but it works, people respond to this kind of campaigning.  But should we give the Republicans 4 more years because of your personal distaste and indignation?

I say no.

It's not like Senator Clinton would be a terrible president.  Do you really think she couldn't run the office of the Presidency?  After 8 years of George "the jury is still out on evolution" Bush, I can't imagine she wouldn't be an improvement.

I, for one, don't think that the country can take another four (or Bog forbid eight) years of Republican administration.  Just look at what John McCain has said he will do:

1. Continue the Bush tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans

2. Remain in Iraq as long as it takes (to do what, I'm not sure)

3. Work to overturn Roe v. Wade

4. Develop and deploy national missle defense (when was the last attack on the U.S. by missle?)

5. Opposes bans on assault rifles, high capacity magazines, and armor piercing bullets

6. Opposes government subsidies of ethanol

This is what he has said he will do.  Not to mention what we haven't heard about yet.

I hope that it won't be an issue.  I hope Barack Obama wins and goes on to be president.  But it's not really decided yet, please don't rule out Clinton.  We can't afford to lose this one.  Never mind Ann Coulter saying Clinton is more conservative than McCain; you've never paid attention to anything else she's said, why start now?

I don't care what it takes.  Hold your nose if you must, go back on your solemn oath not to vote for Clinton, close you eyes and pretend you're voting for Obama.  Whatever it takes.  Don't Nader us, we need your vote.