In the last year, I have diaried in favor of the Presidential candidacy of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, sometimes almost daily. I have a distinct motive: I dearly hope Sen. Clinton will be the next President of the United States.
The candidacies of Senators Clinton and Obama highlight something that ought to be obvious: White male presidents simply have not done anything over the last 200 years that would, today, in a Democracy, justify perpetuating an obligatory white male exclusivity of the US Presidency beyond the 2004 elections. So, we look to our two best-known and most popular Democratic candidates poll-wise - Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama - lest our prejudices again lead us to another President George W. Bush or, heaven help us, President Newt Gingrich.
In fact, if the candidate pool were broadened to include all those who offer high educational achievement, strong leadership and excellent judgment, then that would clearly have excluded George W. Bush while including others who are not white men and who would have been far superior presidents. Imagine, for example, a hypothetical university that arbitrarily excluded all blond people. Such a university would refuse to admit many of the most promising chemistry students, simply because at least some of the most promising chemistry students are among those who have blond hair and would be excluded by that arbitrary prejudice.
Likewise, a country that excludes seventy percent of its citizens from participation in its highest office based simply on their skin-color and/or gender will never be the best country that it can be. Look at the mess we’re in in Iraq with G.W.B.! Small minds causes big problems.
One of the benefits of so many Hillary diaries is that people at DailyKos and elsewhere have begun to see me as a "go-to" person at DK with whom to share their enthusiasm and insights about Senator Clinton's Presidential candidacy. There is a strong pent-up desire to explore the positive aspects of her candidacy and her Presidency.
Today, among the e-mails I have received about US Senator "Hillary", is the following, excerpted from an INSIGHT MAGAZINE.COM ARTICLE (behind the lucre wall):
Sources close to Ms. Clinton said she has been concerned that Mr. Obama
>could outdo the New York senator in getting support from the minority and
>liberal base of the Democratic Party. They said Ms. Clinton and her
>husband,
>former President Bill Clinton, have been discussing a strategy on how to
>deal with Mr. Obama and whether he could be persuaded to join a Clinton
>ticket.
In any other country, it would make sense for Senator Clinton - the candidate with the most poll support, money, national organization and name-recognition - to join forces with the second-most popular candidate, Senator Obama - who enjoyes the highest name recognition, public support, fundraising ability and was the best public speaker of either of the two parties, with the public were exuding enthusiasm and admiration.
But, in the United States of America, the mere fact that these two candidates are a woman and a black man supposedly precludes this their teaming up, "because the public won't support the two best candidates if they are a woman and a Black man". And so we could end up with another George W. Bush as president instead, or perhaps a President Newt Gingrich. If that were to happen - a President Newt Gingrich - then in the strange logic of American racism even Democrats would agree that we had arrived at that sorry and tragic result through the obligatory American logic, in a way duly dictated by our inalienable historical prejudices.
Since I think that’s bull-s-h-i-t, I am able to support Senator Hillary Rodman Clinton regardless, and I also support Senator Barack Obama’s quest to be all that he can be, regardless of American history and the stench of the rotting remnants of hidebound backwardness. Keep walking backwards and meet your soulmate: President Newt Gingrich!
As I said in my e-mail to my newfound DK correspondent this morning,
I think Hillary Clinton is going to win, because she is the best politician, and that will enable her, one way or another, to ultimately clear the field for her candidacy. I am reminded that Congressman Nita Lowey (born and bred in New York), intended to run in 1990 for the Senate seat that Hillary now holds. WIKIPEDIA: NITA LOWEY
Here’s what Evans and Novak said about Hillary’s entry into that, her first US Senate race back and her run for any elected office, back in 1999:
Although Democratic office-holders are increasingly panicky about Hillary Clinton (D.) as a candidate, insiders say they cannot imagine her not running at this stage. Rep. Nita Lowey (D.) is out of the picture, and the most widely mentioned alternative, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. (D.), carries too much baggage.
The Democratic hope remains that the state's conservative minority will defect from New York City Mayor Rudolph Guiliani (R.). http://findarticles.com/...
(Parenthetically, 30% of that conservative minority referenced by Evans and Novak back in 1999 did defect to Senator Clinton in 2006.)
As the Washington Post said back in 1999 about Clinton, Lowey and the run-up to that Senate race,
All the action is taking place around her and in spite of her. She is what they call in the newspaper business "B-matter," relegated to the 12th paragraph of the main story. As in: "On the Democratic side, Rep. Nita Lowey of Westchester has said she probably will run if Mrs. Clinton does not."
Waiting for Hillary, it's called.
The network talk shows can't get enough of Lowey, but all they really want to talk about is whether Hillary will be New York's junior senator. They treat Lowey like a political analyst, asking her about Hillary's position on a Palestinian state . . .
[And then quoting Congresswoman Lowey,]"Every day that goes by, Hillary Clinton is making it harder for any other Democrat to raise money," says Maurice Carroll, director of the polling institute at Connecticut's Quinnipiac College, which has been conducting early surveys on the race. "If it goes on and on, that cheapens the nomination. It doesn't mean the next person can't win, but it makes that person look like second choice, damaged goods."
And then New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey dropped out of the race, and First Lady Hillary Clinton had the race to herself. Perhaps, Hillary pointed out to Congresswoman Lowey, and to all those involved in making this decision, that Hillary could bring more national recognition, money and organization and combined experience to the fight, and so she was more likely to defeat Giuliani than was Lowey.
Hillary is a heavyweight and the ring trembles when she enters. But the metaphor ends there. Instead of leaving battle scars, Senator Clinton starts new relationships, as indicated by the press release below in which Clinton and Lowey work together, co-sponsoring a statement on family planning,
A resolution in both Houses of Congress that does not cost a penny and allows members of Congress to declare their public support for programs and policies that make it easier for all women at all income levels to obtain contraceptives and use them consistently and correctly over time. CLINTON'S US SENATE WEBSITE
Hillary is taking a lot of small steps to implement key national goals. Contraceptive health care fall neatly within the general rubric of health care and, not coincidentally, so do a number of others of Senator Hillary’s recent activities. For those who are not utterly determined to refuse to explore how a liberal woman from Arkansas wins 30 percent of the Republican vote in New York, please find among the following press releases are just a few of those instances.
People who don't want to read a list of Hillary's recent accomplishment, including efforts related to national health care, as pasted in from her website, need read no further. Note that the proposed NEW PRIVACY BILL OF RIGHTS TO PROTECT AMERICANS' PERSONAL INFORMATION is a necessary precursor to a national health care program that uses information technology to improve patient care and outcomes:
Senator Clinton Convenes Long Island Forum to Focus Attention on the Crisis in Health Care - June 19, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton joined with Long Island Business News to convene a panel of business, community and health care experts from throughout Long Island to take part in a health care forum in Woodbury. The forum was the third in the series Taking Action on Health Care and attracted numerous local stakeholders to discuss some of the major issues affecting the health care system, including affordability, quality and access. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Calls for New Privacy Bill of Rights to Protect Americans' Personal Information - June 16, 2006
In a major policy address on the challenges of privacy in our increasingly data driven world, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton called for a comprehensive privacy agenda: a Privacy Bill of Rights that secures the interests of consumers; stronger, better enforced protection for medical privacy and a new national security consensus setting out clear rules to allow the government to use new intelligence techniques and make sure the public knows its rights and limits. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Receives the Outstanding Public Service Award from the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association - June 13, 2006 READ MORE >
Senator Clinton and Representative Nita Lowey have introduced a resolution in both Houses of Congress that does not cost a penny and allows members of Congress to declare their public support for programs and policies that make it easier for all women at all income levels to obtain contraceptives and use them consistently and correctly over time. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Marches in 2006 National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City - May 26, 2006 READ MORE >
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton marched up New York City's 5th Avenue along with New York City Council members and other elected officials as part of the 2006 National Puerto Rican Day Parade.
Senator Clinton Honored with National Appreciation Award by the Gold Star Wives of America - May 26, 2006
At the Gold Star Wives� inaugural Congressional Reception, Senator Clinton received an award for her outstanding leadership and tireless efforts to secure legislation that would allow widowed military spouses who chose to remarry after age 57 to continue receiving survivor benefits. READ MORE >
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Announces Legislation to Create "Strategic Energy Fund" to Invest in Clean Energy Technology - May 23, 2006
At a speech at the National Press Club, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton called for a Strategic Energy Fund to jumpstart research and investment in clean energy technologies, and to help America reach the goal of reducing oil imports by 50 percent by 2025. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton and Congresswoman Lowey Announce Congressional Resolution to Strengthen Family Planning Services for Women - May 15, 2006
To kick off of Women's Health Week, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congresswoman Nita Lowey announced that they will introduce a Congressional resolution in support of strengthening family planning services. READ MORE >
Commencement Address at CW Post - Long Island University - May 14, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered the commencement address at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University. READ MORE >
Commencement Address at Buffalo State College - May 6, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered the undergraduate commencement address at Buffalo State College. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Honors the Reeves at 'Working 2 Walk' Rally - May 2, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton addresses a rally for disability rights advocates seeking to pass the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act (CRPA), increase funding for medical research, and allow for federal funding of stem cell research. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Highlights Need for Kinship Care Legislation - April 25, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton joined with advocates and caregivers, including a grandparent from the South Bronx who is currently raising her grandchild, to highlight the need for federal action that would provide real assistance to help these families. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Pays Tribute To Surviving Military Families - April 25, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton addressed members and supports of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) at its annual �Honor Guard� luncheon. Senator Clinton, who is the 2006 TAPS Honorary Chairman, praised the work of the organization, which every year provides comfort and care to hundreds of American families who face the tragedy of the death of a loved one serving in the Armed Forces. READ MORE >
Remarks to the Economic Club of Chicago - April 11, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered a major address on the economy at the Economic Club of Chicago's 78th Annual Dinner Meeting. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Addresses the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - April 5, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers remarks to the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's (USHCC) 16th Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The USHCC represents more than two million Hispanic-owned businesses, serves as the umbrella organization for more than 215 local Hispanic chambers nationwide and actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs.
Hagel-Clinton Lung Cancer Resolution Introduced - March 28, 2006
Senator Chuck Hagel and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton introduced a resolution calling on the President to declare lung cancer a national public health priority. READ MORE >
Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Visit - February 17, 2006
Senator Clinton and General T. Michael Moseley, the Air Force Chief of Staff, visit the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. General Moseley visited the base at the invitation of Senator Clinton.
READ MORE >
Inspirational Leadership Award - February 15, 2006
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton receives the Military Order of the Purple Heart's Inspirational Leadership Award. READ MORE >
Brookings Institute - February 15, 2006
Senator Clinton speaks at the Brookings Institute's "America’s First Suburbs" Symposium READ MORE >
AmeriCorps Award - February 9, 2006
Senator Clinton presents National AmeriCorps Award to two outstanding Western New York youth leaders. READ MORE >
Ft. Drum Visit - January 26, 2006
Senator Clinton meets with the employees of the 3rd Brigade Dining Facility at Ft. Drum. READ MORE >
Adelphi University - January 9, 2006
Senator Clinton delivers the keynote speech at "Supply and Demand in the Nonprofit World: A Leadership Summit for Nonprofits, Labor, Business and Government on Long Island," a conference to address the shrinking supply and increasing demands for community resources on Long Island, hosted by the Senator and United Way of Long Island at Adelphi University. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton visits Israel and Jordan - November 12-14, 2005
Senator Clinton traveled to Israel to attend Saban Forum 2005, attend the official memorial for Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in Jerusalem, and the Opening of the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv, meet Prime Minister Sharon and other Israeli officials, meet with Magen David Adom officials, meet with the Bi-National Disaster Preparedness Consortium, and tour a section of the Security Fence near Jerusalem. While in the region, Senator Clinton and President Clinton also traveled to Amman, Jordan to view the destruction from the recent terrorist attack and meet with bombing victims.
READ MORE >
First Responders Funding Restoration - November 10, 2005
New York's Congressional Delegation, FDNY Commissioner, 9/11 Health Professionals and Responders continue to push for $125 million for injured 9/11 Responders. READ MORE >
National Care Package Day- October 19, 2005
Senator Clinton joins Senator Elizabeth Dole and the Orphan Foundation to host an event on Capitol Hill to mark the 12th Annual National Care Package Day, where 2,500 care packages will be prepared for foster youth who have aged out of foster care and are now attending colleges and universities in New York and across the country. READ MORE >
Gold Star Mothers- September 22, 2005
Senator Clinton meets with leaders from the Gold Star Mothers of America, an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country. READ MORE >
The Military Coalition Award of Merit - September 15, 2005
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton receives The Military Coalition’s 2005 Award of Merit in recognition of her tireless work to expand access to health care for members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families. The award is the Military Coalition’s highest honor. READ MORE >
Grand Rally - September 14, 2005
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton joins grandparents from New York and across the country to honor grandparents and other family caregivers who are raising children. READ MORE >
Rising Gas Prices - September 14, 2005
Senator Clinton speaks at a press conference with Senators Durbin, Cantwell, Wyden and Boxer to announce legislation to combat gas price gouging. READ MORE >
Labor Day Parade - September 10, 2005
Senator Clinton joins New York labor leaders in marching at the annual Labor Day Parade.
LIHEAP - September 9, 2005
Senator Clinton speaks at a press conference calling on President Bush to request $1.276 billion in emergency funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). READ MORE >
PATH Station Ground breaking - September 6, 2005
Senator Clinton gives remarks at the ground breaking ceremony for the permanent World Trade Center PATH Station and transportation hub in Lower Manhattan.
New York State Fair - September 2, 2005
Senator Clinton attends her 5th annual legislative luncheon sponsored by Syracuse Research Corporation, at the New York State Fair. She also visits with fairgoers, visitd the Red Cross booth set up for Hurricane Katrina relief, and spends time in her own booth in the Center of Progress of Building. READ MORE >
The Apple Shed- September 1, 2005
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton picks the "Official First Apple of the 2005 Harvest" at The Apple Shed orchard in Newark, launching a harvest season expected to yield more than 25 million bushels. READ MORE >
Infotonics Visit - September 1, 2005
Senator Clinton is presented with a picture of the Infotonics Technology Center from David Smith and Rick Jarmon. During her visit to the Center, Senator Clinton highlighted the $7 million in federal funds she helped secure and pledged to secure additional funding for this incubator of innovation, job creation and economic development. READ MORE >
New York Red Cross - August 31, 2005
Senator Clinton visits the American Red Cross’ New York Headquarters to highlight efforts that are assisting the victims of Hurricane Katrina. READ MORE >
BRAC Victory Tour - August 29, 2005
Senator Clinton, New York’s first Senator to serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee, visits Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Rome and the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station after the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission reversed recommendations to close or realign these installations. READ MORE >
Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Guide - August 2, 2005
Senator Clinton unveils a new resource guide on the prescription drug benefit and announced new legislation to help seniors address their long term care needs. READ MORE >
Smart Growth Agenda for Long Island - August 2, 2005
Senator Clinton joins with County Executives and Town Supervisors on Long Island to discuss ways to promote and implement a smart growth agenda for the Island. READ MORE >
National Sex Offender Database - August 1, 2005
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey join with Rockland County District Attorney Michael Bongiorno, Clarkstown Supervisor Alex Gromack, and Clarkstown Police Chief Peter Noonan to call on the Congress to approve critical legislation that would make the national sex offender database available to parents and all concerned citizens. READ MORE >
Reserve Officers Association National Convention - July 30, 2005
Senator Clinton is presented with the National President's award from ROA National President Maj Gen Robert A. Nester, USAFR (Ret.).
Constantino Brumidi Ceremony - July 26, 2005
Senator Clinton speaks in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda at a ceremony to honor Constantino Brumidi, the artist of the Capitol, on the bicentennial of his birth. READ MORE >
National Council of La Raza - July 18, 2005
Senator Clinton addresses the 2005 National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Annual Conference. READ MORE >
Video Games Press Conference - July 14, 2005
Senator Clinton Calls for Legislation to Keep Inappropriate Video Games Out of the Hands of Children. READ MORE >
Discovery Concept Fund- July 10, 2005
Senator Clinton joins University of Rochester Medical Center and Johnson & Johnson in Rochester to Announce the "Discovery Concept Fund", a research partnership to target promising early-stage research. READ MORE >
Foodlink - July 10, 2005
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today joins with Foodlink to launch the Farm-to-Fork Fulfillment Center partnership to facilitate the distribution of locally grown produce. READ MORE >
NYC 2012 Bid - July 6, 2005
Senator Clinton in Singapore as a leader of New York’s bid delegation for the International Olympic Committee’s 2012 Host City election.
VIEW PHOTO GALLERY > READ MORE >
PBS Rally - June 21, 2005
Senator Clinton at rally to save PBS with Representatives Lowey Slaughter, Markey and Dingell as well as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Maya and Miguel, and Leona the Lion. READ MORE >
Health Technology to Enhance Quality (Health TEQ) Act - June 16, 2005
Senator Clinton and Frist hold a joint press conference to announce the Health Technology to enhance Quality (Health TEQ) Act. The Senators were joined by representatives from the George Washington University Hospital. READ MORE >
Northern Border Air Wing - June 8, 2005
Senator Clinton meets with representatives of the Northern Border Air Wing, Office of Air and Marine Operations in Plattsburgh. READ MORE >
Moynihan Station Citizen's Group - May 26, 2005
Senator Clinton co-chaired a benefit for the Moynihan Station Citizen's Group, a volunteer organization committed to providing oversight and advocacy for the project championed by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to build a new station in the James A. Farley building across the street from the current Penn station. She is pictured here with Senator Moynihan's daughter, Maura (left) and Peg Breen, President of the NY Landmarks Conservancy.
American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference - May 24, 2005
Senator Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Sharon meet at the 2005 American Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference. READ MORE >
Predator Event - May 10, 2005
Senator Clinton is joined by Congressman Walsh, Governor Pataki and General Maguire to announce that the Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle mission will be coming to the Air National Guard Base at Hancock Field in Syracuse, NY. VIEW READ MORE >
New Market Tax Credit Program - May 2, 2005
Senator Clinton congratulations Fralo Plastech for being among the first companies in Upstate New York to use the New Market Tax Credit Program.
Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation "Spring Into Action" Rally, Washington DC
Senator Clinton speaks at the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation "Spring Into Action" Rally to launch the reintroduction of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act. Also in attendance were Dana Reeve, Senators Harkin and Graham, as well as Representatives Langevin and Brown. READ MORE > VIEW PHOTO GALLERY >
New York Fire Fighters, Washington DC
Senator Clinton and representatives for New York Fire Fighters after meeting to discuss devastating cuts to fire safety programs in President Bush's budget. READ MORE >
Women Leaders from Iraq and Afghanistan, Washington DC
Senator Clinton, Senator Feinstein and women leaders from Iraq and Afghanistan after a meeting to discuss the status of women in both countries.
In Honor of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Syracuse NY
Senator Clinton speaks at the dedication of the Maxwell School Global Affairs Institute at Syracuse University in honor of Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. READ MORE >
Families USA, Washington DC
Senator Clinton’s speaks at Families USA’s annual conference in Washington , DC. READ MORE >
Home of the Presidential Helicopter, Owego NY
Senator Clinton speaks at Lockheed Martin's Owego plant after its selection to be the prime contractor for the next Presidential helicopter. READ MORE >
St. Bart's Food Pantry, New York NY
Senator Clinton at St. Bart's food pantry in New York City, calling on President Bush to increase funding for the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSH).
United Spinal Association's Wounded Warrior Project, New York NY
Senator Clinton joins the New York Yankees in presenting a $75,000 donation to United Spinal Association's Wounded Warrior Project and a $25,000 donation to Army Specialist Robert Loria, who lost his arm in Iraq. READ MORE >
Tsunami Relief, Queens NY
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and President Clinton met with local religious leaders and tsunami relief workers at the New York Buddhist Vihara in Queens, NY. They were joined by Royal Pandit Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa, Chief Monk of the New York Buddhist Vihara, Congressman Gary Ackerman and New York City Councilman David Weprin. READ MORE >
2004 Intrepid Freedom Award, New York NY
Senator Clinton accepts the 2004 Intrepid Freedom Award, an award that is presented by the Intrepid Foundation to a national or international leader who has distinguished him or herself in promoting and defending the values of freedom and democracy, the core beliefs of our nation. READ MORE >
Passage of the Intelligence Bill, Washington DC
On the day that landmark Intelligence reform passed the Congress, Senator Clinton greets 9/11 family members Mary Fetchet and Carol Ashley off the Senate floor. They were among the many brave families whose hard work led to the creation of the 9/11 Commission, and whose continued resolve led to its passing. READ MORE >
Columbia University, New York NY
Senator Clinton delivers an address on "The Roma and Ethnic Minority Rights in Europe" at a Columbia University conference on "The Plight of the Roma in Europe" (photo courtesy of Columbia University) READ MORE >
Flu Vaccine Shortage, New York NY
Doctors and Elected Officials, including Congressman Nadler, join Senator Clinton at the Ryan/Chelsea-Clinton Community Health Center in Manhattan at a press conference regarding the flu vaccine shortage. READ MORE >
Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh NY
Senator Hillary Clinton and Brig. Gen. Dana Demand, commander of Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh NY, tour inside a C-5 Super Galaxy plane during Senator Clinton's visit to Stewart on August 9, 2004.
Protesting the Bush Administration's Failure to Fund the Long Island Shoreline Study, Fire Island NY
Senator Clinton, Congressman Tim Bishop and County Executive Steve Levy join with representatives from environmental and community-based organizations at a press conference on Fire Island, protesting the Bush Administration's failure to fund the Long Island Shoreline Study. READ MORE >
A number of people have challenged me to describe and detail what makes me support President Hillary so. It’s the health care, stupid. I don’t presently have health insurance and, even when I did, it was so difficult to use it that it was often virtually useless. I want change. I want the woman whose name is most associated with attempting health care change. I want to elect President Hillary and I will write one thousand diaries if necessary in the hopes of convincing others to support national health care, or at least not to oppose it.