Whenever I talk with anyone who voted for George W. Bush, I refer to the man as "YOUR President." Clearly, he's not mine. I didn't vote for him. He doesn't represent my priorities. He doesn't inspire me. I don't agree with him. I don't respect him. In many ways, he gives me the creeps.
Inevitably, those Republicans ask me, "So who's YOUR President?" And until now, I couldn't answer.
But today, it's so abundantly clear to me. One Democrat has emerged as a true leader, representing me, my views, my passion, my priorities.
It's not Howard Dean or Harry Reid or Nancy Pelosi. It's not Al Gore or John Kerry or John Edwards or Hillary Clinton.
My leader -- my President -- is Russ Feingold.
Who is the only Democrat to NOT toss softballs at Samuel Alito?
Russ Feingold.
Who was the only Senator to vote against the original Patriot Act, and now, almost prophetically, is leading a Senate revolt against its extension?
Russ Feingold.
Who is here, on Daily Kos, actually representing the base, telling us what's going on, telling us how to get involved?
Russ Feingold.
Who is taking the lead on the illegal wiretapping scandal, challenging Gonzales, Bush, and the entire Administration?
Russ Feingold.
I believe that to be President, you must behave Presidentially. Russ Feingold is behaving Presidentially. He's representing. He's unafraid to show fire and passion. He embraces truth. He favors action over rhetoric. He won't censor his own words to avoid conflict. And he reports back to the people.
I'm not talking about 2008 here. It's way too early for that debate, and frankly, I'm not interested in invoking "electability" talk about Jews and twice-divorced politicians. But right now, on this day, no one in our party is behaving more Presidentially than Russ Feingold.
And that feels good. For the first time in 5 years, I feel like someone is looking out for me. Someone who actually has the power and the passion to fuel his party is actually assuming a leadership position that wasn't given to him. Instead, he's just doing what's right.
Thanks, Russ. Today and every day, I'm not just proud that you're my Senator...I'm thrilled that you're my leader.
