This is a post-Edwards-withdrawal follow-up to my previous diary on this subject.
If you were an Edwards supporter, I urge to get behind Barack Obama.
Barack Obama was always my second choice. And -- in my eyes -- the difference between them is more about style than substance.
In my previous entry, I contrasted their various strengths (reason vs. charisma). I think that still is basically the difference.
I think that Edwards hamstrung himself when he refused to take campaign contributions from certain undesireable entities. Well, what can I say? I guess he did need their stinkin' money. Even so, I still applaud Edwards for his principled stand. I wish we could elect more men and women like him. Money has always been far too corrupting an influence in political campaigns.
Another problem that Edwards faced was that he was telling Americans that they needed to take their "bitter pill" medicine. It allowed Clinton and Obama's campaign to level the charge that he was an "angry" candidate. It was really a form of moral righteous outrage, but the two can get confused quite easily.
Obama, on the other hand, is offering a "sugar-coated" bitter pill. Political strategists will tell you that most voters want their distasteful medicine with something sweet. Obama, in this regard, is giving them what they want.
Obama is the most like Edwards in that he worked "on the streets" and understands the pernicious effect of poverty better than Hillary, I think. His experience in this regard will make him a better advocate for social justice. And, based on Edwards speech today, this is obviously something that is dear to his heart.
Another thing that I am certain of: Hillary is the one candidate that will galvanize and solidify conservative and Republican passions in the fall election. Have you ever noticed how much her name comes up in their debates? She is the best fundraising tool they have.
Don't get me wrong: I don't doubt that Hillary's campaign is up to the fight, but her nomination will ensure that this fall's campaign gets "down and dirty." Is that what we really want? I want to offer the voters a positive alternative.
That doesn't even get into the other worries for the November election: Ralph Nader is apparently strongly thinking of getting into the campaign (a collective groan goes through the Democratic crowd) and I am afraid that Michael Bloomberg's entry -- if it happens -- will take more votes from the Democrats than the Republicans.
In any case, it is going to be a tough fight this fall. But you have to give Obama one thing: he knows how to motivate a crowd. His infectious speech can get you pumped up. And, in some ways, I think that America is hungry for someone who will make them us good about ourselves again. I feel confident that we can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way with Obama.
Yes we can!