I know I don't write very many positive diaries (any?). Usually, I'm ranting or raving about this or that. Or pissing about Hillary for one reason or another.
But I gotta say, that speech last night by Barack was really, really good! I think it was the best speech I've seen all season, and I really think it is the best one I've seen since the last convention.
Made me proud to be a Democrat!
Now, I know this is biased at this point because I decided a couple of weeks ago that I was going to support Barack. This was after a number of weeks (months?) of waffling between him and John. Both, I believe, represent what we have come to believe are the ideals of the Progressive wing of the Democratic party.
And while I believe Joe and Chris are MORE than qualified to be very good Presidents, it was sort of obvious that they were considered part of the "old guard" and were not getting any real traction with voters. Not that I believe in band-wagons, but lets be honest, they just weren't resonating with folks.
Oh, and I hate Hillary and her people VERY much. Arrogant and self-important, they act like they invented the Progressive movement. Oh, and if you don't support their girl, you are automatically a misogynistic pig. I have had more of these folks that I can stomach over the last few months, while trying to help organize Progressives in my area. Bleegh!
So...in setting the context for this brief diary, I am siding with Barack but would be happy with John. And may or may not support Hillary if she gets the nod.
But, back on topic, that speech Barack gave last night really turned my head. I realize this was mostly just his standard stump speech. But there was also something different and truly powerful in what he had to say and how he said it!
Now, I have heard literally hundreds of these over the years. The first candidate I fell for was Bobby Kennedy way back when, and have solidly supported Democrats (good and bad) ever since. But, IMHO, that speech by Barack was the first time in many, many years I was reminded of Bobby. Not in a convention setting, mind you, where candidates are prepped and prepared and frankly expected to make great speeches. But in the heat of the game.
Honestly, I defy you to listen to that speech and NOT want to support him. Why wouldn't you? Because he doesn't have more experience? BS! Hillary doesn't really have any experience either. What is hers? Hanging around in the White House, terrifying staff? Paying off Bill's girlfriends?
Please! As far as executive experience (and that is what the White House is all about), neither of them has ANY experience. The little extra legislative time Hillary has spent really doesn't count for diddly.
So, what else? People...WHY ARE YOU SUPPORTING HER????
And, I swear to God, if it's because she is a woman, you should have your Progressive credentials revoked! I don't know a single person, black or white, supporting Barack because he is black. They are supporting him because he has a message and an energy and a manner that engages folks.
Really, I keep telling myself that I am not going to continue to slam Hillary, because we may very well end up with her as our standard bearer. But I can't get over the sick feeling in my stomach that having her as our nominee is just an enormous mistake.
Anyway, I started out to write this because having let Barack's speech sit with me for 24 hours, I was still thinking about it. And I am always so terribly negative, that I wanted to say something positive for a change. I want to overcome my frustration at the thought of Hillary as our candidate, with hope that we might actual choose Barack.
In closing, I defy the Hillary supporters to give me three good reasons to support her...that don't include: experience, gender, or electability.
Honestly, why are you still with her after hearing Barack last night?????
Isn't it time to think again about your support for her and think about pressing for someone you can really be proud of?