I just had what I consider to be a disturbing conversation with a Clinton supporter. I don't care to get too far into her details, but she's white, 50s, originally from the northeast, and a lifelong Democrat. I would consider us friends - not close - but friends. We talk politics often, although we haven't seen much of each other during the last few months. I like her a lot on a personal level. She's really a great woman. She's accomplished and kind. She's more conservative than I am, but firmly in Democratic party territory as far as her ideals are concerned.
I asked her about the primary. She got an incredibly serious look on her face. We talked a little, avoiding the real meat of the primary. I told her I think the primary is over. I told her I think its just a matter of counting the votes at this point. She tepidly agreed. The pain in her face crushed me. She's hurt. I mean really, really hurt by this primary.
"I don't know," she says. "If its Obama, I think I'll go with McCain." I was stunned. This woman can't stand Bush. "If it has to be a republican, at least its McCain."
I don't need to get too far into her reasons. You've heard them. Obama has no experience. McCain's not so bad. Concern about Rev. Wright. Nothing that hasn't been debunked a thousand times here. I don't think any of these reasons are the real problem. I think the real problem is the nasty primary. She's crushed by the outcome, and its starting to sink in.
I intend to work on her, and I really believe I can bring her around by November. As I left I told her I'd wait until after the primary is settled, but then I'd give her issue based reasons to vote for Obama over McCain. She smiled and happily agreed.
We've all gone through a roller coaster this primary. We've all got an incredible emotional investment in our candidates. Yes, the issues drew me to Obama. The fight's been rough though, and I'm emotionally invested too. That became starkly clear to me during the Wright drama. I thought Obama might be finished, and it hurt. Reason got the better of me, but my initial reaction was emotional. My guess is you're the same.
If you take anything from my diary I hope its this. Clinton supporters are deeply hurt. No matter what you think about Clinton, her supporters are good people. They're on our side, and they're hurt.
As it starts to sink in that this is over (and it is), Clinton's supporters are going to be deeply pained. We don't need to pile on. These are our friends. They really are, even if they look like bitter enemies right now. Lets stop hurting our friends, please. We've won.
(UPDATE) Wow, I can't believe the response. I thought this would slide off into oblivion. I can't keep up with everyone's comments, so I'm sorry if I end up ignoring you.
(UPDATE 2) Wow. This diary just topped 1000 comments. Honestly I was hoping for 10 comments and to reach one person. I guess I struck a nerve. I think we should all take a look at this and realize the vast majority of us are ready to end this infighting. I don't think we know how quite yet, but we're ready.