I had many friends during the primary who were very vehemently supportive of either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
The Obama supporters were people who were largely new to the political process and were very enthusiastic about their candidate, expecting any and all to spend their free time helping Obama.
My friends who supported Hillary were generally women, many older, who were beside themselves with excitement that we finally had a superstar female candidate to back for the office of the Presidency.
I was on the fence for a long time. It was a tremendous joy to me that we had TWO erudite, intelligent, capable candidates. I truly didn't know what to do with myself. So I enjoyed the race and developed a mantra for my friends decrying the length of the primary: "Whoever wins this and goes against the Republicans in the general election will need to be battle-tested and ready. The longer the primary, the better."
The long Democratic primary with two well-spoken candidates debating the issues provided a sharp contrast for the nation to the circus side-show that was the Republican primary (although theirs was entertaining--who will forget Mitt singing "Who Let the Dogs Out.")
The long primary allowed the candidates to sharpen their skills. Hillary became a more moving public speaker and Obama's debating abilities improved as he loosened up and became more accessible.
The long primary made the candidates focused on fundamentals: organization, fund raising, media relations, and campaign strategies (and tactics!).
The long primary is the reason we are on the brink of taking back our country.
Ultimately, I decided to vote for Obama in our late Oregon primary, but I send my kudos out to Hillary and all of her supporters, because without you, the Democrats, and Obama, wouldn't be in the position that we are in now.
Together, we are going to kick out the self-serving Republicans and get back to the business of governing.