In 2008, I was flabbergasted at the metoric rise of my Senator (I'm from Illinois), Barack Obama. I've had occasion to work with the Sen. Obama while I was working for a high-profile elected official in Illinois. My personal dealings with State Sen. Obama were not good ones.
But, that wasn't the reason I was a supporter of then Senator Hillary Clinton. See, I came of age politically in 1992. I was President of my University's College Democrats, and candidate Bill Clinton even visited my school. I then followed the Clintons as I graduated and tried to build a life after college. I have long admired Hillary Clinton; her toughness, intelligence and grace. I believed then, and I believe now, that she is the right person to make history as the first female President of the United States. (Just an aside, please don't comment about how voting for her because she's a woman is wrong. I like her politically as well).
Anyway, when Senator Obama masterfully began to win the nomination, I really didn't know what to think. I was a confused and a little angry. And then Larry Sinclair showed up. Follow me below to see my reaction.
For those who don't remember Larry Sinclair here is a refresher.
Mr. Sinclair claimed that Senator Obama was his gay lover. He even offered to take a lie detector test to prove it.
I was intrigued. If it were true, my candidate might still win the nomination.
Then, I saw how Senator Clinton reacted to this. Namely, she didn't. She didn't talk about it, no whisper campaign, no nothing. I started to feel bad about my reaction to the "scandal". I knew than that if there was a chance for my candidate to still win, she'd have to win it on the merits. She didn't, and my mind was at ease knowing that Senator Clinton and I had our dignity intact. (I'm not going to get into a fight with those who loath Secretary Clinton. We will disagree about the conduct of that campaign. Save your indignation. The title of this diary tells you that this is my perspective).
Fast forward to today. There are so-called Democrats spreading lies and half-truths right here on this blog. Their hatred for one candidate is so strong, they will destroy this village in order to save it (in their minds).
Here's my point. Senator Sanders is a good and decent man. He speaks for a large part of the Democratic party, and he looks for a better life for the majority of all Americans. Please don't cheapen that with hate and right-wing lies. Please conduct yourselves in an honorable manner. Please don't degrade your candidate with hate.
For Senator Sanders to win the nomination, he must do so on his own merits. If, the only way for him to win is to tear down Secretary Clinton, then he is not the right candidate.
Please stop telling me to vote for Senator Sanders because you don't like Secretary Clinton. Please tell me why I should vote FOR Senator Sanders. You will make your candidate much stronger is you please follow my advice.
I will call out all Clinton supporters I see on here if they don't take that advice as well.
One quick aside, just to lighten the mood.
My 9 year old daughter is very interested in politics, and she loves Secretary Clinton (I know, I know, I may have been an influence there, but whatever). The other day she turns to me and says, "Dad, is Bernie Sanders running for President?". I said, "Yes he is, do you want to know more about him?" She said, "No, I can't stand him". I launched into an explanation about how Senator Sanders is a good man and we don't judge people (unless they are Republicans). Then, she tells me, "It's just his commercials drive me crazy". I was perplexed. What commercials? Then I asked, "Do you mean Colonel Sanders?" "Yes" she replied. Oh, different guy, you can dislike him all you want. Admit it, my daughter is cute.