This is a centering exercise for me so slam away. I hope to be self-serving to myself psychologically and for some, what centers me might be their flavor. I supported Bernie from the hour he announced until I wavered for 36 hours after the 11-hour Benghazi hearing. The only reason I am not for Hillary is her fault psychologically but she is no Mondale or Dukakis and she will kick ass on every occasion. Count on it. I grew up around other people’s money in New York and I do not resent it. I sympathize with poor little billionaires. Being a millionaire is no longer enough in this country and I live either paycheck to paycheck or commonly still, paycheck to two days before paycheck. I make an average paycheck. I’ve raised two kids as a single parent. I’m 57. I don’t have a lot of hope. I am determined and steady. I do not resent the Democratic establishment old guard. They are heroes of public service.
In many ways Hillary today is the greatest presidential candidate of our time, bar none. She is much stronger than Bill and calling it qualified or experience does not sum her up as a person who is very capable, insightful and made of stamina. Her advantages have been polished and it has helped being rich. It is very hard being rich and clearly it is somewhat blinding. Obama’s book sales made him a millionaire by the time he took office. That was a big deal and a real source of independence. It is not enough anymore to be a millionaire but it’s a start. It’s just … where do you go from there? You’re still not REALLY rich (yet).
In one year we will have the advantage of Obama being an ex-president. A black man with a museum, a foundation, a permanent place in both our hearts and history. Not bad. About time. More like that!
I can’t really imagine Bernie as president but none of us could imagine his having a chance — and he does — and what the Bernie movement means is the future of the world. It’s not about Bernie. I think he will always be a John the Baptist figure for the generation that is young now. John the Baptist for president, yay! Raúl Grijalva for VP. When I think back to Jimmy Carter’s green initiatives, and where we could be today. From a capitalist economics viewpoint, one that values change and innovation, Carter was one baptist who basically represented God. If we had done what he wanted we would be trillions of dollars ahead today, the world would be a better place, and America’s world domination would be secure. Maybe it’s a good thing we ARE where we are today.
I identify with the new guard and it is not Howard Dean anymore. It is not Al Franken. But they are heroes. The new guard has done nothing to prove itself other than vote Bernie and want things. But that’s me. I wish I could do more. I am no Dem hero. I am beneath average for this place, but I do give.
Where do I go from here? How do I remain a Democrat? I don’t identify with most white Bernie supporters except that I have spent my life trying self-consciously to not be like that. Hillary on the other hand often smells political, like Obama, like the rest of the Senate. Except? Not just Bernie. What about Leahy? There are lots of wonderful guys who can keep winning elections and like being in office. Yeah yeah, more heroes. It’s why Elizabeth Warren (another) wants to stay there. But I am not a Hillary Democrat. She is like Dianne Feinstein to me (another hero; Hillary is better). I wonder what Barbara Boxer will really do next (I’m in Cal.)?
Apparently the battle for New York is about to bring out a huge display of everything I hate about life, politics, being a Democrat, coming here every day, caring, people, the whole thing. But especially the media. On a dumb, mute level I trust this country and its people. I’m a Democrat because: that’s obvious. I do not have to agree with my party. I do have to vote with it.
Good luck all. If you hated this, I hope you already stopped reading. Go Bernie … we need to win!!!