A friend said to me today, "I know you like a good election, but i wondered if you were rooting for someone." I said I was rooting for the Democrats. But this morning i voted for Obama. I actually feel guilty about not voting for Hilary. I'm a big supporter and a big fan. And in ways, on a personal level I prefer her. She's (beyond) incredibly smart, knows the issues like no one else, has a health care policy that I believe actually may just be the right solution (or at least the right starting point before Congress rips it to shreds) and is pragmatic, focused and knows all too well how to maneuver through Washington. And although everyone talks about the history making potential of a woman or black president, no one talks much about the fact that Hilary is the only First Lady who has sought and won public office - and on a national level - in addition to now running for President. And that is truly awesome. Both in terms of history, but as credit to how far women have come.
Having said all that, however, I admit that I've been caught up in the Obama wave. He's inspiring as hell and has run an incredibly impressive campaign. Having only declared his candidacy one year ago, he's built an organization throughout the country that has rivaled Clinton's. Which leads me to believe he'll be able to be president on Day One too. Although Hilary already has the answers to almost every problem she's ever thought of (which I greatly admire and am actually in awe of), there is also something encouraging about how Obama might solve problems through inclusiveness as opposed to just assuming (or knowing) that he's the smartest guy in the room.
But it is the "politics as usual" issue that became the tipping point for me. Although I am a true cynic and sadly am not sure that any president can actually change the way things are done in Washington, if anyone can do it, I think it will be Obama. Certainly not Clinton. There are quite a number of Washington insiders (and more than just Ted Kennedy) that were either part of the Clinton administration or big supporters, that are now supporting Obama. Lots has been said about the political game that the Clinton's play, or the "dirty politics" that has swayed these individuals to team Obama. You can't be in that highly competitive game for 35 years and not master it. And as understandable as that is, and as impressive as their political mastery may be (both hillary and bill), I'm shedding my skepticism today and siding with Hope... Hope that Obama can actually make a difference. That his inspiration will draw in not only the "ground support" of voters across the country , but that it will also attract the best talent possible to be part of his administration. Ultimately I voted for the guy who might continue to make decisions about what is right for this country (like he did on Iraq) than what is right for his career.
Although I could care less who the actors/musicians of our day are voting for... this is a great clip - "Yes We Can". And inspiring, regardless of who you voted for today.
1 comment:
This is a carefully written, well thought posting on the Democratic Primary campaign. The author has voiced my own thoughts.
I am concerned that Clinton comes from a long line of political masters, and in some sense that is great. Look at the skills of Lyndon Johnson. Yet, the political game for the last 40 years is less than satisfying. Obama brings a fresh approach that might, just might, galvanize the country as it has not been since Kennedy over 45 years ago.
It seems to me that political skill, brains, and willingness to work the existing system is necessary. Clinton has all those at many levels. Obama may have them. Yet, can Clinton galvanize the country and attract first rate minds to the government as did Kennedy? I believe that Obama can do that, and I feel hesitation about Clinton.
The only thing I am sure of is that a Republican administration must go, soon, and sooner the better. The current president has led us down a path that will have bad effects for a long time to come.
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