The Long Road
04 June 2008 7:28 pm by Taylor Marsh
BY TAYLOR MARSH
When I think back on last night what I see is the huge crowds for Hillary Clinton
and Barack Obama, and all I can conjure up is great possibilities for what we
face going forward.
When I think back on John McCain last night I see a war hero of great service
standing in front of a listless crowd trying to push a political party forward
at a time when it’s lost its luster, run out of relevancy, with no ideas that
apply for the 21st century. With all his might John McCain is trying to go back
to the man he was in 2000, before he became haunted by Bush’s shadow which follows
him everywhere.
With the Democrats I see a rich history that has been reinvigorated by the
strongest general election candidate in recent times and the first viable female
candidate in U.S. history, competing against an African American male who brought
crowds that are usually only seen at rock concerts. A woman who inspired
Democrats to once again think they could vote their pocketbook. An African American
who proved that equality goes all the way up.
Primary seasons are brutal battles. Some may think this one was the worst of
the worst. Study history.
The Democratic Party stands for all the things I believe in. National security
that does not include preemptive war unless there is a provable perilous threat. That requires more than a flag pin. That means you call friends out too. I’m still waiting for that one to happen again. It means diplomacy that brings enemies to the table, even if friends don’t like it. Financial security for everyone, not just the wealthy. That no one is invisible and everyone is equal. This includes
women. Equal pay. Equal opportunity. Women who have an equal voice, including in foreign policy and military matters, where this time for the first time in history we came this close to having a female commander
in chief who was backed solidly by the U.S. military structure.
Around here, no matter what, the truth, diverse opinion and debate have reigned, in differing formats, since 1996.
One thing I hope will eventually return is civility, though that will take time. Disagreements
are going to happen and can be fun, but the level of vitriol is wearing and not getting us
where we need to go. It’s also a lazy way to debate.
Telling it like it is, honest reporting, and giving credit where it’s due
has always been what my work is about, all with a Democratic slant. But I can
give hell to my side too. I’m a contrarian. That won’t change, no matter the shifting political tides.
Hang on. It’s about to start all over again.
