Hillary, Our Hillary
08 June 2008 5:00 am by Taylor Marsh
Guest post by Scan
Once again, I was reminded yesterday why I’ve worked harder by far for Hillary Clinton than for any other campaign ever: She’s the candidate of a lifetime. That more delegates were awarded to her opponent this year is beside the point. She’s the best we’ve got, period. It was truly an incredible speech, and I’ve never been more proud of her and what she has accomplished.
I am dealing with the current reality the best way I know how…with reflection, anger, pride, rest, funny movies and whatever else that helps. But I would encourage my fellow Hillary supporters not to fall into the trap of hatred and spite, no matter what wrongs may have been committed. For if such feelings lead you to enthusiastically and continuously agree with the Rush Limbaughs, Sean Hannitys, and Ann Coulters of this world…then it is time for serious reevaluation. If they say some things that appeal to us, it’s because they want the Republicans to win by bringing enough votes over to their side.
It’s all about their own backward-looking agenda. Never, ever forget that.
That said, even though I completely respect and understand Hillary’s words about party unity, at this time I have no candidate to support between Barack Obama and John McCain. McCain can be almost completely ruled out because he is, after all is said and done, a Republican backed by the odious RNC…while I am, after all is said and done, a lifelong progressive. I cannot, however, rule out supporting Obama at some point in the future. But if I do cross that bridge, it will only be because he has earned my vote, not simply because he has a “D” next to his name. Whatever decision I make, it will not be taken lightly, for I know that the future of my country is at stake.
There is one way that I would support the Democratic candidate in a heartbeat, though: If it meant that Vice President Dick Cheney would be tossed out and replaced with Vice President Hillary Clinton. Just ponder the profound good that would come from that. Then ponder who would be an absolute lock for 2016. I know many disagree, but I, for one, sincerely hope that both candidates work out their differences and find a way to make this happen. Our country, and our party, deserve nothing less. After the speech yesterday, I think Barack should be begging to have her there beside him on that ticket. And what better way to prove that he is Mr. Unity, wiping away the divisions of the past, than for this to be his first major decision as the nominee?
I will say unequivocally that I will not support the DNC for the indefinite future. The sins committed by the organization have been too great, and too damaging. However, there are many wonderful progressive candidates across the country that I will enthusiastically support on an individual basis, such as Al Franken in Minnesota and Rick Noriega in my home state of Texas. (I think we can all agree that Congress will be a much better place without Norm Coleman and John Cornyn around, right?)
As for Hillary, I know she’ll be fine. I know a forced smile when I see it, and I didn’t see one yesterday. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be an incredible force for good for the rest of her life, in whatever position she holds. Anyone who thinks she’ll fade away into the background is simply dreaming. And no matter what her role will be in the coming months, I will be right there supporting her every step of the way.
I also believe that the day will come when we can all call her Madame President. But until that day arrives, she’ll continue to be the one I’ve been waiting for.
