it comes down to hope
January 31st, 2008 @ 7:37 pm | politics | Post a CommentI’m going to break my unwritten rule (because, hey! It’s my blog and I can) and talk about politics here today. But don’t worry, this blog will not turn into a political blog. I welcome you to stay around even if you disagree with me about presidential candidates. If you disagree with me about the major hotness of Eric Bana, we might have a problem, but I’ll leave that for another day.
I’ve been a Democrat pretty much since conception. My parents saved their “conservative” values for child-rearing (I wasn’t allowed to go to the mall without a parent escort until I was 16!) and remained liberal in their voting. I believe very much in progressive values: fairness, opportunity, honesty, privacy, freedom, and pragmatism. No, I don’t think that government can or should solve everybody’s problems, but I think our government has a responsibility to work for its people to help us to be happy, healthy, and prosperous.
In 2003, smitten with a guy I would later marry and a presidential candidate who was speaking out about the war in Iraq when it was still quite unpopular to do so, I moved to Vermont and spent nine months on a political campaign. It ended badly (YEEEEAAAHHHHH!), but I never doubted my support for that campaign.
This time around, it took me a long time to decide which candidate would get my vote.
I like John Edwards a lot because of his focus on poverty issues, which are overwhelmingly underreported and unaddressed. I like Hillary Clinton, too. I read her autobiography and came away feeling impressed with her toughness (in a good way) and her commitment to women’s and children’s issues. She’s smart and savvy and her very detailed proposals display her impressive grasp on policy issues. And I don’t fault her for choices she made in her marriage, because it’s private and not really my business.
However, I’m looking for more in a president than great policy positions. I’m unconvinced that Hillary can really move America forward. I don’t want to go back to the polarized 1990s when President Clinton was stymied by Newt Gingrich and the VRWC. I want out of the backwards-moving 2000s under the kingdom of Dubya. It sounds like an Obama-sponsored talking point, but I am really ready for a change. A change in Washington and a change in the whole country. I think Obama is the only one who can deliver it.
(Tidbit to those of you born in 1980 or later: If Hillary is elected, then a Bush or a Clinton will have been either President or VP for your ENTIRE LIVES through at least 2012. Yikes.)
I think Obama has the ability to truly move us onto the right path for the future. He’s not perfect, but he’s bold, honest, real, inspiring, visionary, fresh, and (I hope) transformative. Don’t you think the country is ready for that? More than just ready, we are aching for it. He can bring people together to solve the real problems that we face: ending the war, getting off of oil dependency, and investing in health care and education. He inspires hope in young people and independents, and even some of my die-hard Republican friends would consider voting for him. Would they vote for Hillary? No way. Especially not against John McCain.
For me, it’s a little bit of a gut feeling (I can’t help but feel hopeful deep down when I hear him give a speech) and a little bit pragmatic (I think he has a better shot at beating McCain). In the end, I’ll vote for whoever has a ‘D’ next to their name on the ballot, but I hope that name is Obama. And you better bet I’ll be voting. I hope you all will too.
(If you want to tell me who you support and why, I welcome that. I’d be much happier with 30 commenters who support different candidates for different reasons than 5 commenters who agree with me. Or maybe you have questions and want to know more. Go ahead and ask.)
(And tomorrow, we talk decorating. Because I need some serious, serious help and it’s all related to that horrid yellow couch.)
Very well sated Janet. I am starting to lean towards Obama as well for most of the same reasons you stated, I think he can bring the change we all truly need.
written by katelin
January 31st, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
I’m an Obama gal myself. HC is undeniably intelligent and focused, but for me, I get the overwhelming feeling of insincerity. She’s been modeled and handled too much and every time she opens her mouth I feel like she’s speaking for political effect, not out of true conviction. Obama just gives me hope that something better is out there, that a change CAN come.
written by Nic
January 31st, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
Please, dig a little deeper, I beg you. You can’t just HOPE everything will work out. He’s getting cocky, too, and that might just be his downfall.
written by GG
January 31st, 2008 @ 8:39 pm
I am leaning towards Obama now, and maybe this is wrong, but pretty much only because of your pragmatic reason. I think there are just too many Hillary haters out there and that Obama has a better chance against McCain.
It sort of makes me sad because I truly think Obama is too inexperienced. I often make the comparison between him and DC’s Mayor Fenty - both young and with not a lot of experience. I personally think Fenty has lived up to that inexperience and has already made a lot of mistakes.
I’m still waffling though - who knows maybe I will put a check next to Hillary next Tuesday.
written by Emily
January 31st, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
I don’t like any of them. Where does that put me? And really, if politics could solve our problems, we should be pretty problem free by now … right?
I believe what has to happen is something catastrophic. And that’s sad, but we have to change as a people. Not just shuffle around some people in offices. As people we have to say, “Ok, you can’t stay in Washington forever, you have to go after two terms,” or we have to get far away from a two party system. I studied a little how things work with multi-party countries and when they can’t get a majority to agree it changes. Down side is change happens more frequently. Upside is, the people truly have a voice.
I’m a gen xer, jaded and unimpressed. But really, whomever we elect, will it really change?
~Jef
written by Edge
January 31st, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
I think Obama would be a great change in Washington but something about him makes me feel a bit uneasy. I feel like he could say/do anything and would still have everyone behind him, cheering him on. I think that kind of power makes me nervous.
I’m LDS and when I heard Romney was running my first thought was, “I’m not going to vote for him just because he’s LDS.” As I’ve been watching the debates, however, I’m thinking more and more that he’s the best choice (for me, at least). What’s with McCain? I’m getting quite annoyed with his smug ego and lack of simple respect for fellow candidates. Some of his comebacks to Romney are so irrelevant.
Ok, wow, this is the biggest comment I’ve ever made on a blog.
written by Sami
January 31st, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
My political stance has changed a bit in the past few years, mostly because I’m just sick of the BICKERING. And I’m tired of a government that is paralyzed by argument and disagreement. Everything is always so polarized, it’s frustrating. Basically, this time around, I’m in the ‘Anyone But Hilary’ camp, for the reason you said- I think that after nearly 20 years of either a Bush or a Clinton in the White House, it’s definitely time for a change.
NOT looking forward to the ads on tv, though. ARGH.
written by Jen
January 31st, 2008 @ 10:16 pm
Thanks for sharing this! I enjoyed reading it.
I was one of those “anyone but Bush” voters in the past two elections. I don’t really label myself a Democrat, although I’m fairly liberal, but I will definitely be voting for whoever is in that “D” column this November. And I, too, have recently decided on Obama over Clinton for the same pragmatic reason as yours.
No matter who ends up in the White House, we need to change a lot of things, both inside and outside our borders. People are NOT ignorant enough to think it can be done in 4 or even 8 years; we just know that we need to take a big step in the right direction. Change is never guaranteed, in any election, from any party; the only guarantee is that change cannot happen without voters first having the belief that it is truly possible. I prefer to keep that hope, for my baby boy’s sake, and for our whole country’s sake…
written by Melissa
January 31st, 2008 @ 10:28 pm
I have a lot of respect for McCain, he is a veteran and a POW, definitely an American hero in my book; but I vote D. As a strong woman I value HC’s drive, but she can’t win, and if she did, she would polarize the US and every little thing that goes wrong would be blamed on the “woman president”, we’re just not ready. Obama tops my list currently. He doesn’t have a lot of experience, but really, does that matter? Presidents have so many advisors that I don’t think the individual matters too much; but you DO see the president making speeches every day. Someone like Obama who can really communicate effectively is ideal for our country at this time. He can bring us together and make change happen–heck, electing a black man is a great way to get the change ball rolling!
written by Kate
January 31st, 2008 @ 10:30 pm
I’m just going to admire how eloquently you make a point if you don’t mind, Janet.
As a Canadian (albeit American born), that’s all I’m required to do, right?
written by Jummy
January 31st, 2008 @ 11:30 pm
I like Obama too. I grew up a democrat too, with liberal, yet conservative, parents too!
I like Obama and his hope message. I really think we could use a positive outlook like that. I like Hillary. I have a lot of respect for her. Ever since I read her “It takes a village” book.
I am pretty sure Hillary would have a tough time swinging the bible belt vote (unfortunately based on her private life and Bill’s). I also think that might be tough for Obama. I think the democratic party is not united ENOUGH to convince the country to elect it’s first woman or African-American. They may be better to focus on a few issues or create issues that cause diversions! They need to provide more of a united front. I think that’s harder to project right now, because they’re neck and neck. The republicans don’t have quite the race.
One huge advantage with Obama for picking up a ‘D’ win in November is that I think he’ll pull out the 18-24 year olds to vote. Much like Clinton did in 1992. He has the ability to “rock the vote”. 1992 was the first time I got to vote, and it sure was an exciting one! the ‘D’s came away with control of the house, senate, and white house!
written by Jane
January 31st, 2008 @ 11:36 pm
My political beliefs have changed so much in the past 4 years. Before I leaned very much to the conservative side (Why? I wasn’t raised so? But, somehow a lot of those values clicked with me) but since then, I have evolved to take a much different stance on politics. While I can’t say I am either hard core Conservative or die hard Liberal, I can say that I look for someone who can bring us the best. And, at this point I have NO IDEA who that could be.
I wish Steven Colbert was running.
Oh, and the Bush-Clinton regime for my entire life thus far…kind of makes me want to vomit.
written by Lele
February 1st, 2008 @ 3:58 am
“I want out of the backwards-moving 2000s under the kingdom of Dubya.”
How can any American not agree with that? It frightens me to think that there may be many, and that will translate into Republican fear-mongering votes. I hope this year is the year America WAKES UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not want to return the polarization, but I feel the 2000s have been just as bad or worse than the 90s for that…if you were to predict a Hillary presidency based on the Bill presidency, wouldn’t that be a good thing?
But I nervously agree with you and the PPs who doubt that she can win the general election…although it makes me very angry that we aren’t ready. Since I’ve already voted in the primary I don’t have to choose, really.
written by Erika
February 1st, 2008 @ 9:18 am
More than anything, i am relieved that this is a year in which I actually LIKE a candidate rather than feeling like I would be voting for the lesser of two evils. I am an Obama fan for many of the same reasons as you. I caught a bit of the LA debate last night and it only made my preference for him over Hilary that much stronger. Hillary is okay, but I really have a problem with another Bush or Clinton going into office. That smacks more of Dynasty than Democracy, and makes me really uncomfortable. I think Obama’s relative youth is an advantage rather than a disadvantage — he hasn’t been worn down and worn out yet by the political scene, and I think because of that he can bring a lot of fresh ideas and much-needed changes.
Of course, I kinda like McCain, too. I admittedly haven’t researched the republican candidates much (my research has mostly been “Tim, who do you like?” with Tim the Republican answering “I don’t know yet. Nobody, really,” to which I say “Guess you’ll just have to vote Democrat!” and then oh, how we laugh!), but something about McCain just strikes me as trustworthy. I wouldn’t vote for him over Obama, but if it came down to McCain vs. Hillary, I would really have to think about which box to mark. Suffice it to say that if it is a race between Obama and McCain, I will feel good about either outcome, and that is a pretty nice feeling to have after the past 8 years.
written by audrey
February 1st, 2008 @ 10:09 am
You know, this year i had a hard time choosing a candidate. Like you, I worked on the 2004 race - i was a kerry gal. I spent every weekend for about 6 months in NH, and at least 2 nights/week at HQ making calls. But my support for Kerry reminded me much of Leo’s support for President Bartlet in West Wing when Josh tries to get him to go work for Santos. “I found my guy”
But i completely agree with you about Obama. I love Hillary, she’s smart, brilliant and a great role model for young women who strive to do more with their lives. However, I think she’s too polarizing. There’s no inbetween with her. Our government thrives best with pragmatic policy leaders who are willing to compromise to do the best for our people. Things get done faster that way. I don’t see Hillary being one of those people. But Obama riles up that Hope in people. in me. And i like that. i like that he’s kind of like the JFK for our generation. He’s an inspiration.
written by Heidi
February 1st, 2008 @ 10:31 am
I think I’m voting Obama on Tuesday, too… although all I care about is that he and Hills stop fighting so much. Every “D” I know would happily vote for either “D” candidate, regardless of their preference right now, so the mean spiritedness seems unrepresentative of the feelings of most of the voters in the party.
written by Laurel
February 1st, 2008 @ 10:33 am
In response to the Bush or Clinton in office until 2012 tidbit - As Hillary said last night (paraphrased) - It took a Clinton to clean up the mess the first Bush left behind and I believe it will take a Clinton to clean up the mess this Bush is leaving behind.
I like both of them. Policy-wise, their differences aren’t earth shattering. I think Hillary would bring change. Any D in the white house at this point would. I’m still not convinced Obama can hit the ground running on day one, but he’ll get my full support if he gets the nomination.
written by Marriage-101
February 1st, 2008 @ 10:55 am
I’m impressed with your lengthy comments here! I thought for sure John Edwards would somehow come out strong - he’s got the Bill Clinton mojo in my opinion (good looking, white, male, youthful, etc) My dad swears its going to be Hillary. I think what is most important to me this time is someone who I feel confident about their decisions with our military (Iraq, Afghanistan) and our interests internationally. Having my brother in Afghanistan has made that a big sticking point for me.
written by ambitiousmrs
February 1st, 2008 @ 11:35 am
Hear, hear! Very well said! I still have no idea who I’ll vote for, and am very curious to see who our choices are come November, but I like a lot of what you’ve said very much.
Also, I never thought about the Bush/Clinton dynasty before–how weird would that be!
written by Angela
February 1st, 2008 @ 1:18 pm
Thanks for sharing this. I appreciate the DC bloggers (who I read) sharing their views. I’d love to hear more about these topics from you and Erika.
I was sad when Edwards dropped out. He’s who I wanted. He’s who I liked. He’s who I planned on voting for. And thus, I left it at that. I hadn’t given much more thought to Obama or Clinton. And now, I guess, I need to. I like them both and hope that America is ready for a black President or a women President. Now I just need to figure out which one I support. Because yeah, I’ll vote for the one with the “D” by their name.
written by Isabel
February 1st, 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Ever since I saw Obama speak at the DNC here in Boston I have been enamored with him.
My mom tells me that I need to vote for Hillary because I am a woman… but I don’t buy that. I understand that her generation led the way for all of us, but I just don’t know.
Go OBAMA!
written by Julie
February 1st, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
I was pulling for Kucinich or even Biden, but now I’m a bit lost. I’ll still vote Democrat, but I just don’t know who yet. Leaning toward Clinton because of the experience factor, but I’d still vote for Obama if he got the nod. I’m true blue and proud.
written by bleeding espresso
February 1st, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
Thankfully, I cannot vote (I’m a Canuk) but looking from the outside in, I’m just hoping for a democrat in your government this year. Whatever result, I am seriously thinking that it won’t be a white, republican president this time! Hallalujah
written by harmony
February 1st, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
Ok that was white male….duuuh….snowbound dimwit brain today
written by harmony
February 1st, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Obama is trying to paint himself as JFK redux. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have anywhere close to the experience JFK had. The only JFK-esque vibe he has is his magnetic personality. He’s a first-term senator who has spent most of his time in office running for another office.
I agree with many of the comments on Hillary. She is smart, driven and competent. However, doesn’t she give you a feeling of amorality? I see her as I saw Bill - chosing direction by the drift of the polls. She won’t compromise ALL of her values, but she sure is willing go which way the wind blows. That is amplified by her position (positions?) on Iraq.
We had a Bush dynasty, and I don’t believe we need a Clinton dynasty. It wasn’t just the Republicans that put a negative tint on Bill’s tenure. He did plenty of that by himself . . . well, not exactly by himself :o).
I assume you have guessed that I’m generally a Republican - and you’re right. However, I’m not hard right. In fact, I’m incensed that GWB has squandered - almost singlehandedly - any gains made by the Republican party over the last 10-20 years. Think about it. Your taxes are lower. Interest rates are more affordable than the they were in the first thirty years of my life. The economy has some temporary problems now, but jobs have grown pretty significantly in the last five or six years. There’s been a bump in the stock market, but the trend is positive.
GWB squandered any positives the Republican party may have gained in three significant ways - the first through his total inability to communicate with anyone, the second through a mis-applied war on terrorism, and third, his sometimes lousy choice of advisers.
We needed a strike back after 9/11. We couldn’t continue to sit back and take it on the chin after Kobar Towers, Mogadishu, the USS Cole, the first WTC bombing, and the embassy attacks. Iraq was the wrong choice, and Rummy, et. al. were the wrong choices to pursue the response. That being said, should we just have “dialoged” them into submission? It hadn’t worked for 20 years. Why now?
By the same token, I’m not hard left either, and that’s my primary worry about both Obama and Clinton. Obama seems to want the government to run everything. Handouts for everyone. Can we afford that? I work for the federal government, and the federal government should be the last choice to run just about any program.
I won’t be voting “D” for that reason. Both HRC and Obama are just too far to the left. My problem is that there isn’t anyone available for EITHER ticket that I’m comfortable with. I’m looking for a moderate, and I can’t find one.
I’m for change too. However, change for change’s sake scares me.
written by Bulldog
February 1st, 2008 @ 8:56 pm
I haven’t done any research on the candidates yet, but I figure with our primaries a month away, I can afford to wait a little bit longer if not only because more people will drop out.
on just knowing what people did in their tenure as politicos (and i’m not even getting into how they voted on issues), I liked Richardson. But then, that could be because one of my reasons for not voting Bush was his “either you do what I say, or I declare you an enemy” stance during the war on terror…well, that and he just sounds like an idiot…which he could be the smartest man in the world (hahahahaha!), but that damn Texan accent makes people seem stupid.
written by Katina
February 1st, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
Carter was president until 1981. Reagan from 1981 until 1989. It’s hard to appreciate your argument when your facts are blatantly wrong.
written by Anonymous
February 1st, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
I am a republican. Always have been and have yet to meet a candidate that has changed my mind. I’m struggling between McCain and Romney. I grew up in Massachusetts, but find McCain to be far more real, consistent and frankly pragmatic. Perhaps the most important three virtues you can hope for in a leader.
As a Republican, I hope Obama wins the ticket for the Ds. My though being, if the Rs lose, at the very least there will not be a Clinton in the White House. As a woman, I would LOVE a female president, but when the time comes (already so long overdue) I do not want it to be Hillary. Let it be a woman with the gumption to take the first step and not simply follow in her husband’s shadow. Our first woman president should not trail her husband into office but be the one to lead the way……
written by Kiki
February 2nd, 2008 @ 12:11 am
Well, my daughter has convinced me in time for Tuesday’s caucus! And, in the interest of being “blatantly” correct, George H.W. Bush was Vice President with Reagan from 1981 through 1989, and actually served as acting President when Reagan was shot. So if you were born in January 1981 or later, you have always had a Bush or Clinton as Prez or VP your entire lives. Sorry for the history lesson, but I had to defend my daughter!
written by Mom
February 2nd, 2008 @ 9:40 am
(full disclosure: I think it would be fair to label me an Obama-maniac. I have an obama ringtone and I’m phonebanking tomorrow)
Audrey’s comments above are exactly why I believe it is SO important for us Dems to nominate Obama. If McCain runs against Hill, we will have two moderate hawks in the race. We will lose this opportunity to widen and strengthen the Democratic Party by bringing in recent immigrants (Obama has more liberal immigration plans), the anti-war vote (Come on everybody, say it with me…Hillary voted to authorize), all relevant Independent/Republican converts. And, I believe we will alienate one of our most loyal constitiuencies - African Americans.
Now, don’t underestimate me as a party hack. I started off supporting Obama because of his anti-war vote. My support of him grew over time as I came to understand that my beef with Hillary was over a fundamental difference in our world view. I am and always will be an idealist, a liberal in the true sense of the word. Hill is a realist, an intelligent realist, but still someone who believes in preemptive strikes and hegemonic world dominance. She still retains some of the Cold War mindset. Us younger people know that that is NOT reality any more. The internet, globalization, rise of corporate industrial complexes, etc…all these things invalidate her world view. Obama gets it. He knows we’re all interconnected in ways we still have yet to define.
Obama ‘08 and ‘12
written by Marisa
February 2nd, 2008 @ 11:18 am
Personally I would love Hillary and Obama to decide for one of them to run for President and the other VP. I think that’s the best chance the country has!
written by AuburnKat
February 2nd, 2008 @ 12:00 pm
P.S. - Check out this new video. Great song and greater message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHEO_fG3mm4
written by Marisa
February 2nd, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
I’ve been wanting to write a political post for a while, but have had trouble wording it properly- you did a perfect job! People can point to Obama’s lack of extensive foreign policy experience or less detailed platforms, but it really does come down to hope. For the first time I’m truly excited about a candidate- hearing him speak inspires me and isn’t that a welcome change?! I think bringing someone brand new into Washington can only be a good thing. And the fact that he’s a former professor at my law school (and is honestly Brilliant) certainly doesn’t hurt
written by LL
February 2nd, 2008 @ 2:33 pm
ron paul is the only vote of change.
written by meg
February 3rd, 2008 @ 4:43 am