For the past four years, I have been a supporter of John Edwards for President. I have promoted him to my friends, family, and complete strangers across the Internet. I have donated a substantial (to me) sum of money to him, and raised even more money for him via ActBlue and a private fundraising page. I admired his boldness, his dedication, and most of all I admired his voice in this race. I admired him for standing up against the big interests and for rejecting lobbyist and PAC money for all three of his federal races. Even though he didn't win a single state, he clearly won the battle of ideas. John Edwards set the Democratic agenda for this primary season from day one, something supporters of all candidates should be thankful for.
With John out of the race, and with Tsunami Tuesday just 5 days away, the time has come for me to endorse another candidate.
This process was difficult for me. In Barack Obama, we have an energetic, young Democrat who was against the war from the start and decided to reject money from DC lobbyists and PACs. He has truly excited young and black voters, which indicates that he may boost key parts of the Democratic coalition. But he has only been on the national scene for just over three years. He has shown a willingness to compromise with Republicans, and to use Republican language against other Democrats. He hired Robert Gibbs, one of the most disgraceful Democratic operatives in history, to be his communications director. He voted "present" on dozens of important votes while in the Illinois legislature. He used an anti-gay preacher named Donnie McClurkin to campaign for him in South Carolina. And until recently, he hasn't shown an indication that he will do what is necessary to win. After all, he's young and will have another chance in 4 or 8 years. In short, Barack Obama is too much of a blank slate. He's too fresh, and with the recent arrest of his political patron Tony Rezko (a man Obama says was just a passing business acquaintance), who knows what's coming down the pike. It's hard for Democrats to know just what part of the party Obama will throw under the bus when it's crunch time.
In Hillary Clinton, we have a candidate who has many flaws. She accepts PAC and lobbyist money. She is a consummate Washington insider and it's possible she will arouse the Republican base. Her online supporters have been among the foulest in the world and have not helped her candidacy, with only a few notable exceptions (GeorgeP, Bookgrl and Sepulvedaj the most notable exceptions). Her husband's antics in South Carolina bordered on racist and cost her support among black voters. Despite these flaws, at least we know what to expect with her. She has a history of standing up for Democratic values. She excites female voters, a key Democratic constituency. Single and older women voters (including my grandmother) are most excited about the thought of a female president. She has never voted "present" on issues important to us. Being an insider, Clinton knows how to work within the system to change it. Unlike Obama, her health care plan is truly universal. More importantly, unlike Obama, I believe she will do whatever it takes to win. She knows this is her first, last and only chance to run. She will fight harder than any candidate for President has ever fought and she will win. She will apply a litmus test and appoint only pro-choice judges. Between Clinton and Obama, there is one candidate prepared to lead on day one. That candidate is Hillary Clinton, my (second) choice for President of the United States.
No matter which of these two candidates is our nominee, they will be infinitely better than any Republican. Our side has an embarassment of riches, and I have never been prouder to be a Democrat.And John Edwards, I want you to go finish what you've started. Run against Elizabeth Dole and go back to the Senate. Help build the path to 60 votes in the US Senate. You're a young, healthy man. In 8 years, you will be Clinton's age. And I'll still be here, ready for you to vote for you again.
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