While the two Dem camps skirmish, I am proud of both of them. About qualifications . . . .
In years past I expended a great deal of energy in the primary season. Attacking this one in the misguided belief that it would help that one. Not so this year.
I have decided not to back Clinton or Sanders. Instead, I am backing THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE, when that title has a name attached. Meanwhile, I have a favorite (don't we all?), but would be as proud as can be to back the other one.
Let's start with Hillary Clinton. I find myself saying often that there is demonstrably no more singularly qualified person to be president than her.
Then there's Bernie Sanders, who has been successful in elective politics longer than most Americans have been alive. He's been elected to every level of government with the same basic views. He is a lefty purist.
So where do I stand?
I favor Bernie, but not to the exclusion of Hillary. His views more closely match mine than do hers. But I am also a realist. Don't misconstrue the intent behind that statement. I believe, with the right circumstances, Sanders can accomplish what he says he wants to do. First and foremost that is breaking up the big banks. He also wants to improve on the ACA. We all know that means single payer. We also all know that the majority of Americans want that, TV pundits and rhetoric aside. Sanders can accomplish his goals if - big IF - he can get grass roots support that is as dedicated to his ideals as he is. That's a tall order, but far, far from impossible. If Bernie can marshal enough support to shake the Congress to the rafters, it can happen. It would be easier with a Dem congress, but it CAN happen.
I have always found Hillary Clinton to be scary smart. As smart as Bill is, he only seems smarter than her because he is such a natural charmer and politician. The reality is, she is likely smarter than his Rhodes Scholar self. She would be a great foreign policy president. Yes, I know some see her as too hawkish. I tend to think she is overcompensating for her gender but in reality is one who wants the peaceful way forward, but would not shrink from force if that were needed. I don't need to relitigate the Iraq War votes. I tend to look at her record as Secretary of State. For example, how many other candidates know the world's leaders on personal basis? Deciding what to do here or there is intimately intertwined with who these leaders are. She knows them. I also like the idea that she's a woman. I sense a more moderating hand on the tiller of the ship of state. Its time for that. Lastly, I believe she comes honestly by her liberal stances on such matters as race, gender, sexuality, and class.
Sure, some of you can shoot it out with your (face it, people) natural allies and feel somehow you're helping/hurting. The REAL need is to work to turn the Congress. That will make EITHER candidate far more likely to help you get what you want than infighting for the Primaries.
Volunteer on a down ballot campaign. Phone bank, write checks, walk neighborhoods, work county fairs. Get involved. The REAL race in November is DOWN BALLOT. That will enable our new Democratic president to be successful.
