If you're like me and didn't hear anything about HRC improving my life or my family's life...its OK.

[aikoaiko]

As I listened to her life and the fights she has undertaken, I didn't hear anything that had an impact on my life.

I'm not Black or a POC. I'm not disabled. I'm not a woman. I'm not a trafficked girl. I'm not father to a daughter. I'm not incapable of housing and feeding my family. I'm not incapable of keeping my family well insured. I'm not sending my son to public school. etc.

I didn't hear anything that makes me think she has or will fight income inequality, challenge Wall Street free market solutions, minimum wage for son when he enters the workforce, improving health care costs, etc.

I suppose that sounds selfish, but much of what I heard from HRC primary supporters is that she will help improve their lives. I'm looking for something similar in my candidate -- in HRC.

HRC's history has been about helping those less fortunate then me. And that's a good thing.

Someone once told me, after asking what HRC offers me, that HRC offers me a chance to live in a more equal society. I realized it had been a long time since really thought about the value of equality in my life. Of course I want equality -- encompassing equality as well as specific case by case equality. However, I dedicate almost no part of my day or week to making that happen. Between work and family, I'm busy. But I do want equality.

So perhaps the least I can do is vote for HRC and not expect any change to my life in the least, but hope that other's lives will be improved and when we live in a more equal society we can work on things together.

And, of course, Trump would most certainly harm my life by wrecking the economy, destroying social services and education, and getting us into more wars.

[Hekate]

1. Well, okay. Thank you for that, aiko.

[aikoaiko]

48. And thank you. I think you may be the only responder who got what I was try to say.

[leftofcool]

2. I love people who devote their lives in helping those less fortunate.

Everything everyone said about Hillary tonight were things I already knew through research on her. This is why she has my vote.

[aikoaiko]

14. I like/love those people too, but I'm generally look for politicians to represent my interests too

But my point of this was to say that even though I'm not really getting that, I'm still voting for HRC.

[napi21]

3. Why do yu think ANYONE should help you? It sounds like you're doing

just fine all by yourself.

[aikoaiko]

15. You're right I don't need help, but I want improvement and positive impact.

And even though I may not receive that I am still voting for HRC.

I wouldn't say I did this all by myself, either.

[Maru Kitteh]

89. You don't believe that lifting those around you brings positive impact & improvement to your life?

Seriously? This seems unbelievably obtuse to me.

[aikoaiko]

91. Not directly. And vice versa I don't think my life improving necessarily helps others directly.

That was one of the messages I heard from those who were unhappy with prioritizing economic justice. It didn't really help them to have all people improve economically when some are still not equal to white males and it did nothing to address social justice.

[Maru Kitteh]

92. Ah, so THAT's what this is about. Your feelings are still hurt from the primary.

Speakers DID address both economic and social justice.

How very disingenuous this thread is.

[aikoaiko]

94. No thats not it. I was trying to draw an analogy.

eta: I reread what you wrote and maybe you'll entertain a question from me. You mentioned that economic justice was discussed as well. What fight has Hillary fought in the area of economic justice that has had a positive impact on me directly? I was on social media last night and maybe I missed it.

I think you may have already dismissed me, but I really am trying to have a conversation.

And please remember that I'm voting for HRC for the presidency even if I don't benefit directly from the fights she has fought.

[zappaman]

116. nailed it.

[lapucelle]

4. I'm not sure if I'm like you, but Hillary improved my life in immeasurable ways.

My husband is an FDNY 9/11 survivor. He's also a very lucky man. He had already been in and out of the towers that morning; When his company went back in for the second time, a chief at the command center told them to get out. When they refused (they had gone back in to look for their lieutenant who was still in the building), the chief ordered them to get out. The chief said he would stay behind and find the lieutenant. We'll never know if he located the missing man because neither of them were among the survivors. To this day, my husband says that what the chief did that day is the bravest thing he has ever seen.

In September of 2001, Senator Clinton was new on the job, and there were many people who were still dubious about her. At the Paul McCartney benefit concert shortly after, when Hillary was introduced there was only awkward and weak applause. The FDNY and NYPD still didn't like her. They still didn't trust her. She would have to earn the applause and acceptance.

My husband worked at the pile for weeks. He volunteered for detail at the dump for months after. And then he got sick. He needed specialized treatment. He needed expensive medicine. Unfortunately he was not the right kind of sick to qualify for any of the post 9/11 medical programs that were in place. My husband was one of many who had fallen through the cracks. With three kids and a husband who was suddenly retired and not earning what he used to, the $800 a month that his meds cost was an overwhelming burden.

And what did Hillary do to the people who had refused to endorse her and sat on their hands rather than applaud her? We've all heard about how vengeful and petty she is. We've heard about how entitled she thinks she is. What would Hillary "Rotten" Clinton do?

She got funding; she got medical experts at one of the finest hospitals in NY; she got a pharmaceutical company to donate medication at cost. She filled the cracks that so many heroes had fallen through.

My husband is still alive today with good quality of life thanks to Hillary. My family is solvent. (We can afford the $60 a month we pay for my husband's "at cost" medication.) We weren't forgotten because Hillary would not allow that to happen.

When Hillary ran for her senate seat a second time, the FDNY endorsed her. Rural upstate counties voted for her. (She had worked to get solutions to the problem of high speed internet access in the Adirondack mountains.) Hillary won by a landslide because she had delivered on her promise to work hard for everyone and to do her best to find or craft solutions.

I'm proud to have voted for her, and I will be proud to vote for her in November. I know the real Hillary Clinton, and believe me, she's incredible.

[Stallion]

12. Thank You for Your Contribution

[blue neen]

13. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

I'm going to show it to someone who is still on the fence. Your words will make a difference.

[aikoaiko]

16. I think your situation with your husband is vastly different from mine.

And I'm glad to hear that she helped you and yours.

[lapucelle]

39. Then perhaps you can identify with the people who got better internet connectivity.

Or reformulated, safer medications for children.
Or medical benefits on parity with regular army for national guardsmen who were deployed overseas.

And then there are the children living with grandparents who now get health insurance coverage on their grandparent's policies thanks to Hillary.

And the small things that make a big difference, like being the first (and I believe only) sitting first lady to march in a Pride event.

[aikoaiko]

44. And those are all great things.

Again, not things that impact my life directly, but great things that I support.

And my point is that even though I may not receive direct benefits from a HRC presidency, I'm still voting for her.

[lapucelle]

125. I'm not understanding what you mean by "direct benefits"

For example, I already had excellent, employer provided health care insurance when Obama came into office. Am I supposed to be here saying,

"Yeah, I guess that's good, but it doesn't directly benefit me. I had health care, so it's not a big deal. And you know that minimum wage increase the Democrats are talking about? I already make more than that, so I'm not directly benefited. What's in it for me?"

Bill Clinton used to say "A rising tide lifts all boats." I think that's a useful perspective, but then again, for me the glass is half full rather than half empty.

[geek tragedy]

5. we're all in this together. we all benefit from living in a more just society.

also, at some point everyone's luck runs out. just because she's not offering anything that will help you directly right now doesn't mean her actions won't be helping you down the road.

[aikoaiko]

17. Maybe you're right.

[zenabby]

6. Well, maybe you don't need help

and that's why she is not helping you. We only help those in need. Income equality - what is that? Equal pay for equal work is not income equality? Providing a safety net for lower working class people is not income equality? Is not opportunity equality income equality? How would you like to be helped?

[LaydeeBug]

7. Are you related to a woman?

Equal pay?

[aikoaiko]

19. None of the women in my family currently work. Its a small family.

[dsc]

8. did you go to school with a disabled kid

if so she improved your life. If you live in the south did you go to school with a black kid, if so she improved your life. Those people she helped in Africa, when they grow up and aren't terrorists who blow your plane out of the sky, she will have improved your life.

[aikoaiko]

20. I graduated HS in the late 80s in NJ. HRC didn't have much of impact up there.

Sure, maybe she's preventing an African terrorist from blowing up my plane.

[dsc]

23. apparently you didn't listen real well

she helped pass a FEDERAL law t?hat required schools to give disabled kids access. New Jersey is in this country, correct?

[aikoaiko]

25. Before 1987? I guess I did miss that.

[dsc]

31. It was in the 1970's and she did the investigation in MA that showed

thousands of disabled kids weren't in schools, and she turned that stuff over to then Senator Mondale who got the law passed. It was explained clearly in Clinton's speech. I would imagine you were too busy thinking about yourself to notice.

[aikoaiko]

36. Well, I think she helped disabled kids very nicely then.

[yallerdawg]

9. Hey, there's two more nights!

Very likely some issue will be identified offering some vague meaningless platitude with no hope of passing in Congress - and you'll be happy as a kitten in a box!

Read the new Democratic Party platform. Surely you don't think that's just a bunch of BS!

[jcgoldie]

10. You are right

It does sound selfish.

[aikoaiko]

21. That's sort of my point. I hear people saying they will vote for Hillary to improve their lives

I want to as well.

[LexVegas]

11. Wow. Just wow. nt

[NCTraveler]

24. +1 That covers a lot of it. Nt

[aikoaiko]

38. At least I wowed you.

[cry baby]

18. When those that need to be lifted are lifted, we are all lifted.

We all (all includes you, too) are better off if our society is good for everyone, not just some.

If our country and its society is better, your life will improve...all of our lives will.

[NCTraveler]

22. Major flaw made by far too many people.

Success in the area of social justice will be felt by all. Providing equality in education, the justice system, and rights across the board doesn't just benefit some, it benefits all. Clintons tax plan isn't just a benefit to some, it benefits all. Amnesty doesn't benefit some, it benefits all. Increased minimum wage doesn't benefit some, it benefits all. Increasing access to healthcare doesn't just benefit some, it benefits all.

[ecstatic]

32. +1000. OP mindset isn't liberal, IMO.

If it's just about me getting mine, why not move to a third world country?

[aikoaiko]

33. I get that, but those benefits are really indirect.

Most of the things I've heard at the convention have been about Hillary making direct improvement in people's lives.

And my point is that even if it is true that HRC doesn't offer me direct benefits, I'm still voting for her.

[bettyellen]

68. So it was always only about your paycheck?

[aikoaiko]

71. No. I wouldn't say that.

Obviously, I'm still voting for HRC.

[anneboleyn]

122. I agree. It's self-indulgent. We have serious issues to discuss

A self-indulgent "tell me why I should like you"/"convince ME as I am SO IMPORTANT" essay is sucking up WAY too much time and energy. I have seen this happen before unfortunately -- there is something about human psychology which (unfortunately) leads to people wanting to convince someone who says "tell me why I should like you/"tell me why I should vote for our democratic presidential candidate" to spend time trying to convince that person instead of telling them to figure it out for themselves.

[uponit7771]

26. "...I suppose that sounds selfish,..." Well.... ok... we agree here if what you're going to look at

... is what she's done for others.

I like a stable economy... that's what I get from dems... period

[aikoaiko]

28. And I agreed with that.

[Lisa0825]

27. I am doing pretty well for myself. I am much more interested in getting

equality and justice for those who need it, than improving my own situation.

[aikoaiko]

29. I get that. I suppose I'm not doing as well as you, but I get that.

I don't think anyone has to think or feel as I do. I was just reaching out to those who might feel as I do.

And say that I am still voting for HRC.

[NCTraveler]

37. If you aren't doing well then I can promise you Clintons platform speaks to you.

At least many aspects of it. Of course you would have to define not doing well in order for me to make that case and I don't think you should be put on the spot to hang that out there.

I hope I was polite in my response as I wasn't questioning your vote. I just wanted to make a point and hope it didn't come across harsh. Not my intentions.

[aikoaiko]

46. To the above poster, I was trying to say that I'm not doing so well that I can't forget about my...

....wife's and son's and extended family's lives and their needs. I won't go into more details.

And my point of this OP was that if there were others like me who listened to tonight's convention about the fights HRC has fought and didn't hear her fighting them per se, I wanted to encourage them to vote for HRC anyway.

[NCTraveler]

49. I believe there is more to her platform than you know.

Invest some time in reading it.

[aikoaiko]

51. Ok, thank you for engaging me with discussion.

[uponit7771]

30. This ^^^ is my idea of progressive

[blue neen]

34. So, you don't know any children?

?

[aikoaiko]

42. Not many, but yes. Not many of them in my life except my 11 yr old son.

[blue neen]

62. Then you can have the confidence in knowing that your son will have insurance coverage,

no matter what your job situation, thus meaning less stress in your life. As Bill Clinton explained, Hillary was instrumental in getting CHIP started.

The children in your son's life also would be covered by CHIP, if needed. That means less sick children around your son, which could make a difference in his health.

These are things that enrich everyone's lives, but they get taken for granted. Obviously.

[aikoaiko]

63. Sure, and those are good things.

Things that don't impact my life or my son's life (at least not directly as so many talked about on Night 2 of the convention), but they are good things worthy of my support.

Again, my OP was about listening for the fights HRC fought that impacted me directly.

[RonniePudding]

35. I must have missed the part where she gave her acceptance speech tonight.

Did they bump up the schedule?

[aikoaiko]

40. Nope, you didn't miss it. I was talking about tonight.

The message was vote for Hillary because of the fights she's fought.

But you're right, maybe I'll hear more later.

[RonniePudding]

41. A pretty good message IMO

We'll see what the next 2 nights bring.

[procon]

43. a "specific case by case equality"???

WTF! Did the sarcasm thingy fall off the page, or do you really want customized laws tailored for all 333 billion of us?

Can I have a pony?

[aikoaiko]

45. I think you're taking that wrong.

Equality is often measured as averages, but averages often hide specific cases of inequality that also need to be addressed.

I don't know about the pony.

[procon]

47. Everything is based on averages. nt

[kestrel91316]

50. Never forget that a rising tide lifts ALL boats.

[aikoaiko]

55. I think in general, vague ways life will be better with HRC. And nothing like the disaster of Trump.

But the point of my OP was to highlight that many people spoke directly about HRC fighting for them which led to benefits for them and that was why they wanted me and other to vote for HRC. I was trying to say that even if HRC has not fought for me, I will still vote for her.

[kestrel91316]

86. I'm a child-free single woman so her work for families and children doesn't

directly impact me. But I recognize that making the US better for families and children will spill over into making it better for me.

For instance, most of my business clients (I am a cat veterinarian) are married and/or have children/grandchildren. When they do better, I stand to benefit financially.

[aikoaiko]

90. That's fair point to bring up.

[KT2000]

52. you have an 11 year old son

and don't think she has anything to offer you?? I find that incredible.

[aikoaiko]

53. Directly, not really.

Please What do you think she has to offer him directly that I'm not already providing or he has access to.

[KT2000]

56. how about education

Tonight was about her resume but in that resume we get an idea of her ideals and philosophy.

Tonight it was featured that her concerns were for the health of children and families. Maybe a child with TB will be treated by the insurance program she set up, then that child will not infect others at school such as your son.

Should your son wants to go to college he may not be forced into debt for years to come.

Your son may have a disabled child in his classes, whose very presence teaches him about our differences in the world, teaches him patience and tolerance, teaches him to see people with disabilities as real human beings.

Should your son break the law while in his teens he will not be thrown into adult male prisons.

She will preserve social security and medicare which will save your son from having to support you in your retirement and pay your healthcare bills.

I can't help but think that you may not realize that some of the security and comforts you are enjoying now are the result of actions taken by previous presidents. Many are the result of hard work and sacrifice on the part of politicians and citizens. If the nightmare of a trump presidency does not convince you that things you now take for granted could be taken away, I really don't know what to say. HRC has made her values clear.

[aikoaiko]

57. I think we're mixing up certain things.

I'm talking about tonight's speeches where many people said HRC fought for them, they benefited directly from her efforts, and that is why they wanted others to vote for HRC.

My point of the OP was to say that none of those victories really helped me or my family, but I'm still voting for her anyway.

Yes, life in many ways is good because of many presidents, but tonight I was focusing on HRC's efforts to better the lives of people.

To help you understand my point of view, I send my son to private school and everyone has health care. I don't think there are any disabled kids in his class. He won't have to pay for college. He's a smart kid and even in Georgia he won't have to pay public university tuition if he lives up to his potential. Some of the other issues might or might not occur. Yes, my life is reasonably good because of dumb luck, hard work, and good policies which I mostly attribute to Democrats.

[KT2000]

58. Aren't you impressed

by the way she has used her talents - to help others?
That is what tonight was about because most of us had no idea she had done so much.

When she speaks about her plans on Thursday you will be able to decide then whether she has anything to offer you as an individual. In the meantime, try watching one of those movies where someone goes back in time to change history to get an idea of how many things can change when one thing changes - like ripples in the water when you throw in a stone. I am not being sarcastic - this is all about the big picture.

[upaloopa]

54. I think it is up to us to improve our lives if we can and let the government help those

who need it more than we will.

We can do a lot more with what we have by way of federal income if not all of us want something from the government.

Income inequality can improve if we have a more Democratic Congress and a democrat in the White House and a liberal court.

You can do something about it by working to electing seems.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

59. I didn't know many of her accomplishments before this.

It's pretty typical of our crap media now...no real information.

[pnwmom]

60. She will be appointing Supreme Court justicess who will make decisions that could affect all of us.

And she accepts the science of climate change -- Trump and the rest of the R's don't.

Aren't those things that will also directly affect your life?

And I don't know how anyone who isn't extremely wealthy could have felt secure about health care before the ACA. People were losing insurance when they lost their jobs, and they were being dropped from individual policies when they developed costly illnesses. A baby could be born with a preexisting condition and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars -- before it died. Even if you had insurance before, how did the existence of the ACA not make you or loved ones more secure?

[aikoaiko]

65. Yes, there are promises for a future.

My OP was focused on Night 2 which was about the fights that HRC fought and won as reasons for people to vote for her.

My OP was about expressing emptiness of not hearing about fights that affect me, but still supporting her anyway.

Of course she is much better than Trump and any of the other Republicans who ran for their party's nomination. I will vote for her.

But you and several others have pointed to promises or intentions and not her past as reasons to vote for her. That's really a different topic.

The ACA is a good thing, but it didn't impact my life or my family's in any direct way. The health insurance plan of my workplace already provided those protections for pre-existing conditions. Its not that important, but the ACA actually cost me several hundred dollars by reducing the flex-card max from over $6000 down to $2500 and not including OTC drugs.

[pnwmom]

79. The ACA DID affect you, if there is any possibility you could find yourself out of a job.

You were a job away from losing all your insurance with its protection for pre-existing conditions. Just because you didn't allow yourself to think about this possibility didn't mean it wasn't real.

But I agree with the thrust of what you were saying, I think. We are ALL better off if we live in a society where people are being treated fairly, even if it might seem that our immediate personal interest would conflict with that.

[No Vested Interest]

61. "A rising tide lifts all ships".

When these other constituencies that you mention do well. you will do well also.

[aikoaiko]

64. Yes, in indirect ways, I agree.

And worthy of my vote.

[cally]

66. Then hope you never get sick and get the dreaded pre-existing condition

Hillary Clinton is the one who changed the law that we who have pre-existing conditions can stay on health insurance. So, assuming you never get cancer, have a stroke, have diabetes, an injury that won't heal, back problems, then you can say she did nothing for you or your family. Few of us get through life that lucky.

See, my life was improved by Hillary Clinton. My husband was able to maintain his existing insurance when he left a company to start his own small business. I worked with him and succeeded. He and I both have health conditions that prevented us from getting new insurance even under the reforms the Clintons pushed forward. Without those reforms, we would not have started a small business.

[aikoaiko]

99. I think the pre-existing conditions protections is an amazingly good thing that has helped many.

I haven't had the need to use that protection. I have lots of health issues and my insurance is decent. I do take it for granted because the type of places I work generally didn't decline insurance due to pre-existing conditions.

[BobbyDrake]

67. 240 years of racial hegemony isn't enough? Minorities and women can't even fight to be equal

because it's not going to benefit you enough?

SMH

Such a position is many things, some of which I can't mention without running afoul of the Terms of Service, but "liberal" and "progressive" are not included.

[aikoaiko]

74. That's not at all what I said or meant.

Not only do I support minorities and women fighting to be equal I think they should expect my help.

In part, that is why I am still voting for HRC.

[MineralMan]

69. What problems in your life do you think she should fix?

Maybe we can help you understand how her presidency would affect those problems. From your post, it sounds like you're doing OK, actually. Many others are not.

I'm fortunate enough to be a privileged white, straight, middle-class man getting Social Security benefits. I'm not really looking for Hillary Clinton to do things that will directly benefit me, frankly. However, I know many people, some in my own neighborhood, who will benefit greatly from her becoming President. They are my friends and neighbors.

Hillary 2016! Help make it happen.

[Phentex]

70. Didn't talk about dogs either...

and I really love dogs. They impact my life in so many ways.

[obamanut2012]

72. lolz

Seriously, give me a break.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

73. I know right? Such fucking drama.

[aikoaiko]

75. Break given.

[rjsquirrel]

76. Wow

Check privilege.

[aikoaiko]

78. Privileged checked.

[rjsquirrel]

83. You've confirmed you're privileged?

[aikoaiko]

93. Yes, but I think we probably disagree on how that should impact this conversation.

[emulatorloo]

103. For the most part, post is a wonderful tribute to Hillary and her accomplishments helping people.

I hope you take the time to read it again.

[tonyt53]

77. ONE NIGHT introducing Hillary in a more intimate setting. One night.

But instead, you want to make it all about you. Not what she will do for the country as a whole, but specifically for you. Evidently you haven't been listening to her message since she entered the race. Her message has been all about the betterment of ALL Americans.

[aikoaiko]

80. Correct, Night 2 was about the fights HRC fought and that was what I was commenting on.

And saying that I will still support her.

[LanternWaste]

81. And much as you heard only those things which don't directly affect you

And much as you heard only those things which don't directly affect you, in you post I read only "I suppose that sounds selfish" and observed nothing if any measured substance beyond that.

However, I am aware that selfishness is trendy and cool these days, so I can empathize should I choose to waste my time doing so.

[GulfCoast66]

82. I am fortunate

That I need no help from Hillary. My wife and I have had very good jobs with pensions for 30+ years, no debts and retirement savings. From a naked financial self interest prospective a Trump presidency might even be better for me.

But since I care deeply about my fellow citizens, co-workers, family members and the future of my country there is no question I am voting and strongly support Hillary. Plus I enjoy foreign travel and it was bad enough with Bush. I never claimed to be Canadian then but Trump might make that necessary.

[liberalmike27]

85. So far So Good

Life is funny--sometimes you can fall off that tightrope, particularly when you get old. You need that net to keep you from hitting the ground at bone-crushing speed.

That said, Far as I can tell the Clinton's have cut Welfare, Obama passed a law making people buy insurance, except for the poorest, who've yet to be served in many Republican states. The Clinton's passed laws to lock up many of our poorest citizens, exploding the prison population, and cut Glass Steagal, which led to a housing crash unlike anything we'd seen, well, since Glass Steagal was put in place to stop just such things.

It's actually hard to exactly quantify what the Clinton's have done for the underprivileged. In fact, she's probably the perfect candidate for the professional class Democrat, that made the original post. She's unlikely to raise his rate, but still serves the social issues of gays, guns, and God (well, abortion anyway).

[ismnotwasm]

88. The social issues of "gays, guns and God"?

The rest of your post is familier, and I agree with none of it--but what the hell are you trying to say with THAT comment?

[GulfCoast66]

97. Let's just say

I do not share your concern and leave it at that.

[renie408]

87. That never occurs to me

I don't look at politicians to see what they will do for ME, I look at them to see whether they will benefit the majority. I believe in the rising tide that lifts all boats. If American in general will do better, I should do better.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

95. yup. nt

[kcr]

96. I recced your post.

I think realizing that Hillary will benefit others even if you think she won't benefit you personally, and realizing there is actually benefit in that, is a good thing. A lot of people never get there. They stop at "It doesn't benefit me" and that's that. A big part of the argument, or at least I thought it was, was it's not just about us as individuals, but it's about all of us, collectively as a society. You're doing it the right way.

[aikoaiko]

98. Thank you. Given my privileged, self-interested POV that is who I'm trying to reach.

And voting for HRC because she is better overall (even if not for me directly) is the point of my OP.

[still_one]

100. Ironically, that will be the argument that the right will use. However, she is not selective as

the right will suggest. Her issues affect the 99%.

Affordable college, Citizens United, affordable Healthcare, environment, jobs, student debt, pay equity, civil rights, gender rights, gay and trans gender rights, and a heck of a lot more that was brought up.

Her issues were focused on EVERYBODY, not just those with selective hearing

[emulatorloo]

102. OP is a beautiful pro-Hillary post.

In a time when so many are selfish and only interested in "what's in it for me" it is a fantastic tribute to HRC's lifetime of work to lift up the forgotten members of our society and make every ones lives better.

[still_one]

104. It definitely can be viewed exactly as you described, and I will accept that is what the OP meant in

making his point, to help those less fortunate.

Obviously though, it isn't that selective.

Thanks setting the OP's connotation correctly for me. I appreciate it

I will remove the fox reference, because I think you interpretation is correct.

Ironically though, the distortion that the right will use, will be something on those lines

[emulatorloo]

106. I've asked him to keep an open mind as he listens to HRC on issues like income equality etc

You and I know she has a record and solid policies on economic issues and leveling the playing field. They're be much more info on that as convention proceeds.

[still_one]

107. I appreciate your focusing me toward the correct connotation

[aikoaiko]

109. Still one, most of what you listed are not fights see fought.

They are fights that she says she will fight.

Night 2 was about what she has done in the past. Many good deeds, some failures, and many successes. I was noting that they were fights that didn't impact me directly.

And it made me think about what I want and why I should STILL vote for HRC.

So yes I have heard and will probably hear more about the fights she promises to fight and some of those may impact me. I'll be honest that I'm skeptical of promises. I expext the things that will benefit me or my goals will not come to pass.

Heck I'll probably lose a couple of things I hold dear.

But I will still vote for HRC. I hope that's OK with you.

[still_one]

113. Health care, Women's rights, (that includes ALL women from all backgrounds", Consistently

voted against making bankruptcy stricter, voted for the stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, and energy. Reform mortgages rules to prevent foreclosures & bankruptcy, Support for the National Endowment for the Arts, sensible gun laws, voted for bill that saved the auto industry, voted to repeal tax subsidy for companies which move US jobs offshore......

I could actually go on, but I am not going to.

Believe what want

[emulatorloo]

101. Really beautiful post. Thank you for taking the time to write and post it.

" didn't hear anything that makes me think she has or will fight income inequality, challenge Wall Street free market solutions, minimum wage for son when he enters the workforce, improving health care costs, etc."

I think if you listen, read about her positions, and keep an open mind you'll find all of that is there as well.

[aikoaiko]

114. Thank you for the kind reply. I don't think it is beautiful but it is honest.

The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Thank you, again

[beaglelover]

108. For me, it is ALL about the SCOTUS and how many justices will be chosen

in the next 4 to 8 years. If Trump gets in we are screwed for generations. Too much to risk. HRC gets my vote!

[aikoaiko]

110. I think that is a very reasonable rationale.

[prarie deem]

111. Maybe what an HC presidency offers you is

being freed from the tyranny of a Trump presidency.

Because you are not disabled, or financially destitute and in a comfortable position, does not mean (God forbid) that you will be in those same position next year or even next week. I certainly hope you continue to have the richly blessed life you enjoy now. But those things can change in a heartbeat.

You benefit directly every time you seek health care and some doctor or nurse or other medical professional who received training in a public school system assists you. Or when you drive across a bridge that was safe because an engineer who was publicly educated was there to design it. Every child that has had their health care improved by her programs is one less person who must use disability funds. Every child who gets an education & succeeds when they would have fallen through the cracks is one less troubled adolescent who might have turned to a life of crime.

I have no children and have paid immense school levies through my property taxes for 41 years. Does it benefit me? Every day of my life. A healthy, engaged, educated electorate affects and improves every area of everyone's life. None of us are an island.

I am appreciative that you are voting for Hillary. She is truly the only choice.

[TCJ70]

112. There's nothing inherently selfish about wanting better for your family...

...no matter how well off you are. HOW you get there matters a lot, though.

[zappaman]

115. I miss unrec.

Disengenous AND selfish.

[aikoaiko]

117. Hopefully you still want me to vote for HRC

[anneboleyn]

118. I don't care. You seem to think we worry about you, your life, your vote, etc

You are obviously a capable adult, and you can decide for yourself whether or not you want to vote for HRC, and if she can "do" anything for you personally -- since that of course is her job as our presidential candidate...

[aikoaiko]

120. Maybe you don't, but many of us talk about why are voting for our candidates

And I hope others who may feel similarly to me about HRC's record of fights fought also vote for HRC.

[Haveadream]

119. A list of some of the ways HRC might improve your life

Issues she will fight for on your behalf bolded.


As a former secretary of state, U.S. senator, first lady, and a lifelong advocate for women and families, no one is more qualified to be president than Hillary.
Hillary knows child care, equal pay, and paid leave are fundamental economic issues—not just “women’s issues.”
Our democracy should work for everyone—not just the wealthy and well-connected.
Our next president could make multiple appointments to the Supreme Court.
We need comprehensive background checks on gun purchases.
She’ll fight to overturn Citizens United to curb the outsized influence of big money in politics.
Because the wealthiest should pay their fair share in taxes.
We need comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to full and equal citizenship.
She’s set a big goal: More than half a billion solar panels installed across the country by the end of her first term.
She’s set another big goal: To generate enough renewable energy to power every home in America within 10 years of her taking office.
The economy is stronger when a Democrat is in the White House.
Hillary will defend Planned Parenthood and women’s health care from Republican attacks.
Hillary’s New College Compact would mean students would never have to borrow to pay for tuition to attend a four-year public college in their state—and the millions of Americans who have student debt can refinance.
Because taxpayers shouldn’t pay for millionaires’ and billionaires’ kids to go to college.
Guaranteed paid family leave.
She declared on the world stage that “gay rights are human rights.”
Experts say Hillary’s plan to keep Wall Street accountable is the toughest of all Democratic candidates.
As first lady, she helped get health care coverage for 8 million American children.
Our veterans should have access to timely and high quality health care.
She’s the only Democrat with hedge-fund billionaires running ads against her—because they know her agenda is to stop their agenda.
After decades of fighting for progressive issues (and 11 straight hours of testimony in front of a Republican-led congressional committee), she’s proved nobody can stand up to Republicans better than she can.
Hillary believes that raising middle-class incomes is the defining economic challenge of our time—and she has a plan to do just that.
Suspected terrorists, domestic abusers, other violent criminals, and the severely mentally ill shouldn’t be able to purchase a gun.
Because every 4-year-old in America should be able to go to a high-quality preschool in the next 10 years.
We need to invest in infrastructure and rebuild or expand our roads, bridges, rail, broadband, public transit, and water and energy infrastructure.
We need to protect Americans’ right to vote—not billionaires’ and corporations’ right to buy elections.
Have you seen the Republican debates?
Hillary will work to keep families together and defend President Obama’s executive actions that protect DREAMers.
She has spent her life fighting for a fairer America.
She’s been fighting for women and children her entire career—ever since she started working at the Children’s Defense Fund after law school.
She believes we need a new and comprehensive commitment to equity and opportunity for communities of color.
She’ll empower veterans and strengthen our economy and communities by connecting their unique skills to the jobs of the future.
Prescription drugs still cost too much. Hillary has a plan to reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
As senator, she championed the Paycheck Fairness Act and co-sponsored the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act to help close the wage gap so women earn equal pay.
Community college should be tuition-free for every American.
It’s time to close the Charleston loophole that lets otherwise prohibited individuals buy a gun if their background check is not complete in three days.
Hillary negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that ended the rain of rockets on Israel.
Smart power is a smart strategy.
We need a president who will crack down on companies that send profits overseas to avoid paying their fair share.
She’ll defend Social Security and Medicare against Republican attacks.
We need a president with a plan to protect the transgender community from violence.
If Congress continues its refusal to act on comprehensive immigration reform, Hillary has a plan to act—and do everything possible under the law to protect families.
She knows how to find common ground to get the job done—but also how to stand her ground.
Hillary is prepared to tackle all challenges, including national security—because presidents don’t get to choose which issues come to their desks.
She has a plan to reform mandatory minimum sentencing.
We need a small-business president.
Because every American citizen should be automatically registered to vote when they turn 18, unless they opt out. Hillary will get it done.

She’s a progressive—and she’s a progressive who gets things done.
Immigration enforcement must be humane and targeted—and she’ll end family detention and close private detention centers.
Hillary has a plan to reduce the risk of future financial crises.
Because we should hold corporations and individuals on Wall Street accountable—and prosecute them when they break the law.
She’s one tough mother.

She fought for health care for 9/11 first responders as a U.S. senator—and she’s been a vocal advocate for a permanent renewal of the Zadroga Act.
It’s time to end for-profit private prisons in America.
The Affordable Care Act is working—but you could still use a lower co-pay and deductible.
Hillary will defend and fight to restore collective bargaining rights for workers.
She knows historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) serve an important public mission and will make a significant commitment to them.
We need to end the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine.

Because it’s time to end conversion “therapy” for LGBT minors.
Hillary will put a stop to Republicans’ systematic efforts to stop millions of people from voting.
We need a president who will fight to restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act after they were gutted by the Supreme Court.
Hillary helped negotiate the toughest sanctions Iran has ever faced.
She’s earned the wrath of the gun lobby, Iran, pharmaceutical companies, and special interests—and that should tell you something about who she’s fighting for.
She has a plan to invest in American manufacturing and revitalize communities that have lost manufacturing jobs.
She knows what’s going on in Laos.
She believes we should let families buy into the Affordable Care Act health care exchanges regardless of immigration status.
Prison is not a substitute for treatment for drug addiction and mental health issues—Hillary knows that and will do something about it.
We can create a new national standard of no fewer than 20 days of early in-person voting in every state.
Because those at the top are doing just fine. It’s your family who needs a fighter in the White House.

Hillary has a plan to combat America’s deadly epidemic of drug and alcohol addiction.
In the words of former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright: “I’ve never met anyone more prepared to be president.”
She has a plan to make our financial system fairer and more accountable.
High-quality K–12 education needs to be a priority for every child in America.
As secretary of state, Hillary lobbied for the first-ever U.N. Human Rights Council resolution on LGBT human rights.
She made LGBT rights a priority of U.S. foreign policy.
In the words of the Advocate, Hillary has an “awesome LGBT agenda” to protect and expand LGBT rights.
She’s not afraid to stand up to discriminatory attempts to roll back voting rights in places like Alabama.
Hillary knows Muslim Americans are helping our communities succeed and are our first, last, and best line of defense against radical jihadism.
Unlike the Republicans, Hillary will defend marriage equality nationwide.
She will provide funding to make sure body cameras are available to every police department in America to increase accountability on both sides of the lens.
Keith in New Hampshire
She’ll expand on-campus child care and scholarships to help student parents balance going to school with raising a child.
The NRA has never helped Hillary get elected.
Her first major address as a presidential candidate was a call to end the “era of mass incarceration.”
She’ll fight to end racial profiling in America.
She’ll hold irresponsible gun dealers and manufacturers fully accountable if they endanger Americans—and that includes repealing the gun industry’s unique immunity protection.
She worked to expand the Family Medical Leave Act, allowing families of those wounded in service to their country to take leave in order to care for their loved ones.

Family members who care for ailing parents and grandparents could use some tax relief.
She has called out the Republicans’ offensive, inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric because she knows it’s against our values as Americans—and our national security.
Because when a company does well, the employees who helped produce those profits deserve a share in them—not just CEOs.
She believes we should use alternatives to incarceration for low-level, nonviolent marijuana users, and she will reschedule marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II substance.
She’s not afraid to to call out Republicans for blocking efforts to keep guns from suspected terrorists.
She helped lead the charge to raise the minimum wage as a senator.
Building international coalitions advances our values, interests, and makes the world safer. Hillary is the only candidate who’s actually done it.
She worked across the aisle to expand health care access for members of the National Guard and reservists—making sure those who served and their families had access to health care when they returned home.
We should put American families over the gun lobby—and Hillary is not afraid to stand up to the NRA.
There are cities across the country that are already leading on climate change—so she’ll launch a Clean Energy Challenge that will form new partnerships with states, cities, and rural communities.
She’ll “ban the box” so people who have a past conviction can get a fair shot at employment.
When Hillary was secretary of state, the U.S. extended antiretroviral therapy—which helps HIV/AIDS patients live longer, healthier lives—to 78 countries.
Businesses should be encouraged to train and hire apprentices.
The nation’s leading advocates for gun violence prevention have said Hillary’s plan is the right strategy.
Because women’s rights are human rights.
Because even when people didn’t want her to go to China and stand up for human rights at the 1995 U.N. Conference on Women in Beijing, she did it anyway.
Because a woman’s place is in the White House.
Donald Trump. Enough said.

[aikoaiko]

123. Thank you. I look forward to the future.

[JTFrog]

121. Ask not... and all that. nt

[aikoaiko]

124. Yep. It's still a great rallying call.

[George Eliot]

126. I'm voting for her but how has she helped society be more equal?

[auntpurl]

127. She went undercover and led to a SCHOOL being de-segregated

I mean, what more are you looking for? Have you been watching the convention?

[George Eliot]

131. Of course but I'm still asking. How more equal?

I'm a chronically honest voter. I don't justify or rationalize. Do you think she's perfect? She is the best of the two. I grant you that.

[George Eliot]

132. Are you for TPP? Not arguing but curious. Yes-no?

[stopbush]

128. Myopic thinking.

Why build hospitals more than 100 miles from my home? Doing so doesn't benefit me directly.

[aikoaiko]

129. I support many of the things that HRC has done and hospitals more than 100 miles away.

The main point of my OP was that even though her past efforts have not benefited me directly (mostly), I'm still voting for her for the sake of promoting a more equal society.

I don't think that is myopic.

[aikoaiko]

130. HRC acceptance speech is encouraging.

There will be at least one more vote in Georgia from a white, straight, cisgender, middle class, middle management, middle age, gun toting, AR hoarding, married to a southern stay at home mom, father of a private school educated son male.

If not for me, for others.

I'm voting for Hillary Clinton.