For those who think the country isn't ready for a woman or an African-American president

[mtnsnake]

A month or so ago, I saw something that made me think that maybe this country is finally ready. Then, today, a thread started by cali reminded me of this little occurrence that I saw in a diner.

Late last November or early December I was out doing business and stopped in for lunch at a little truckstop-type diner in upstate rural NY (mostly Republican area) that has good home-cooked food. I eat there all the time if I'm in that area doing business. A pretty interesting cross-section of people are usually in there...workers on lunch break, older retirees, hunters, and truckers...pretty much mostly country folk and they're there because the food is affordable and good. I'm sitting at the counter and this guy comes in, a little guy with a big mouth, but he was pretty funny with the stuff he was coming out with (Later on he told me he was a trucker). Anyway, he starting right in with the comical stuff, ribbing one of the waitresses in a pretty harmless manner. So he's got the attention of lots of people and all of a sudden he breaks right into politics. He hollers real loud to the waitress at the end of the counter and tells her that she reminds him of Hillary Clinton. I said to myself, uh-oh, here we go. The waitress doesn't say anything because she's too far away and too busy with another customer. So the next words out of the guy's mouth, and he says it loud enough so everyone in the place can hear him (and I'm paraphrasing from memory)..."You know what, I want Hillary for president. I'm sick of Bush and I'm tired of men messing up this country. It's time for a woman to get her chance!" The place went silent and then the waitress broke the silence by hollering over to him, "I like Hillary, too, and I hope she wins." Then, after the ice was broken, some other people chimed in with how they also like Hillary, once they realized that nobody was going to kill them for saying so. Wow was I surprised at the reactions.

Then he brings up Obama, only he can't pronounce his name right or maybe he mispronounces it on purpose for effect, I don't really know. After the little trucker guy did his thing about Hillary and how he wanted a woman for president, he says, "If Hillary doesn't make it, then I want that other guy, that Omaby Bomaby fellow, that black man whatever his name is. He's really good, too, and if it can't be Hillary then I want him. White men have had their chance and now it's time for something new." Again, there were some people who spoke up and yelled to him in agreement. I reached around a customer in between us and high-fived the guy.

So there you go. Not one person objected or said anything on behalf of Bush or the Republicans. I know this isn't the deep south, it's northern NY, but in that particular diner, a diner that lots of people would consider a borderline redneck eatery, you never would have heard anything like this 6 or 7 years ago.

[adnelson60087]

1. Well, if that had happened in Tennessee or Georgia or Oklahoma, then

I'd be impressed. Being a native Arkansan, and knowing the Southern Culture, I just don't see it happening down there. Race and Sexism still dominate there but it will die out over the next 20 yrs. Obama and Hillary are the Repubs best shot at winning in November. Why will we give them what they want??

[mac2]

3. Nope neither can win

And they are picked because they won't. It will once again be stolen or an emergency, etc.

[cali]

13. what silliness.

the people picking are dem activists and voters. That's the bottom line. And anyone who pretends to know for sure that neither can win is full of the obvious substance- to their eyeballs.

[mtnsnake]

4. True. Just the same, this particular diner was not what you would call a place sympathetic to Dems

If it happened in a "liberal flavored" coffee shop in another town, then I wouldn't have been as impressed, but to see the reaction that I saw there in that particular diner that day was pretty remarkable. I mean, we're talking about a place where 3 out of 4 vehicles there are trucks, most with gunracks in their back windows and many sporting magnetic ribbons.

[mac2]

2. I'd support a Afro American women for President

Shelia Jackson Lee (D-TX), Maxine Walters (D-CA), etc. I won't just vote for a woman (Hillary) or a Afro-American (Obama). Give me a Progressive candidate.

I like D-IL Congress woman Jan Jankowski. She had the balls to challenge mercenary Blackwater contractors (who may or may not be Americans) and Hallburton (headquartered in "Port of War Dubai"). The others of the party won't. Congress woman Kapture (D-OH) is impressive too.

They are there but the DLC won't support anyone who they don't think will end the war and Globalism.

[Nailzberg]

5. Jan Schakowsky

But you're right, she's about as progressive as they come.

[mac2]

9. Sorry I spelled her name wrong

You are right.

[Nailzberg]

11. She's one of my favs.

I try to get her name out every chance I get.

[loveangelc]

7. lol @ afro american.

[ProSense]

6. Some people say the country is ready for a ham sandwich as president. I'm down with that,

and not really picky about the type as long as the ham or stinky or other sandwich is experienced, qualified and progressive.

[loveangelc]

8. my *analysis*

Obama has been proven to be the only one who beats every Republican in numerous polls because he gets independent support, and I do believe he would get the Independent support if he were in the general election. He would definitely win because the Republicans are not enthusiastic about anyone and will not be motivated to get out the vote like in 2000 or 2004. They want Hillary in the race because she motivates the Republican base much more to vote for their candidate because they don't have anyone they are enthused about. Remember the "we're waiting on Hillary to unite the party" quote? Hillary I understand being the Republicans dream, not because she's a woman, but the name Hillary Clinton brings out most negative thoughts in many people's minds. Obama, believe it or not, does not do it to that degree. Any Democrat will be attacked and unliked by the opposite but not to Hillary's degree. Hillary's argument that she's withstood attack from the Republicans and can fight because she's still standing doesnt seem true to me. Yes, she's still standing but she has the highest negatives of anyone in the race. I really don't understand this illusion that she is the most electable. And tbh, I've been following elections since I was in 6th or 7th grade and I am usually right this, stuff believe it or not.

thats all.

[annie1]

10. Ok, that was freakin' beautiful. that is straight out of a movie. love it.

[mac2]

12. Every child should have a chance

is great but Globalization removes that from America. We can't fund or build schools without jobs and our own economy.

[LWolf]

14. I think we are more than ready.

I just think that we need a BETTER african-american and/or woman candidate to fill either or both of those dreams.

[mac2]

15. Me too

L. Wolf