It’s Hillary’s Turn
Back in 2008, the Democratic Party entered into an emotional contract with Hillary Clinton. We told her, “Sorry, Hillary, we want Barack, but wait a while and we will give you your turn.”
And in many ways Hillary seems to have earned the 2016 nomination. Since 2008, she has worked hard. She has gained experience. She has served the country.
Passing Hillary up this election would feel terrible, because she has worked so hard, we know how much she wants the nomination, and perhaps most of all because we know that in so many jobs countless women have been unjustly and unfairly passed over when they had the credentials and it was their turn.
Because of this voting for Hillary in the primary would feel like righting a long overdue wrong.
Then I remember 2008. Why I did not vote for Hillary in 2008? Her corporate ties and her Iraq vote. Obama had worked as a community organizer, while Hillary sat on the board of Walmart. Obama had spoken out against the Iraq War, but Hillary had voted for the Iraq War. When the country needed an independent progressive, Hillary had consistently been a follow-the-crowd centrist.
Back then, voting for Hillary felt wrong. Obama was more, progressive and could inspire people. Also, I was scared of another four years of Republican rule, and Obama did not have scandals, and overall the nation liked him. He could and would win.
Now we have a candidate who is much more progressive and who is inspiring people. Also, I am really scared of what Republican rule would mean this time. This set of Republican candidates could damage the country in ways I didn’t even think was possible back in 2008.
Candidates whose turn it is, don’t win general elections. In 2000, we nominated Gore, not because we loved him, but because it was his turn. Technically, he may have won, but had we had a candidate we loved in 2000 it would have been a blowout, and we would have had a Democratic President during that most trying of times for our nation. The Republican Party thought it was Dole’s turn, McCain’s turn, and Romney’s turn respectively. Hillary would be a better choice than Trump, but Kerry was a better choice than Bush.
Candidates with enthusiasm win. Candidates people love win, not candidates that the Party feels they own the nomination to.
Bernie is the stronger candidate because he has enthusiasm, and independents and young people prefer him. Compare any general election head-to-head match up and Bernie comes out on top.
Ask yourself honestly, which candidate loves you more? Which candidate will fight for you? And, which candidate has the ideas you love more?
Vote with your love. It's the only way we win.
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