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...Democrats? " A few thoughts...
On the electorate:
I am a Democrat who sees excitement in the possibility of a first woman or black President. That we are here in history is such a credit to our entire party...and honestly, I'd be happy with either a Clinton or Obama win. I think both candidates offer particular strengths that are needed now, different strengths.
I say this because I think we are seeing that the electorate is in a different place. They are unsure...and easily susceptible to manipulation of their fears, either by the other party or by the other contender for our nomination.
If, in a drawn-out primary, we take part in that fear mongering (either in playing a fear card, or in making the election about defending against it) we lose control of the debate.
On the debate:
There was a question asked of Obama and Clinton recently, where each was asked to say one thing the other must do to 'prove' their suitability/qualifications/readiness for the job of President. Both candidates basically said the other didn't have to prove anything...and then went on to define why they were the best choice (typical candidate response).
I think they both missed a great opportunity. What Clinton is missing (IMHO) is setting out a grand strategy for our country's future (a la Gary Hart, ASP). I've read both of her books and know she gets this, and would do this as president...but she never talks about it.
Obama connects with people and talks change, and I'm sure he'll have a grand strategy, too...but he doesn't talk about it much either. (Although, in his speech last night, he sounded like he might begin this.)
On the difference between we Democrats and the Republicans:
I don't think we can win in November unless we sell this. We are against pre-emptive war. We are against torture. We understand national security, but think privacy matters. We believe in habeus corpus. We believe in certain values our country has always stood for. And yes, we believe in fair elections. We believe it matters HOW we lead and are perceived by others around the world.
We understand that the Republicans have hurt this country and we plan to restore it. We have a grand strategy to do that, and here it is. Educate on climate change and how it helps the economy. Talk about globalization and NAFTA and the revolution to an information age...and why education/retraining is so important to that. Talk about where we want our country to be in ten years, or twenty....and how we get there.
On politics:
If we keep seeing this as just 'politics' and making every decision about this campaign based on that, we will lose again. If we let the media define our party as 'un-organized' and uncommitted, and not sure what we stand for...we lose.
On what happens now:
I don't pretend to know politics, so keep that in mind. But I think if we sling mud for the next several weeks...we all lose. The only ways I see to avoid that are 1) if one candidate withdraws from the race, 2) if the two candidates voluntarily join forces now...instead of slugging it out, 3)if we define an absolute end to this primary, (for example, a mutually agreed to 'freeze' on campaigning for 'x' number of weeks, until the PA primary is over...and then agree to go with the candidate with the higher delegate count).
If both Clinton and Obama lose control of what should be a strong Democratic rational for retaking the White House in 2008...and they will, IMO, if they just do politics-as-usual...then we'd better be ready to say hello to President McCain. Four more years.
I don't think the country can stand this for four more years.
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