Let's acknowledge the enormous accomplishments of both Hillary and Obama

[Bjorn Against]

It has been a very long primary season, but it looks like it is finally coming to an end. Obama will likely get the delegates he needs to clinch the nomination tomorrow, and if Bill Clinton's comments today are to be taken seriously Hillary will most likely drop out.

No matter who you supported in this race I hope everyone can agree on one thing, both Obama and Clinton have rightfully earned their spots in the history books and both will be inspirations for millions of people in the generations to come.

It doesn't matter what you thought of their stances on the issues, it doesn't matter what you thought of their campaign tactics, and it doesn't matter what you think of their personal character or their ability to win in November.

What matters is the fact that both candidates broke down some major barriers and helped us get one step closer to achieving equality for all.

Hillary may not have won the nomination, but she came much closer than any woman has ever come. She is the first woman in our nation's history to win a Presidential primary, and she came close enough to winning the big prize that she has no doubt convinced many people across this nation that a woman can be President, and she has almost certainly inspired many brilliant and talented women to someday aim to run for the office themselves.

And Barack Obama's accomplishment is certainly no less monumental. Think back to the time when the Iraq war began. If somebody told you that the next President would be a black man named Barack Hussein Obama that had just delivered a speech at an anti-war rally what would you think? My guess is that most of you would have thought that such a thing could never happen. Just look at how far that shows our country has come in just the past few years. Whether you are glad Obama got the nomination or not, I hope everyone can realize the enormous barriers he has broken down. He will no doubt be considered a hero among people in the civil rights movement for generations to come, and he has empowered and inspired many in the black community.

The accomplishments of both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are enormous, and we don't have to agree with or even like either of them to recognize that.

Yes, there has been a great number of charges of racism and misogyny leveled through the course of this campaign. Some of those charges were legitimate and others were not, this is a very sensitive topic and there is no doubt some strong feelings were stirred up. This country has been dealing with racism and sexism for centuries, and we still have a long ways to go. Until we can one day experience true equality for everyone these issues will always be very sensitive.

But rather arguing over the legitimacy of charges or counter charges lets look at and appreciate what was achieved in this primary election. Our country just made a huge step towards equality for women and for blacks, and the strides both candidates made will be remembered for generations to come.

[JeffR]

1. Good post.

You're not stuck in the trees, you're seeing the whole forest. Well done.

[DevonRex]

2. Yeah. What you said. :) nt

[etherealtruth]

3. Wonderful post

I could not agree with you more!

[NanceGreggs]

4. Lovely sentiments indeed! k/r

:patriot:

[MikeNearMcChord]

5. Now it is time to go after the true villians

John McCain and the insane-iacs! Leave no Republican left standing.

[Pushed To The Left]

6. K&R! This is what DU needs more of. n/t

[theoldman]

7. I am looking forward to how this will play out in the GE.

The Democrats have two great candidates and the Republicans have none. Wouldn't be a kick in the ass if the Republicans won? I hope and pray that the Democrats unite and become a majority.

[cbayer]

8. Yep, I'm with you on all that.

Great post. We need a whole more of you and a whole lot less of....you know.

[earthlover]

9. yah. yu betcha. fur shur. Great Post!

[Bjorn Against]

10. The editing period has expired, but I have one correction to make...

I have been told that Shirley Chisholm was the first woman to win a primary, so I think it is important we acknowledge her accomplishments as well. This does not make Hillary's achievement any less noteworthy however, she has come closer to the nomination than any other woman in history and has certainly inspired many women.

[DeepModem Mom]

11. K&R