A while ago, I heard someone say that Democrats fall in love with their candidates, while Republicans fall in line. As distasteful as it may be, 2008 is the year Democrats need to pull this page from the Republican playbook. This year we need to set love aside. This year we must fall in line.
It seems like no matter what the subject of the diaries I read here, the comments invariably include a few that tout a particular candidate. Those comments, in turn, attract comments from the other candidate's supporters who feel it necessary to defend their choice. As the battle over who is the best rages, the dropouts show up.
"If (fill in the blank) wins the nomination, I'm voting for Nadar (or worse McCain)," they shout. Or perhaps they pout, cross their arms over their chest, and declare, "Well, if (fill in the blank) wins the nomination, I'm staying home!" The sheer number of these responses concerns me deeply, very deeply.
Under normal circumstances, and in times past, I'd think that's their prerogative, and wish them well. I've often yearned for the "none of the above" option, myself. But these are not normal circumstances, and the reality is, we do not have a whole lot of choices. We have two. In November, either the Democratic candidate, or the Republican one will be the next president.
Face it; Ralph Nadar isn't going to win. Ron Paul isn't going to win. And although I could write in my favorite, Dennis Kucinich, he's not going to win either. So what's the point?
My father always gave me wise advice. One of the better bits he passed along was, "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face."
Who are you spiting if you don't vote for the Democratic nominee? And what's more important, who reaps the benefit?
The way I see it, the Republicans, the Neocons, the warmongers, and other like-minded folks collect the benefit, and you've left your poor country without a nose.
Democrats and freedom-loving independents, Uncle Sam needs you! America needs you! Come November 2008, your country needs you to stand up and be a Patriot. Set aside the team rivalries; this isn't a game. It isn't about what Barack's supporters or Hillary's supporters said that hurt your feelings. It isn't about their supporters at all.
Swallow your puffed up pride, take a long deep breath, and think of the common good. Be a better man or woman, and think with your head, instead of your heart. Suck it up, and vote to pull your country back from the brink.
Because that's where we are folks - standing at the edge of the crumbling precipice, looking at a very long drop to the bottom. Think Bush is bad? Close your eyes and picture your country under President McCain. Yes, President McCain. Like the sound of that?
Want the war to end? "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" is not your guy. Want a health care solution? President McCain could care less. Social Security when you're ready to retire? Not gonna happen with McCain in charge.
Ask yourself, "Who will President McCain appoint to the Supreme Court?" A Supreme Court that's already listing heavily to starboard. Which Neocons will he invite to join his cabinet? Maybe he'll close Guantanamo, but we'll be in Iraq for 100 years. And what will he do to win over the right wing fundamentalists who he will need to appease? I shudder to think.
Got the picture?
Good, because I'm calling on all of you who are thinking with their heads, or who are starting to come to their senses. I'm calling on you to join me in the "Shepherd Corps." Let's round up all of these straying sheep, and get them back in the fold. Let's convince them to step away from the Clinton/Obama fray and get behind whichever candidate wins the nomination.
To those of you who think that the Democrats aren't much better than the Republicans, usually I'd agree with you, but keep in mind that worse is always better than worst. And this current incarnation of Republicans is way worster than worst. You know that - right?
I'll leave you with a brief typing lesson:
Now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their country.