In 2008, we are faced with a choice between two strong options to bring the Democratic Party back to the White House. There is a real choice between leadership styles and political gifts among our two remaining candidates. They have different strengths and weaknesses and their ultimate potentials might differ based upon their differences in outlook and the political frameworks they envision. But, without mistake, both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama offer us hope, after years in the political desert, for a better government and more progressive, if not exactly a progressive, policy path. Across the spectrum, their specific agendas for the future diverge to a very small degree.
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It shames me to see primary after primary how the netroots divides itself by rhetoric and unbridled and misguided passion into warring camps. The vitriol and level of hate speech that rears itself in post after post here at Dkos, at MyDD, Huffington Post and other "progressive" netroots’ virtual watering holes shames me and should shame those who participate. No rumor, spin or innuendo – no matter how unfounded, irresponsible, vile or vindictive goes unpublished. I feel like I’m wallowing in a romper room of adolescent Ann Coulters. We abrogate our right to challenge the vapid venom of the right wing attack machine – because we have become their peers if not their betters – and against our own.
I can see many points upon which to challenge Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama. Before them, you could issue similar statements regarding John Kerry, Wes Clark, Howard Dean or Al Gore – and believe me – we surely did. We should be able to differ and to advocate without resort to our basest emotions – since when is optimism a fuel for hate speech and intolerance?
The old hands around here will remind me that it’s happened before and we somehow got on board after the nomination and it will happen again. I don’t disagree but the wounds always leave a mark – if not on the overall race then within our individual psyche. Celebrate that we have a choice and a real opportunity for change; support and advocate for your preferred candidate without wishing ill on the opponent. Hillary and Barack, at your best and at your worst, you are my teammate and I have your back.
Neither of these two fine candidates is your enemy; one of them is simply the lesser good.