I find it funny how so many in the pundit class are ready to dance on Hillary Clinton’s political grave. Despite the Gallup poll showing the race tied and Hillary remaining quite competitive in the states about to vote on March 4, the professional media insiders want us to believe it’s all over now. But is it?
(Follow me after the flip for the answer...)
I don’t think so. Not when Hillary had her best debate performance possibly ever. Not when Rasmussen still shows a close primary race and Hillary with a good shot of beating McCain. Not when we have yet to see the results out of Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont on March 4.
No, I don't think this race is over quite yet. Not when we're still looking for a nominee who won't just talk about our problems, but be ready to take real action to solve them. Not when Republicans are seeking to pull shenanigans in our primary. Not when we still have a chance to ensure that our nominee be a true fighter for the values we cherish.
No, this race isn't over yet. And frankly, I think all of us as Democrats need to take advantage of this. Hillary still has a strong chance of winning, so I hope as a Hillary supporter that she learns some of the successful campaigning techniques of Obama's campaign when she goes up against McCain. As a die-hard yellow dog Democrat who will vote for Obama if he's the nominee, I hope he learns that it's OK to stand strong for progressive principles and not hide his liberalism for the sake of some faux "unity" message.
Now is the time for us to ask the hard questions. Now is the time for the remaining candidates to answer them. And for all of us supporting Hillary, now is the time to help her win. Yes, we still have time to make a difference and help Hill win!
We don't need any "Netroots Police" to try to make us "walk the line". I'm sure we'll all support the nominee this year, whether it be Hillary or Barack. Right now, I just prefer that we nominate Hillary. That's all. ;-)
So please, can we stop trying to declare the race "over" right now? The fact is that we don’t know who will be the nominee yet, and whichever Democrat wins will be able to beat McCain. I’m starting to feel the same way I did just after the Iowa Caucus. Maybe that should give me reason to keep looking for another New Hampshire-esque "comeback" to send the media pundits into another coma. ;-)