I've a particular interest in the thoughts and motivations of human behavior. I suppose it would be referred to as "arm-chair psychology", as derisive as that's usually portrayed. But I don't mind being wrong, nor having the opporunity to learn from those more "classically educated" in the field.
But I'm a voracious reader and my bookshelves are lined with quite a bit of non-fiction devoted to psychology, neuro-biology, sociology, and so on, so I'm not a complete novice.
That being said, I'm sort of on a hot streak of insight recently. Mostly revoloving around the mental/emotional workings of my family, but...
It occured to me while reading this incredibly well done diary (above and beyond in my ohh so humble opinion), that the motivation behind the rather irrational aggressiveness of the Clinton campaign this time around, might, even if only partly, come down to one thing:
an axe to grind with the right.
For clarity's sake, I'll be referring to Hillary, Bill, and her campaign in a collective sense here. It seems most appropriate.
While I've no doubt that Hillary (and Bill), do honestly believe they're the best able to lead this country in the difficult days ahead, I think it's also rather obvious, that they feel victimized and persecuted by the right-wing machine that caused so much trouble during Bill's time in the White House.
They're overwhelmed with the need to achieve a sense of validation of thier time in charge and strike back at the conservative block that put them through hell.
I think it might be what's driving them so strongly, to go to the extremes they have thus far. In this primary, they feel the rise of Barack as an obstacle to be conquered in thier drive towards the very personal validation of the redemption they seek.
It's been said by many, that people at the level of politics and power the Clinton's are at, are usually people of single-minded drive and virtually clinical obsession with reaching whatever goal or objective they seek. From what I hear, Bill & Hill are already notorious in this regard. :)
I do feel I have to say, in all fairness, that in the course of those dark days in the 90's, Hillary in particular, was VERY unfairly demonized and attacked for standing by Bill through it all. As angry as I am at the direction they've gone, the last shred of good will I hold for her, stems from that very admirable and difficult choice she made.
That being said, their quest for payback, redemption, or however you want to put it, is what THEY seem to think they need.
NOT, what this party or this COUNTRY need, nor is it in our shared self-interest. The final rule Gary Hart referenced over on HuffPo, is where the line was crossed to be sure. Leave it to Gary to crystalize and articulate the feeling we've all been having lately.
What the Clinton's need at this point, is something I've a little personal experience with, as I'm sure many of us do; an intervention. But by whom, I'm not entirely certain. Contrary to the opinions of some, I don't think Al Gore is the man for the job. But SOMEONE needs to do so. Someone they trust, someone they respect.
Just an idea, a theory, as always, pick it apart, dissect it, expand or take it off into a new direction. My ego is not centered on my being "right" or "winning" in a debate. :) Guess I'll never make it in politics then eh?