Farewell Ms. Gladiator?
It has been thrilling to see Obama maintain his momentum, picking up supporters wherever his aura emanates. At this moment he looks poised to take the nomination and debate McCain. Cool. But I can't help feeling a little sad for Hillary. Now that she's qualified for underdog status, I feel more permitted to talk about her kindly.
I'm dejected not because she's on a losing streak, but because I think she's been overly criticized for someone so respectably qualified. It's impossible to dislike Obama, agreed. But why is it so difficult to like, or even respect Hillary?
Is it because she has so many political years and decisions under her belt that it's easy to find something to pick at? Or is it because she's been picked on for so long that it's just become a habit?
I often hear the criticism over her vote on Iraq, which is valid to an extent. But I was under the impression that Obama was never in the exact situation, so the comparison doesn't seem entirely fair.
Joseph C. Wilson (husband of outed CIA officer Valerie Plame Wilson) posted today with an explanation about that vote, as well as the claim that Hillary is "Battle-Tested". He says her being battle-tested gives her an edge over McCain. Well, I thought that before too, but at this point the argument seems outdated. So much of what I'm hearing and reading (about the independent vote, support from unexpected people and sheer mobilizing inspiration) indicates that he has a better chance.
While I revere Obama like everyone else, it still aches a bit to see Hillary crushed, not just in polls or caucuses but in hearts. I'll still cheer her on, albeit quietly, as so many Clinton supporters I know did by not attending their caucuses last weekend.
P.S. Thank you Robin for encouraging me to have and express my opinions, however much I fear being wrong. Expression is part of my learning process, and you're my favorite teacher. Thanks.
I'm dejected not because she's on a losing streak, but because I think she's been overly criticized for someone so respectably qualified. It's impossible to dislike Obama, agreed. But why is it so difficult to like, or even respect Hillary?
Is it because she has so many political years and decisions under her belt that it's easy to find something to pick at? Or is it because she's been picked on for so long that it's just become a habit?
I often hear the criticism over her vote on Iraq, which is valid to an extent. But I was under the impression that Obama was never in the exact situation, so the comparison doesn't seem entirely fair.
Joseph C. Wilson (husband of outed CIA officer Valerie Plame Wilson) posted today with an explanation about that vote, as well as the claim that Hillary is "Battle-Tested". He says her being battle-tested gives her an edge over McCain. Well, I thought that before too, but at this point the argument seems outdated. So much of what I'm hearing and reading (about the independent vote, support from unexpected people and sheer mobilizing inspiration) indicates that he has a better chance.
While I revere Obama like everyone else, it still aches a bit to see Hillary crushed, not just in polls or caucuses but in hearts. I'll still cheer her on, albeit quietly, as so many Clinton supporters I know did by not attending their caucuses last weekend.
P.S. Thank you Robin for encouraging me to have and express my opinions, however much I fear being wrong. Expression is part of my learning process, and you're my favorite teacher. Thanks.
posted by Anne at 3:46 PM
4 Comments:
Good post :)
I just started reading The Audacity of Hope too BTW. It'll take me a year to finish it probably, but I started ;)
My thoughts and feelings about the Hillary thing isn't so much about Hillary alone as it is about being a Clinton. Yes, Bill was a good President, but he was also very representative of many scandals. At the same time Hillary was part of many of those scandals, especially on the personal finance side. Both of them just feel... like politics as usual, regardless of the experience.
Scott Adams had a blog about experience recently:
http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2008/02/experience.html
I don't agree with all of it, but it was good food for thought.
It sounds so cliche to say "I know how u feel" but I think maybe I do. This was me the day Edwards dropped out. All I can offer, is "shake it off, girlfriend". if anyone can make a comeback it's her, esp. if folks now see her as the underdog.
Did you see her on 60 Minutes Sun. night? It was good. Katie Couric asked a lot of questions that echo your post. She had good replies.
I have difficulty separating Hillary the individual candidate with Hillary the political Clinton machine. They just seem too tangled up.
I could be missing the boat here. But I have to go with my gut. Just like you!
You keep on believin' Ang!
Thanks, guys. :)
Maybe I should brush up on the financial scandals to feel better. But then I'd probably come back and say she tried to play a careful political game so she could remain strong and do great things for the benefit of more people than if she played the game differently and disappeared.
While I value experience and a firm grasp of the issues, I would assume Obama would surround himself with brilliant, experienced people who will do the right things. The expectations will be extremely high.
Chris, looking forward to chatting about the book!
Hi Anne,
You already know my stance on this issue, but I’m very glad you voiced your concerns and sadness over the negative opinions of Hillary. I thought the blog you linked to was excellent. I, too, am frustrated by the way people gloss over the complications surrounding the Iraq vote (even as one who was anti-war the entire time). I am terrified that Obama will not withstand the Republican attacks, and will appear weak when compared with McCain. I’m even more concerned that if he is elected that in trying to make nice with everyone he will accomplish nothing. As I've said previously, in NY state we elected Spitzer Governor based on the same promises of change and togetherness that draw people to rally behind Obama. Spitzer won the election in a landslide; however, in the last year we've seen our state legislature block him at every turn and render his desire for change useless. He has changed his positions numerous times because of this, but has not been able to accomplish anything he set out to do. I’m not saying this will happen to Obama, but I am saying that promises of change make me nervous.
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