Now, The Fun Begins
Posted in Main Blog (All Posts) on June 5th, 2008 4:40 am by HL
This was an unpleasant primary process. The Democratic Party which began proud of its historically diverse field of candidates ended up suffering from race and gender divisions.
Yet, neither racism or sexism won the day.
While questions about a female commander-in-chief were pondered early on, Sen. Clinton’s capacity to be commander-in-chief was ultimately not judged by her gender. In turn, she blazed a path for future women candidates to follow.
Obama was more directly challenged by racial issues later in the campaign, with some voters publicly expressing bigoted sentiments. Yet he still won plenty of predominantly white states on his way to the nomination, including final victories in Oregon and Montana.
Most importantly, after facing a litany of guilt-by-association attacks and other smears, he still remains ahead of McCain in nearly every poll.
Now, we can turn our attention to the battle against Sen. John McCain and the flagging conservative movement.
We have an golden opportunity to bury the failed conservative policies of the last eight years.
We can eagerly engage a clear contrast between guaranteeing health care for all and trashing employer health benefits for many.
Between Social Security and privatization.
Between investing in our foundation or letting America continue to crumble.
Between a clean energy future, or more double talk not backed up with votes.
Most importantly, we have a principled, seasoned and skilled candidate willing and able to challenge conservatism on most every front.
When the predictable “soft” and “weak” attacks arise, there will be no crouching into a timid ball, merely confirming the charge.
There will only be cool defiance, leading the way for all of us to fundamentally reframe the debate.
Will there be more nastiness to come? Probably.
But do not let that get you down. There is way too much to be excited about, and too much fun to be had.
Let’s get to it.
