Choosing a horse
So, I knew I needed to pick a Presidential candidate before next Tuesday's primary. I've been going back and forth between Obama and Clinton in my head (and honestly, I could've voted for Edwards before he dropped out, even though he didn't have a shot). I like so many things about both of them, and obviously I recognize flaws in both of them. I'm just so happy to actually be excited by potential nominees for a change.
Anyway, I think I have made my decision, as of yesterday. And honestly, the reasoning that pushed it over the edge for me was reasoning that I was determined not to use to make my decision. It is emotional, not substantive. But Caroline Kennedy's op-ed piece in the New York Times on Sunday is what did it for me.
I was wary of the whole "excitement" thing, the "inspiration" thing, the whole "hope" thing, especially after bdar's Vox Pandora. I know that Obama doesn't have "enough" experience. I know that some of his policies are not necessarily as well thought-out as other candidates. I know that it's possible his "hope", his "inspiration" will still be around in 4 to 8 years, during which time he can pick up valuable experience while serving as a possible ally in the Senate to the sitting President.
But then, it might not be. Right now, the nation is in a state of very low morale. Right now, there's a guy who does inspire people to make the most of themselves and of this nation. Right now, that guy has captured the zeitgeist, and it is intersecting with the aforementioned demoralization of the country. And, as Caroline says, "Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible."
It's an opportunity. A unique opportunity. I mean, I know he's "young" and "inexperienced" and has only really proven his rhetorical skills. But, doesn't that kinda sound like this guy? And who's to say he couldn't end up being like this guy? Or, God willing, this guy? Okay, that guy's not technically "real". But you get my drift.
That's not to say that if Clinton gets the nomination, I won't support her enthusiastically. Hell, I feel like I won't be totally freaked out every single day if McCain wins the Presidency. As long as we get rid of the current guy. You know how adult children of abusive parents can be triggered by the abusive parent's voice? I can't listen to that guy talk anymore.
I'm ready to vote.
Anyway, I think I have made my decision, as of yesterday. And honestly, the reasoning that pushed it over the edge for me was reasoning that I was determined not to use to make my decision. It is emotional, not substantive. But Caroline Kennedy's op-ed piece in the New York Times on Sunday is what did it for me.
I was wary of the whole "excitement" thing, the "inspiration" thing, the whole "hope" thing, especially after bdar's Vox Pandora. I know that Obama doesn't have "enough" experience. I know that some of his policies are not necessarily as well thought-out as other candidates. I know that it's possible his "hope", his "inspiration" will still be around in 4 to 8 years, during which time he can pick up valuable experience while serving as a possible ally in the Senate to the sitting President.
But then, it might not be. Right now, the nation is in a state of very low morale. Right now, there's a guy who does inspire people to make the most of themselves and of this nation. Right now, that guy has captured the zeitgeist, and it is intersecting with the aforementioned demoralization of the country. And, as Caroline says, "Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible."
It's an opportunity. A unique opportunity. I mean, I know he's "young" and "inexperienced" and has only really proven his rhetorical skills. But, doesn't that kinda sound like this guy? And who's to say he couldn't end up being like this guy? Or, God willing, this guy? Okay, that guy's not technically "real". But you get my drift.
That's not to say that if Clinton gets the nomination, I won't support her enthusiastically. Hell, I feel like I won't be totally freaked out every single day if McCain wins the Presidency. As long as we get rid of the current guy. You know how adult children of abusive parents can be triggered by the abusive parent's voice? I can't listen to that guy talk anymore.
I'm ready to vote.