Sunday, January 27, 2008

Clinton Versus Camelot

The dust had not yet settled on Obama's resounding victory in South Carolina before it became apparent Bill Clinton had not gotten the message. Not only was he the first to respond from Hillary's campaign, he continued playing the race card without provocation by sluffing off Obama's win by stating Jesse Jackson had also won in South Carolina.

I have no idea how the February 5th primaries will play out but if Clinton's behavior continues it will add to the speculation about just who is running for office. More importantly, if Hillary should win, will she really be President or a puppet for Bill?

I was heartened to see that the voters in South Carolina rejected gutter politics. It will be interesting if future voters continue the trend. It is not just Obama who is being trashed. It is every person who has voted for him, especially those who reside in states or districts where Hillary lost. If I were an Iowan or a South Carolinian I would not be happy being dissed and called insignificant. For the "first black president", as Clinton seems to be dubbed, to do so in South Carolina where the majority of voters are black should give those in upcoming states pause.

Bit by bit Democrats are seeing the true nature of the Clintons and speaking out about their tactics. One can only hope women and Hispanics can bring themselves to look at a broader picture than an intense desire to see a woman in the White House or the fight over entitlements with the blacks. If at some point we don't embrace a credible agent of hope and change it will never happen. At some point we need to take a collective breath and say let's do it and - do it.

As Obama pointed out in his victory speech, it won't be easy, there will be missteps and it will take time. But it's time to take the plunge.

I was in college when John Kennedy ran. I remember the rabid support my classmates had for him. He was young and energetic and inspiring.

Whether you liked Kennedy or not, think he was a good President or not, the country could use that fresh, inspirational energy once again in order to move forward. Is there anyone other that Obama that has it? I haven't seen it yet. I keep watching this man and I like what I see. Caroline Kennedy thinks enough of him to have endorsed him. That sure doesn't hurt.

Maybe it won't be all about Bill after all!

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Bit by bit Democrats are seeing the true nature of the Clintons and speaking out about their tactics. One can only hope women and Hispanics can bring themselves to look at a broader picture than an intense desire to see a woman in the White House or the fight over entitlements with the blacks.

From your lips (or fingertips) to Gods ear!