Edwards it is.
Clinton, Edwards, Obama, Politics January 26th, 2008In a crushing blow to both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, I have decided to vote for John Edwards in my upcoming Democrats Abroad primary.*
For a year, I’ve been going back and forth. I could think of good reasons to support any of Clinton, Obama or Edwards. And I will enthusiastically support the party’s nominee, no matter which of the 3 it may be. But for now, I’m mad.
There is no reason for the current cheap shots, the mud that both Obama and Clinton are slinging. Is there any doubt that either will enthusiastically support the rights of minorities and women? That either will be far better for the country than Bush and the crop of Republicans wanting to replace him? Did Obama support slumlords? Is Clinton the source of Walmart ills? Nopey, nope nope.
A message to the Clinton & Obama: Please grow up, Hillary & Barack. Your rhetoric (and the rhetoric of both of your spouses) supports Edwards’ point: he is the adult in the race.
Most importantly, please take a moment to look past the primaries and nomination, to a long summer & autumn where the Republicans will delight in re-slinging the mud that you’ve so generously provided – they won’t have to come up with new information (true or untrue) thanks to the poorly-thought-out long term strategy of your campaigns. I’m disappointed in both – a pox on both of your houses. I only hope that the Democratic Party won’t implode in November because of the petulant, selfish acts of you, our leaders, in January. If the Republicans win the White House, I hope each of you has a mirror handy if you’re looking for the reason.
*For those who may be saying: “Why should you be able to vote at all?”, the answer is simple: Form 1040. Yep, most US expats retain US citizenship (Don & I would never give it up, even after we get our Canadian citizenship), and we annually file our IRS form 1040s. The US (unlike many other countries) taxes on worldwide income. There are tax treaties between the US & Canada, so for the most part we’re not double taxed, and it’s true that sometimes my income is low enough that I pay no US taxes, but I still file. Further, last I heard, one still had the right to vote even if one had no tax liability.
January 28th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
A dissenting view (actually, two).
I support Barack Obama. I do so after being bitterly disappointed that he entered the race — I thought it was too soon for him to try. I was also bitterly disappointed (but not at all surprised) that Hillary entered the race — I thought she was too divisive, too hated, and too partisan (remember the great conservative conspiracy?) despite my admiration for her intellect and passion.
I did not want another “I’m not a divider, I’m a uniter” bullshit president. I did not want a Democrat that was unelectable. I wanted them both to stay out.
They did not.
I am strongly behind Obama now for a number of reasons. His resonance has proven to be much, much more than just a stellar keynote speech at the 2004 convention, he has shown some traction and (in my view) undeniable electability.
I lived in Iowa for ten years. I wasn’t born there, but I think I know the people there pretty well. These are folks that do not lean toward the liberal side of the scale. They are farmers, they are Christians, they are hard workers, they are honest to the core. The state boasts a wonderful and progressive University environment in Iowa City, but these are the happily tolerated minority. In the town that I lived (Dubuque), I do not think I ever saw a black face or heard anyone who wanted a change from Reaganomics or America-First patriotism. I saw a lot of practical, ethical behavior, and I saw a lot of very white, very traditional, very diligent people who cared a lot about their community and their country.
On January 3, 2008, these people said that they wanted Barack Obama to become the next President of the United States. I was surprised, and deliciously pleased.
If my former citizenry can find it in themselves to select this person, without prejudice, without concern for tradition, with only the thought of what would be best for America, then I am truly moved, and my belief in their honesty and in their common sense has been reaffirmed. And if they can do so, then so can the rest of America. As well they should.
I turn things now to the views of a person I do not know. I have only seen a very few of his many and popular web cartoons filed at http://www.xkcd.com/. On his blog he makes the comments that follow at the link below. I could not agree more.
http://blag.xkcd.com/2008/01/28/obama/
I hope this gives you something to think about.
Don
January 29th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Being a young lady, you would not remember the energy and excitement a young John Kennedy had on some of us Canadians.
I would peddle home from Northern Secondary School in Toronto (about 2 miles home) just to hear the coming President at his Press Conferences. He was funny and articulate and extemperanious. He was simply wonderful.
Obama reminds me so much of the ex-President.
I am excited for the prospects in the USA
Paul
March 20th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Diane,
I was with you in wanting to see Jon Edwards win the Democratic nomination. He had passion and anger that I related to and found so refreshing. Unfortunately, it scared many away. I’m not sure why, since we should all be pretty angry about the state of our affairs. Pick up any newspaper from anywhere and there is enough to almost make you ill. That aside, I think Barack Obama is a next-best choice. He has, and I hope will continue to do much to uplift oppressed people everywhere. I hope he will remain true to his spoken words.
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 pm
[...] I digress from the main point of this post. Back in January, I announced my support for John Edwards. My support, while unqualified, was also too late, I fear. It was only a couple of days before [...]