Hillary vs. The Patriarchy

[Anonymous]

I support Hillary for all of the reasons that PPs have mentioned. I am especially drawn to her because of her long history as an advocate for women and children. And I do believe that having a mother in the White House would make a positive difference for this country and the world. However, and it nearly pains me to say this, I am leaning strongly towards Obama. Why? I don't think I would be able to watch the news or read the newspaper for the next four, perhaps eight, years. The media is all over the Clintons. Sometimes positive, sometimes not. Like it or not, agree or not, she and her husband are polarizing figures. And yes, I have heard that in the Senate she has worked hard to earn the respect of D and R colleagues. She has a good reputation as a hard worker, quiet and diligent. But I believe that good will would evaporate the moment she stepped into the oval office. I worry about how Republicans and a cynical media might make her presidency a TV news circus. (Just look at the media coverage of Bill Clinton's antics on the campaign trail.) Perhaps this is a shallow reason not to vote for her. I am willing to be swayed. What I believe Obama offers is, well, change. As a PP pointed out, another Clinton in the White House seems a little like a monarchy. For me, the Bush (VP), Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton pattern is a little too third world for my democratic taste. Even though Clinton would represent change--the first woman president, a D back in the WH, etc--and has the experience to create change, could her last name prevent her from being effective? I believe there is something to be said for a candidate that has the ability to inspire. Obama does that. And I have to say that I am impressed by Sen Kennedy's endorsement. When one of the longest serving, most respected senators says that you have the experience and fortitude to become president, I think that counts for something. And finally, it really, really bothers me that Hillary won't just say that her vote on the Iraq war was a mistake. It was. And no amount of rhetoric and convoluted explanations can change that. Of course, in the end, I just want a Democrat back in the WH. Please!

[Anonymous]

PP, your post was very well thought out. I'm a Hillary supporter -but wavering- and your post is making me think a little.

[Anonymous]

Obama's biggest deficiency is that he lacks the cojones and substance to aim high and push the true democratic party agenda. He is a middle of the road guy who has a track record of voting present as opposed to going out on a limb. He promises to surround himself with the right people and facilitate consensus which will likely turn out to mean watered down policies and legislation that may look more republican than democrat. I'm not making this up -- I'm quoting a lobbyist I know who is a huge Obama supporter. His concern is based on the two candidates' track records on the Hill -- evaluating what they have done as opposed to what they promise to do. And the bottom line is that Hillary consistently aims high and isn't afraid of a fight.

And how sad that we have to fear having a woman in the white house b/c of the media. The media is relishing the fact that it can crucify this white woman on a daily basis. They can't treat Obama the same way b/c it wouldn't be PC and there is always the risk of being called racist when saying anything remotely negative about a person of color.