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• Wednesday, June 4, 2008 07:32 AM

  We Can Certainly Hope

  Props to Mr. Shapiro for the evenness of his coverage.

  I think events in the following few days will vindicate one of the two parallel narratives about Hillary Clinton. One narrative embraced by her moderate supporters is that she's only focussed on the best interests of the country and wants to make sure there's no "buyer's remorse" if Obama gets the nomination. (Those people also didn't see her continued presence in the race and the bitterness that may or may not have inspired as destructive to Party unity, but that's irrelevant to this discussion.) The other is that she will take the fight to the convention. (Mr. Shapiro correctly pointed out that predecessors have done the same thing.) Nobody, whether they support Clinton or not, thinks that's a good thing for Obama's candidacy. (If you're a die-hard Clinton supporter you probably think Obama won't win anyway so any "damage" done as Clinton hangs in there until we come to our senses is well worth the price.)

  I was all set to call my Clintonian friend last night and tell him I've been wrong in my judgements. Then I logged on this morning and read reports that she hadn't conceded, that she appeared in front of a throng at Baruch College that was shouting "Denver, Denver", allowed herself to be introduced as the future President, and made a speech that continued to tout her "popular vote lead." I have to ask-if there is no concession speech, will that change the opinions of some moderate Clinton supporters who believed-like Shapiro-that she had the best interests of the party in mind and was only doing what she was entitled to? I'll certainly concede I've been wrong if she drops out and works immediately to shore up the party and campaign for Obama.

  —natesmith124 Read natesmith124's other letters
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