Letters to the Editor
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I'm also undecided
I'm there with Rebecca Traister; a frustrated, undecided voter. Why? Because the actions of the media have eroded my choices down to two people who's policies sound exactly the same! Sure, Obama is an excellent orator, youthfully inspiring in his message of change; but his message doesn't go any deeper! I fear that there is no substance behind his enlivening speeches.
Originally, I stood behind Richardson, because I admired his experience in foreign policy, energy issues and running a state government. I also was engaged by Edwards' message, despite his expensive haircuts. However, because the media paid zero attention to these candidates as well as Kucinich, there was no chance for them to gain a foothold in the public's mind. From the beginning of this election cycle, the mainstream media has publicized this race as Hillary vs. Barack and nothing else. The incessant focus of the media on just these two candidates has effectively served as a form of blinders--effectively screening out all the other candidates. This close-minded focus has tied the hands and taped the mouths of Democratic voters.
Thus, I find myself in a quandary. Maybe I will vote for my fish tomorrow.
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Media killed Hillary's campaign. Count on it.
What a sad situation. Hillary was loved by a majority of voters, at the beginning of this campaign. They knew her inside out, and wanted her in the presidency. Now, after of year of difficult campaigning, media have made "their" choice; and you can be certain that that choice is McCain. I remember being asked in a few questionaires, who I thought could beat Hillary. This question was asked of me an thousands of other people, when McCain was way down in the polls. I answered honestly, and said McCain. I should have known that media wanted him all along, and the first move media have to make, was to demonize and destroy Hillary. Part of this plan involved sugar-coating her nearest competitor, and making a big fuss over her having approved of allowing Bush to go into Iraq. Media knew that the public had no patience with the details, and would assume that Obama's position was preferable. The result was obvious and inevitable. Americans, who constantly talk about how they're manipulated by media, nevertheless, turn around and allow this manipulation to occur.
Media have destroyed Hillary. It's as obvious as the nose on your face.
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Blame Obama
I could have written this article myself, except that I'm in a different state. My vote will not make much of a difference; otherwise the dilemma would be exactly the same. I'd seriously considered joining most of my friends and giving up on the whole voting-for-national-office thing after 2004.
But then John Edwards kept running. He kept saying things and addressing issues that had long been banished from US national politicospeak. For the first time since voting for Bill Clinton in my first election I was excited about a candidate and wanted him to lead my country back to its former glory (that, being 33, I've only read about and serious doubts regarding the validity of such are beginning to form). More importantly, I thought he could do it. I believed there could be a person running for office because they wanted to make others' lives better, rather than simply further their own careers.
However, I don't blame Edwards - surprised as I was when he dropped out before Super Tuesday, we all saw it coming. Obama has been picking up endorsements left and right ever since, as progressives were split between the two candidates and now this choice has been made for them. Had Obama not jumped into the race with his rock-star status and compelling, if seemingly empty, rhetoric the race would have been Edwards-Clinton. Progressive-Center. Change-Status Quo. Fresh-Stale. New-old.
I may check the Republican box and vote for Ron Paul. I can still vote for Edwards, or even Biden, as the names are still on my absentee ballot as a symbolic gesture. The Democratic Party in my state (WA) decides the primary by caucus and has stated they'll ignore the primary results anyway, so .... ?
Don't blame Edwards. No one saw Obama's entry in the race coming, supposedly not even him. He simply 'had to run' as folks were begging him left and right. There was a clear alternative to Hillary who had been working towards the Democratic nomination ever since the 2004 election. The powers-that-be within the Democratic party turned their backs on Edwards, along with his message. FDR must be turning over in his grave.
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Here's What You Do...
You will vote for Hillary Clinton because she is NOT Bill Clinton, and yes, because she has been fighting for you as a female,and whole lot of others, a helluva lot longer than Obama has been fighting for...for...well, exactly WHO has Obama been fighting for? See, that's the problem with Obama. I don't really know what the guy has been doing since he grew up.
Besides, did you think that this is really a whole lot more than just how you are "going to feel?" Voting isn't a therapy session. It's also about doing the right thing for the country too. It should'nt be about who you want to have a beer with, or who's cuter, or who's wearing all the right things this political season.
I heard Obama say at a debate that the role of the President is to pass legislation (no, that's the job of Congress, Obama) and manage the bureaucracy. Interesting word "bureaucracy" to describe his Cabinet and other important Federal government operations. Hmmm. Seems someone else was going to "manage" too. Remember that one? Well, real Democrats see government as a vehicle for change and for making people's lives better. Obama sees it as a bureaucracy to be "managed." How glib.
I don't think Obama has a real grasp of what it means to be President, and we don't have time for another learning curve(see George W. Bush).
Not a one of them is perfect. I too was going to vote for John Edwards. Now, I'm voting for Hillary Clinton because she will work harder as a female, and she will push harder for important changes in direction that our country needs because she is a female. And she won't pout and put a big chip on her shoulder when the criticism (just or unjust) comes at her either - like someone else we know.