Top 10 Reasons to Barack The Vote
OK, OK, I know I was a bit late on the Obama bandwagon. But after my exceptional experience at the caucus, after hearing from friend after friend on the subject and after doing a bunch of reading of my own, I am sold. And I would like you to be sold too.
Because the honest truth is, if Barack Obama doesn’t win Ohio or Pennsylvania, he may be sunk. If he doesn’t have the numbers and it goes to the DNC, that means the “super delegates” start voting. Guess who is a super delegate with 12 votes? Bill Clinton. Meaning Mr. Yes We Can may very well won’t. Our primaries and caucuses only really make up 80% of the voting power and the DNC takes over from there. So we need to make it count.
I’ll be honest. As I have said before, it’s not that I dislike Hillary, or even that I think she is a bad candidate.
But, to quote a friend of mine: Anyone will be great after the “F-” president the George Bush has been. But why settle for a “B” candidate when we can have an “A” candidate?
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TOP 10 REASONS TO VOTE
FOR BARACK OBAMA
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1. Change.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. That’s his standard line. But I mean it in a different way. As I mentioned before, people hate Clinton. Both of them. And if it comes down to McCain as an opponent, which it looks like it will, the old dude is more appealing to many people than Hillary. If you want a Democrat in the White House, you really need to think about this one. Because I am not sure Hillary can beat McCain. While Obama will inspire independents and even Republicans to cross the ropes as they vote. And it’s not just about partisan “let’s get a Democrat in the office at all costs” tactics. It’s about getting someone with a fresh perspective, a fresh attitude, someone who hasn’t been dragged through the mud for the past 20 years. Do we really want Clinton spending half her presidency fending off attacks – like Bill did for the last half of his?
2. He “deserves” it.
I actually don’t really mean that, but I am starting to take issue with people who are mad at me for not voting with my vagina. So, if they can say that Hillary “deserves” it because of what she has had to suffer through in man’s world, I get to say that Barack deserves it for the way black men are treated in America. In fact, if you go toe to toe on this issue, ridiculous as it is, I’d be willing to bet that white women come out way ahead of black men every single day in terms of services and advantages.
3. Obama has held more elective offices than Clinton.
People seem to feel Obama has much less experience than Clinton, but I am not convinced that being First Lady gave her as much experience as everyone seems the think. Also, Obama’s stint as editor for the Harvard Law Review actually gives him more policy experience than Hillary. While Hillary has one more term as Senator than Obama, he started in his state legislature in 1996.
4. He was right about the war from the start.
I will let him speak for himself. This is a quote from a speech that Obama gave right around the October 2002 vote to invade Iraq. (Obama was not yet a Senator at the time and did not vote).
“I know that Saddam poses no imminent and direct threat to the United States, or to his neighbors… I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than the best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment arm of al-Qaeda. I am not opposed to all wars. I’m opposed to dumb wars.”
On this score, those who want out of Iraq need to think very carefully about McCain and the ramifications of his impending nomination. While he does tend to be more moderate in some areas, he is a strong supporter of the war and wants an enduring American presence in Iraq (if you call 100 years enduring).
5. Obama has a good health plan.
You can read the whole thing here, but essentially, he wants to make a national plan for all Americans that is modeled after the coverage Congress has. Employers would still offer coverage as they have, or they would contribute to the national plan. All children would be required to have coverage. He estimates his plan would lower costs by $2,500 on average annually per family. He estimates the cost of the plan at around $50-65 billion and plans to fund it with the surplus when Bush’s tax gifts to the rich and famous run out.
6. Obama has always worked for the environment.
He gets the environment. It’s not just talk. During his undergrad at Columbia, he worked with a Ralph Nader offshoot organization trying to convince minority students at City College in Harlem to recycle. In 2004, the the League of Conservation Voters named him an Environmental Champion, one of only 18 members of Congress to receive the award.
7. He will protect Net Neutrality.
If you haven’t heard of Net Neutrality, basically the deal is this: large corporations and gatekeepers of the big internet pipes have been toying with the idea of an “upcharge” for premiere customers, like other big corporations and rich people, thus leaving the slow internet for the rest of us schmucks. We are just starting to bridge the digital divide and it would be a real shame to lose what we have gained now.
8. Obama will overhaul No Child Left Behind.
Let’s face it, No Child Left Behind sucks eggs. It “teaches to the test” and penalizes schools that started out as lower performers to begin with. Obama still would expect excellence from our schools, but he wants to grade on progress, not some imaginary line in a sand. That way, if a child is 3 years behind in reading and makes up 2, that school is recognized for their efforts, not penalized as they are now.
9. Obama thinks about the little guy in terms of the economy.
Bushes tax cuts – everything he has done since he took office, really, has been to make his rich friends richer. Sure, we all got some piddly $300 check here and there, but did that REALLY impact our lives? What it did (in conjunction with an outrageously expensive war) is give our children a mountain of debt. Obama believes in jobs-based recovery, not “give to the rich so they can spend more and spark our economy” recovery.
10. He is optimistic.
I know this sounds funny coming from me, when I am usually fairly cynical – but I love that I have a candidate here who gets me excited and enthralled. Honestly, sometimes when I listen Clinton talk, all I hear is bitter. When I listen to Obama, I hear hope. I feel like HERE is a person who can make the world respect us again. HERE is a person who is ready to go, do what he needs to, isn’t tired – but energized! So, let’s. LET. HIM. GO!
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I’d love to hear your thoughts as well.
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UPDATED OVER LUNCH:
A friend just sent me this video. Talk about an articulate, AWESOME young man. Who speaks to so much of what I just said above.
My wife and I will be Baracking the vote in Ohio on March 4th! Keep your fingers crossed!
Well typed. Our country needs some hope lately. It has been too many years of not taking care of the people in our own country.
GO Obama!
Bryan
Trish, good point. However, lots of people around the world lost faith in us when we elected Bush a second time. (Well, a bunch of people lost faith the first time, but that’s neither here nor there)… 😉
And Dave – GO GO GO! 😉
And Bryan, I knew I could count on your support. Hubby.
first- thank you for writing this post. it’s excellent. we’re definitely on the same page. the obama page. 🙂
secondly, this whole business about voting with our vaginas…who started this nonsense? i keep hearing about it. it’s pissing me off.
thirdly, he inspires me to feel hope, finally. it’s exciting to have a candidate who is positive and hopeful. i believe things can and will change under his leadership.
p.s. he’s speaking in seattle today. i’m going to try to get out of work to go see him.
My dream, my dream come true? Obama and Clinton, Prez and VP. I don’t even care what order they’re in.
And Trish! Good to see you from NaBlo!!
Well, As a republican I can say Bush has us in a huge mess. The War, housing crunch, the list can go forever. Aimee is correct that there will be no Madam President this time. But I think what we also should look at is if McCain adds Huckabee to the ticket. I travel and sing to a lot of folks through the bible belt, They will vote for the the ticket with Huckabee on it. Obama’s plan may be the best one, But the bible thumpers will not vote for him. There has been message after message circulated about him being a muslim. That won’t set well with the people I just mentioned even if it isn’t true. Just giving some insight to what I hear around the country.
Darren, that is incredibly scary – back to the push polling that happened to McCain in 2000.
I believe he is an enthusiastic person with some great ideas. I guess the Republican in me-that believes we tax pretty much everything in the world these days to fund programs that don’t work does not believe some of the budget ideas he has….What the heck funding $50-65 billion with the “surplus when Bush’s tax gifts to the rich and famous run out” are you talking about?!! Yikes! Scary!
So sad-we can’t find one decent honest to goodness candidate!
Carrie
i voted for Obama 😉
http://www.alimartell.com/index.php/2008/02/06/wimpsclibamasand-fingers-in-boxes/
I’ve been an Obama supporter for a long time and was shocked and surprised to see that MA actually went to Clinton on Super Tuesday given the tremendous support that showed up at his rally the night before (which not only did I attend, but I got to be one of the people cheering him on from the risers behind him! We still have our signs and we taped them up in the front windows of our house.)
One of the things that I find most respectible about Barack is his ability to stand up for what is right. At the Boston rally this week Obama recounted a story about talking environmental policy change and that it’s easy to talk about environmental change infront of the Sierra Club, but try doing it like he did recently: in Michigan in front of Auto Executives that just stood there and stared at him while everyone else around them cheered. Now THAT’S hard and THAT’s what I want in my president.
What bugs me about Hillary is that it seems like she’s starting to use her gender in a manipulative way. Is it just me or does she start tearing up right before big election days? As a WOMAN, that irritates the hell out of me.
Carrie, I should have said funding in part. When I have time later (gotta drop the kid at school) I will look up the exact details again to post. Obviously I was being a little facetious with that comment. Although the tax cuts *were* gifts to the rich.
Also, one more though on the 50-65 billion for health care. Iraq costs more than that every year.
I am famous but not rich I only got a $500 dollar check. Repealing the Bush tax cuts doesn’t bother me one bit. If it means a easier route for my children. Also no child left behind SUCKS. It needs to be tweaked. Healthcare I have read Obama’s plan he is the first to say he can make it affordable for those who want it. If he is elected (Obama) the only way you can make these things happen is to vote out all the old school congressmen and senators who sit there stuffing there pockets with special interest money and giving kick backs to all the people who paid to help get them elected. A government DO OVER!!!!
Government Do-over. I love it.
From your fingertips to the voters’ ears m’dear.
As a former Republican, now registered Democrat, I voted for Obama on Super Tuesday in OK, a state that went to Clinton. I have been on the the Barack Obama bandwagon for a few months without quite knowing why until recently. He spoke to me – his message is one of hope and renewal and of doing what is right – for our children, for our future, for our country, for our neighbors and for the world.
McCain is not as scary as others, but his lack of knowledge of the economy and his eagerness for success in Iraq (by whose standards?) at any cost scare me. The cost is not only economic and is far reaching. If coupled with Huckabee, there is no way any centrist Republican would vote for him, imo. (and you may well ask, what centrist Republican? The two in the NE?)
FoxNews and InSight Magazine tried a smear campaign by trying to label Obama Muslim and claiming that he was sworn in with his hand on the Koran. Lies. Dirty, tacky lies. CNN refuted it as well as other sources, including Barack Obama himself.
WELL DONE! I just loved this post… I will be linking to you!
~e
Remember how part of the reason GW Bush wanted to be President was to “avenge” his father?
I can’t help but wonder if Hillary’s run is to avenge how the Clinton’s were treated in the 90’s.
Food for thought.
Excellent points. I know my dyed-in-the-wool liberal friends can’t fully understand all the reasons I’m torn between my competing priorities, but there’s a LOT about Obama that I really like, and I don’t think I’ve said that about any candidate before, let alone a Dem.
Watching closely until November…
Meg – steal away!
I have been avoiding even thinking about the election as it just keep irritating me and making me mad at all “Politics” – but after reading your blog…and after reading more and more the past few days..I am totally with you on this one. Barack will be getting my vote.
ROCK ON SCOTT!
Well said! Thank you for putting it out in such clear terms. This is exactly what I’ve been trying to say, but I haven’t managed it this eloquently.
“(being) First Lady gave her as much experience as everyone seems the think”
Yea, just because I live with my husband and we talk about his job DOES NOT mean I could walk in, sit down, and do it.
Period.
He had my vote! And will continue to have it!
I’m waiting to hear who Dr. Phil is endorsing before I make a committment.
Elections bring out the worse in me.
Awesome! Wait! Let’s just elect Dr. Phil instead!
NOT.
😉
Hello Aimee and fellow primates,
Please excuse the canned nature of this reply. It says what needs to be said, now, before its too late! Take a pause, look around, and ask yourselves why your so-called leaders are going to such great lengths to keep you focused on money, religion, and politics. What are they trying to hide?
So, what are the chances that politics will solve anything before creating new and bigger problems?
Wisdom dictates that we let results speak for themselves, hence the instruction to “know them by their fruits” (the end-results of deeds). Now look at this sad, sordid, and chaotic excuse for a civilization, created by money, religion, and politics, and tell me again that these three “strong delusions” are good for anyone, except those in power. Look around at monetary, political, and religious leaders to see how many are little more than snakes in fancy clothing, constantly writhing to avoid truth and justice. Consequently, humanity has long suffered from the horrendous side effects of a long-term lack of wisdom, imposed by millennia of greedy and deceptive leaders and their flimflam deceptions.
A wise man once explained that insanity is often characterized by doing the same thing over and over, while expecting different results. Humanity has been struggling and suffering because of money, politics, and religion for millennia, yet ages-old evils persist and humanity’s errors have grown so great that all life is now threatened with widespread destruction and/or extinction.
That brings us to the crux question !!
Here is Wisdom…
Peace…
Steve, I think I need to get a dictionary to understand what you are trying to get at, but I always appreciate a different perspective.
On a side note, it’s wild that you bring up the Einstein quote regarding insanity – a guy from pottery class was using that exact phrase in bawdy jokes last night.
That video was awesome, thanks for the update!
I am so with you. Point for point.
This is a fantastic post, Aimee. Well stated. Thank you.
This is a great post, Aimee — I am leaning strongly Barack myself.
Go see http://www.halfchangedworld.com for an interesting perspective on endorsements.
Marney, as a professional planner myself, I would normally embrace the fact that Hillary’s got well-laid plans (even if I don’t necessarily embrace the plans themselves).
But here’s what I think is so valuable about Barack’s optimism: He inspires a wide range of people to work together to solve problems. He doesn’t claim to have all the answers himself.
Hillary, on the other hand, may have great plans, but I think she believes that SHE has the right answers, and may not be as willing to collaborate or amend her plans.
(Also, as a Rep myself, I have to cheer the fact that of the Rep candidates, McCain is the one that has consistently reached across the aisle and is not a mouthpiece for the religious right like Huckabee and Romney – well, at least not as much.)
Marney, I definitely hear you. You have good points.
I think Julie/Mothergoosemouse made a good comment in return and also I wanted to clarify, I have never thought that Obama wasn’t *serious* – just hopeful and ready to look to the future, not bicker about the past.
Honestly – and I saw a couple other people mention it…your synopsis of these topics was GREAT! It is written and explained in words that us non-political type people understand. Have you ever considered becoming a campaign manager??
Marney – One thing that I think is great about Barack is his enthusiasm, and like mothergoosemouse said…he doesn’t claim to have all the answers. I respect that. I would rather have a President that will admit to faults…and one that is willing to work on those faults with other people who are more knowledgable in certain areas. That is one thing that I think he strives towards. And I also agree that Hillary has the attitude that she must always be right. And that just scares me.
Also – Marney, I repsect your opinion and want you to know that I love that you are willing to come onto this blog and voice your opinions. This is one of the things I love about this country. That you are able to do just that.
And Aimee….I love that you are ok with that as well. You are well respected here…and that is awesome.
Long time reader….just recent commenter. 🙂
Scott, very nice words – thanks very much.
Love ya babe but if they would allow this Canuck to vote, Obama would be the LAST candidate who’d get mine.
I think I could do a Top 100 reasons NOT to vote for him. And one of my top reasons would be the one sited by a little paper called the New York Times. While in Iowa during a stump speech Obama claimed to have “passed” a bill regulating nuclear power plants.
Trouble is, that measure never was approved by the Senate. The bill was to have required nuclear power plants to alert citizens if even minor leaks of radioactive waste were discovered. Under current law, only significant leaks must be made public.
While Obama claimed to have “passed” a bill that never did pass, he also participated in negotiations that watered down the measure to the point of meaninglessness. That, however, didn’t stop him from claiming the mantle of being pro-environment and anti-nuclear pollution while campaigning. Is this another case of “I invented the Internet”?
What’s worse, he took campaign contributions worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from Exelon executives and employees. Exelon is the company that owned a plant that kept smaller leaks quiet. According to its own Web site, it is also the largest nuclear power provider in the nation.
really inspiring post. thanks.
“HERE is a person who can make the world respect us again.”
I never lost respect for American people. Just your President.
This is a really great post. I hope lots of undecided voters read it. And I hope Obama can overcome the mess that is the Democrats’ system for selecting a nominee. There’ll be hell to pay if he wins amongst voters but loses amongst the super-delegates.
Oh please oh please oh please…
Like the man in the video, I, too, like the mix of private and public health care Obama is proposing. Healthcare is one of my top priorities.
Amber, I went and foud the NY Times article you refer to. If anyone would like to read it, here it is.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/us/politics/03exelon.html
So from the article, it does seem he did misspeak about the passing the bill part.
In general though, it seems like he was trying to negotiate through several obstacles. I think he is getting an fairly undeserved workover on this one.
And it was odd how the article was super against him in the beginning to set the tone, but not much of the supporting evidence was very condemning.
P.S. Al Gore never said he invented the internet. That was a grossly misconstrued comment that turned into a common joke.
Haha, government do-over…I love it!
My two cents, as a Republican (with-some-liberal-tendencies), I think we need a change. A big one.
I can’t really get behind McCain’s “we’ll stay in Iraq for 100 years if that’s what it takes” type of thinking. I’m really tired of the status-quo and that NEEDS to change. I think a Democrat might be able to shake things up a bit.
This Republican may very well Barack the vote next Tuesday. I have A LOT of thinking to do.
amen. I just posted about this.
http://notthatidontlovemykids.blogspot.com/2008/01/i-worked-pole-i-mean-poll.html
Thank you for posting this! I will be refering many a person to your blog. I have loved Obama since I heard him speak at the 2004 Democratic Convention.
I’m in Wisconsin and you better believe I am going to Barack The Vote!
I love you.
I couldn’t have said it better and therefore I will be stealing this entire post from you. Please don’t sue me.
I too have been taking flack for not ‘voting with my hoohoo.’
When I listen to Barack speak I’m reminded of another young, so called inexperienced Irish Catholic candidate of the past who, in spite of a very short run, changed the world.
I’m fighting in PA!
Hi Aimee –
I’ve been lurking around your blog for a few weeks now and have very much enjoyed it here – but this is the first time I’ve posted.
This post really resonated with me. I have admired Barack Obama for several years. There are a few of his policies I don’t agree with, but I don’t agree with ANY of the hopefuls 100% – I’m not sure that’s even possible. And I also agree with what Trish said – what a MESS of a “Democratic” system of voting. UGH.
Over the years I have tried out different political parties, but finally became so disheartened with anything political, I was no longer even registered (I know, I know…….).
This time around it finally seemed there were several worthy hopefuls in BOTH political parties, and it sparked MY hopes again. I intentionally waited to register to vote until the last second, in order to decide which person I would vote for.
I actually decided upon Mitt Romney. He is a man of true integrity, and I think he would have made a fine president. I am angry at all the propaganda regarding his religious beliefs, and how quickly people believe things they know nothing about – similar to all the lies spread about Obama. Anyway, I was saddened to see Romney exit the race yesterday, and am hoping we will see him again in the future.
However, that isn’t the end of my story, because the thought of McCain and Huckabee on the ticket together scares me.
I still admire Barack Obama, and along with Aimee, I’d like to say PLEASE GIVE HIM YOUR VOTE!!! He is a fine man, and I believe he would indeed, make a fine president.
So, should he become the Democratic candidate, I will once again pull a 180, register a Democrat, and be pleased as punch to vote for him. And that, my friends, is my long, drawn-out way of sharing my little political world with you 😉
Meg
Oh and to Carrie: Why is it when we have one decent honest to goodness candidate, we allow prejudice and propaganda to cloud our vision?
I too am usually a Republican leaning Independent about to Barack the Vote.
I can’t take any more of the BS that is being spoon fed to the people of this country.
I truly like what Barack stands for. Working inside the beltway (aka Washington DC), tho its hard to see how anyone person, even a President, can make change without a Congress behind him.
Truly, we need a Congressional “Do Over” (good choice of words, whoever coined that!) to support Barack. I hope he is strong enough to force change, because that is what he’s going to have to do.
Meg, thanks for coming out of lurkdom to express your thoughts. I may not agree with you on Romney (not that I don’t think he was honest, I just don’t agree with his politics), but I appreciate you sharing your feelings about him. Welcome!
Barack has sparked hope in all of us that there is a bright light in all this darkness.
Thank you Aimee!!
Virginia hasn’t voted yet, so your post has really helped me put some thoughts in order. Wish me luck next Tuesday!
BTW, I’ve already seen links to your post on other people’s blogs today. Way to write!
Just what you’re looking for I’m sure….
The first time I post to your blog, I voice my non-support for Obama.
Most of my disdain is based upon your very last point. However, I will start by saying that I agree that he is…optimistic.
But that’s the problem that I have with this “band wagon” of supporters. Most can only cite as his number one qualification is that he is inspirational.
I get that. I agree with it.
But your emotion can’t rule the vote. Or, is it rock the vote?
Regardless, the voters who are voting with their “feel goods” after listening to him, better start figuring out exactly what he will do with the country. Yes we can…bla, bla, bla. He’s articulate. Good for him. There’s thousands of other people who are articulate, inspirational, motivational.
Hell, why don’t we just elect Tony Robbins?
I like Hilary. Always have.
In fact, when it comes down to it, I always considered her President Clinton’s Vice President more than I did Gore.
She’s a leader. She’s ready to do business. We need a plan and she has one.
So what if she’s serious? Maybe a little bitter at times?
I sure as hell am.
I’ve been listening to a President with a vocabulary of a 2nd grader for almost that last eight years. And, I’m ready for a person to get down to it and get us out of this mess.
My mind and my vagina, both agree.
Stolen! Well, no, not really, I just linked to it on my blog and stole the video 🙂 Thanks for saying everything I haven’t taken the time yet to articulate.
Aimee, Great post!!!! I really and totally agree with you on #10. I get excited about him! I have never actually felt that towards any candidate…. ever!
I can feel his excitment.
When I hear Hilary talk, I definitely don’t get that. I, like you, just hear bitter and also some arrogance or over-confidience… Something.
I just read through the comments…. I agree completely with Julie/mothergoosemouse and Scott about WHY I like Obama. He inspires so many and can get people to stop and think, or it least he has me. A year or more ago, I started paying attention to him. So I am not just jumping on a bandwagon either. I have read, research and watched so I feel educated on why I like him.
BTW – I typically lean republican in my views.
All i can say is, you said it! even my 89 year old grandpa voted for obama in the georgia primary this week!!
So. Wish. I. Could. Vote. But a tiny part of me is relieved that I don’t have to decide between Obama and Clinton.
Thank you Amy. This is a wonderful post, and I hope it helps. I don’t usually talk politics either and I finally felt compelled to say something on Super Tuesday when I was confronted by THREE different people who were basing their decisions NOT to vote for OBAMA on email forwards smearing him. I had to say something about how people are making their decisions.
I’m excited what Obama brings to this election. While I think Hillary could do the job, I feel she is too divisive and like you said, she would be faced with fighting the same fights (and more) that Bill did.
Thank you for sharing that video. It gives me hope for so many things.
This is very impressive. And what I’m most impressed with is you researched and made up your own mind. I am doing the same.
You gave me more food for thought.
Thanks for the reminders. For a minute I was honestly considering Hillary. I guess I’m just afraid she’s going to win and I don’t want to be disappointed.
He took all 4 states yesterday! Awesome!
I agree with everything in your article and I have been an Obama fan and have worked on his campaign in the Kansas City area, but I must say the following… If one more white person describes a black person as articulate, I think I’m going to lose my mind. Is this a surprise to white people? Why is it that the first thing that’s said about an intelligent black person is that he/she is articulate? When was the last time that you used that adjective for your white peers? Probably never. What don’t you get about this?
First of all, congratulations Aimee. I cannot get over the responses that this post has generated. I’ve been an Obama supporter since he was the keynote speaker at the Democratic Convention in 2004. I’ve been keeping up with him ever since.
There are many reasons to vote for him, but I agree that a big one is that I just don’t think that Hillary can win. And even if she does win, I don’t think she is good for the country. Don’t get me wrong. I like her and her ideas for the most part. But after so many years of at least half of the country truly hating our President,(and I mean Bill and George) I just think that country has to have a leader that can put it behind us.
Go Obama! I hope he wins. It has been an interesting race so far. Thank you for your vote.
You know, the more I read about superdelegates, the more I think “WTF?” I don’t remember them ever being an issue… then again, being in California, this is the first time in a long time I’ve paid much attention to the primaries.
Nate – I totally see your point. Although (not making fun of you AT ALL) but when this post got dugg on Digg, it was described as “articulate,” so I had to chuckle a little bit. So I guess white gals get called that too.
Although for some reason the post got pulled from Digg! I can’t figure out why.
And Dd: This *is* the first time they have ever been an issue. They were put in place in 1982 to stop another popular nominee like Jimmy Carter that didn’t have the support of the party. Since then, there has always been a clear frontrunner so their votes have not come into play. If you can believe it, the Republicans do not gave a similar system.
P.S. Also, Nate, I think my “articulate” was coming from the kid’s age, not his color. So, I promise, I was being more ageist than racist. 😉
But you are right. Too many people are surprised by such things, like the man doing the interview who had preconceived notions about a great many things.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Love it! Love it! Love it!
Go’Bama!
Awesome post. Bring on the ‘Bama.
Let’s hope tomorrow goes as well as this weekend!
i’ve seen mr. obama twice in person and he is such a rock star! he gets the crowd going, and that’s what we need- people to get excited about our president again!
This was such an unbelievably awesome post, Aimee. I forwarded the link to family and friends because it says what I’ve been wanting to say forever and couldn’t articulate.
I find the term voting with one’s vagina to refer to women supporting women in part because they are of the same sex so offensive. I realize that it is not your term, Aimee. Men who vote for men are never said to vote with their cocks or penises. I expect that most of the women who are supporting Hillary have thought about why they are doing so with their brains, especially in this election with two compelling democratic candidates. As to which minority deserves a win more, that seems to sell both candidates short. In any case, I appreciate your willingness to put your thoughts out there and with such good research behind them. Thanks for being brave and willing to talk politics.
mamagnome, I am sorry that I offended you with the term… But I guess what I was trying to say is that I don’t want to just vote for Hillary because she is a woman and I am feeling quite a lot of pressure to do so for that reason alone. I *am* very proud of her accomplishments, and I liked how my friend MB talked about it in her pro-Clinton post, where she wanted to be able to tell her daughter that women can do anything. *That* is really cool. But elsewhere, I am seeing and hearing a lot of people tell me that it is my duty to vote for Clinton simply because she is a woman. I actually find that really offensive myself – same as if I were to see a man telling other men that they needed to vote for a man because he was a man. Really my whole point for #2 was that I wish it was a non-issue, and I thought that is what feminists were fighting for anyway. To make it a non-issue. Not to make women align with women over men.
Thanks for clarifying Aimee! I agree with MB’s follow-up comment entirely (especially the Condoleeza bit). I also like your optimistic hope that women are beyond needing to consider such factors. While I do think there are so many more opportunities available to women than ever before, I think we still have a long way to go towards real equality. What is more depressing to me than people who will vote for Hillary just because she is a woman are the people who will not vote for her just because she is a woman (Stanley Fish wrote an interesting op-ed about the irrationality of the Hillary-haters). And everything I have just written goes for African Americans as well. More depressing than the people who will vote for Barack because he is African American are the people who will not. In any case, I am really happy that you are so willing to write about your political journey on your blog. It definitely keeps me thinking.
Oh and Aimee, I just wanted to clarify that you did not offend me by using the phrase voting with one’s vagina–it is just the existence of the term that indicates to me that we have a long way to go. Thanks, Jennifer
Good comments MB and Mamgnome, thanks for adding to the discussion!
And thank you Gina, I am really flattered!
What an interesting, ongoing and CIVIL discussion!
I think anyone who would vote for someone JUST BECAUSE SHE’S A WOMAN is mis-guided. I wouldn’t vote for Condaleeza Rice if she were running! I do, however think we owe Hillary huge consideration because she’s a credible candidate AND she’s a woman. She will get my biggest consideration but I wouldn’t vote for her just because she’s a girl.
Excellent points about Barack. I worry about inexperience…first lady or not, Hillary’s a tried and true, solid senator. And she has support from other extremely respectable lawmakers. I like that.
wow. i am was am ??? a Hillary Clinton supporter- however, your 10 reasons list was articulate and made sense. While I might not have voted for Obama on superTuesday- if I had read this post first…I might have. i think i would be more than comfortable supporting Obama in the future.-gina
http://theunpinkladies.blogspot.com/
WTG Obama in Potomac!
I’m a blogging enfant, but have been a delighted lurker as I click on link after link to read what’s out there. Man, this is an AMAZING ride.
I live in Utah. This state has got some way-crazy politics. Here, in the reddest of red states, if you’re a registered Democrat you vote for Democratic candidates in the primary. Makes sense. And if you’re a registered Republican, you vote for Republican candidates in the primary. Clear?
When you’ve registered as Unaffiliated (yes, we have such a registry), you can vote in the Democratic primary — but only after announcing (most people do it loudly and proudly) at the registration table that you are voting as such.
Get this. If you want to vote in the Republican primary (remember, you’re a registered Unaffiliated “party” member), you must register as a Republican in order to do so.
If you’re still with me, you’re probably scratching your head. For many reasons. But really, unless it’s election season, Utah is a great place to live. I’m staying.
Back to topic: Independent voters gave Barack the advantage here. I imagine that would be the case elsewhere, too. And in spite of the vagina coalition that seems to be supporting Hillary, Utah (a state with a reputation for patriarchal oppression of women) threw its Democratic vote in Barack’s favor.
It makes me believe. Really.
Here’s more (but try and disregard most of the intellectually challenged commenters on the Trib comment board — we’re not all THAT WAY. I promise):
http://www.sltrib.com//ci_8193012?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com
Just found this post, a bit late. And while I don’t agree with everything you said, it gave me food for thought. Thanks.
Does the interviewer in that video annoy the piss out of anyone else? He keeps asking the kid questions, the cutting him off with a new one as soon as he realizes he’s actually got an intelligent answer.
We Barack’ed the vote in Wisconsin! Woo!
And I’m also an Obama’Mama!
WOO! GO OBAMA!
Came to your blog through a friend’s links. We’ve been for Obama from the start and are thrilled that so many people are joining the campaign. Thoroughly enjoyed and agree with your well-written thoughts. We’ll be linking to you!
late on this one – very good post!
first of all saying he is bringing change… there are two kinds of change (good change and bad change), no one knows which on he will give us. secondly, saying he was right about the war, are you serious? you must have had your head stuck in the sand to believe saddam did NOT pose a threat to his neighbors or the U.S. Obama said the surge will not work (again everyone knows it did). Also you mentioned tax cuts, again everyone wants to take from the rich and give to the poor. Do you think the people that make more than 250k just woke up and were making that (the answer is no). So we should tax them because they took a risk to build a business, had ambition, and are now creating jobs so that average people can work!!! I mean come on! That is stupid! If you had a business and the corporate tax in one country is 35% and another is 12% which makes more sense for a business? (the answer is the 12%) Obama wants to raise U.S. corporate taxes from 35%, Ireland’s is 12%. Now you wonder why jobs are being shipped off!!! And don’t think if you make more than 40,000 a year that he will give a lot more tax relief than mccain. He just won’t. And if you think the national deficit is bad now. wait till obama gets in. He says we need reform and to stop throwing money to every little program. well, how are you going to help our schools… obama’s (paraphrased) answer: more money. how are we going to reform this (or that); again we need more money according obama. i could go on all day…
btw, i posted the above post too, but here is a question for all the obama supporters above… give me ONE GOOD reason to vote for obama (other than change)?