Primary Druthers

I have not yet written on the primaries because I'm still terribly conflicted. Following represent both sides of the Obama's inspiration vs. Hillary First Woman President dilemma that many of us are facing.

"I will vote for Hillary if she is the nominee of my party, because I want Democrats appointed to the Cabinet and the Supreme Court. But I plan to vote for Barack Obama in the Pennsylvania primary because he is a rational, centered personality who speaks the language of idealism and national unity. Obama has served longer as an elected official than Hillary. He has had experience as a grass-roots activist, and he is also a highly educated lawyer who will be a quick learner in office. His international parentage and childhood, as well as his knowledge of both Christianity and Islam, would make him the right leader at the right time. And his wife Michelle is a powerhouse. The Obamas represent the future, not the past."*

"With 15 years of experience in international affairs as a U.S. senator and as first lady, and more than 35 years as an attorney and advocate, (Hillary) Clinton is a visionary leader with the skills and experience to be president. Voters across the country are responding to her historic campaign. She has repeatedly outperformed her opponents in primary debates, and polls show her gaining ground while her rivals are falling back.

Clinton is uniquely able to handle the vicissitudes of the campaign trail and the Republican attack machine. Since becoming a national figure in the 1990s, she has been examined, analyzed, and attacked from all sides — attention she has finessed with courage and grace. “I believe strongly that as Democrats and progressives, we have to tell people what our vision is and what we want to do,” she says. “We’re running a positive, issue-oriented, visionary campaign. But if people try to derail us, you can count on me to stand my ground and fight back.”

* Note to self: I am NOT a fan of Camille Paglia and disagree with a great deal of what she writes here and elsewhere. However, this passage sums up the argument for Obama so I repeat it here.