Appealing to Our Higher Selves
McCain is a legitimate war hero. He survived being blown up in a accidental plane accident, he survived a airplane crash and near drowning and he survive imprisonment and torture in a concentration camp. McCain is one tough guy. As a senator, McCain has demonstrated his toughness, stubbornness and childhood tendency to buck authority and think for himself. He garnered both a reputation as a maverick and a fun guy to have at a party. But the question is what has McCain really done? When he was a soldier, did he lead men into battle? Did he formulate military strategies? Was he a military leader? He is a war hero because he survived incredible odds and showed great courage. Is he a leader or a survivor?
The Clintons are survivors. Throughout their political careers they have survived missteps and serious allegations of misconduct. They survived misguided financial involvements and outrageous affairs. In office, they seemed to be on a Juggernaut of disaster on a monthly basis. They were able to weather partisan attacks and come out smiling. They’ve proven they can protect themselves in a hostile Washington climate. Can they lead? Sure, Bill has proven he can lead with incredible charm and political skill. Can Hillary lead? Well…Hillary was on committees. Now I’ve been on a lot of committees. Everyone says their piece (sometimes merely to justify why they are on the committee), members toss some ideas around, duties get assigned and not much gets accomplished. If we were to rate Hillary on her leadership by assessing the role she played in pushing through more progressive health care reform Hillary wouldn’t get high marks. Sure she was there. Sure she worked on the committee. The question was what got done? Bill does claim Hillary worked with him on many issues he negotiated as president. But were the decisions Bill made his or hers? Hmm? Maybe both. If Hillary is elected will we just be electing Billary again for a third term?
Obama seems to be the only candidate to have legitimately been a leader. Obama has proven he is a highly effective community organizer. His ability to organize, inspire, delegate, pick quality talent and make things happen is well proven by both his community work and by his brilliant campaigns. In the Senate, he has shown good judgment in making thoughtful choices and taken leadership positions while working with others. He consistently takes strong stands for the rights of all Americans. He has pushed consistently for reform and shown such exemplary skill as a politician and brilliance as a person he has earned the respect of everyone he has worked with. During this campaign, he has shown remarkable restraint and wisdom while under heavy personal attack. He has done more than survive. His articulate reframing of incendiary issues has set new precedents. Hillary has appealed to what is worst in America. Obama appeals to our higher selves and asks us to believe there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. While the Republicans and the Clinton campaign seek to win by dividing the country, Obama seeks to win by bringing the country together. Aren’t these the qualities every American wants in a president?
It is my hope the American people will elect a president I can respect. I hope that president is Barrack Obama.
The Clintons are survivors. Throughout their political careers they have survived missteps and serious allegations of misconduct. They survived misguided financial involvements and outrageous affairs. In office, they seemed to be on a Juggernaut of disaster on a monthly basis. They were able to weather partisan attacks and come out smiling. They’ve proven they can protect themselves in a hostile Washington climate. Can they lead? Sure, Bill has proven he can lead with incredible charm and political skill. Can Hillary lead? Well…Hillary was on committees. Now I’ve been on a lot of committees. Everyone says their piece (sometimes merely to justify why they are on the committee), members toss some ideas around, duties get assigned and not much gets accomplished. If we were to rate Hillary on her leadership by assessing the role she played in pushing through more progressive health care reform Hillary wouldn’t get high marks. Sure she was there. Sure she worked on the committee. The question was what got done? Bill does claim Hillary worked with him on many issues he negotiated as president. But were the decisions Bill made his or hers? Hmm? Maybe both. If Hillary is elected will we just be electing Billary again for a third term?
Obama seems to be the only candidate to have legitimately been a leader. Obama has proven he is a highly effective community organizer. His ability to organize, inspire, delegate, pick quality talent and make things happen is well proven by both his community work and by his brilliant campaigns. In the Senate, he has shown good judgment in making thoughtful choices and taken leadership positions while working with others. He consistently takes strong stands for the rights of all Americans. He has pushed consistently for reform and shown such exemplary skill as a politician and brilliance as a person he has earned the respect of everyone he has worked with. During this campaign, he has shown remarkable restraint and wisdom while under heavy personal attack. He has done more than survive. His articulate reframing of incendiary issues has set new precedents. Hillary has appealed to what is worst in America. Obama appeals to our higher selves and asks us to believe there is hope for a brighter tomorrow. While the Republicans and the Clinton campaign seek to win by dividing the country, Obama seeks to win by bringing the country together. Aren’t these the qualities every American wants in a president?
It is my hope the American people will elect a president I can respect. I hope that president is Barrack Obama.
posted by Michelle Coder | 10:19 PM
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