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Clintonites, it's time for Obama
- Apr 5, 2008 at 9:36 AM
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- Comments (8) Total Views (156) Everyone can see this journal post.
My fellow Clintonites, it's time for Obama
FOR SUPPORTERS of Senator Hillary Clinton, like me, it's time to get behind her rival, Senator Barack Obama.
The exposure of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.'s outrageous and divisive remarks has injected the raw emotions associated with race relations into the presidential campaign. This new dynamic raises the stakes in an already high-stakes race. Our responsibility as progressive-minded voters is to show Americans a positive alternative to the toxic politics of race. Rallying around Obama now increases our chances of doing just that. Obama has run a positive and inspiring campaign, and has attracted a majority of pledged delegates. It is hard to envision a scenario in which Democratic superdelegates override the will of millions of primary voters and caucus participants. Obama will be the nominee.
Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding Wright presents Republicans with a polarizing wedge issue to exploit with general election voters. This approach not only risks an Obama loss in November - denying us a fresh, capable leader - but it would set the country back in its racial reconciliation process. Americain 2008 should be better than that.
As we have done at many key junctures in our nation's history, Democrats and other progressive-minded voters must lead the way. The current firestorm is an opportunity to move beyond the anger and resentment that have characterized our nation's dialogue on race. By throwing our enthusiastic support behind Obama now, voters of all political stripes can echo the candidate's refrain, "Not this time."
There have been many moments in our history when we failed to heed that call. Twenty years ago, as a staffer of Governor Michael Dukakis's presidential campaign, I observed the use of the now-famous "Willie Horton" ad to undermine a good man's character, fan the flames of racial division and distract voters from the most important issues of the time.
Not this time. We have an opportunity to show that we have learned from our mistakes. The first step, which Obama took in his recent speech on race, was to condemn Wright's offensive rhetoric.
The second step is in our hands: Strengthen Obama as the Democratic nominee by uniting behind him now. Amplify his postpartisan message to American voters. Families in Pennsylvania, like those across America, are feeling insecure about their jobs, healthcare, their children's education, and the safety of the nation. They want leaders to be bold and practical in addressing our most serious challenges, and to work across party lines to achieve results. Obama promises to do that.
Those of us who have supported Clinton and continue to believe that she would be an excellent president can play an important part in moving our nation forward by supporting Obama. We can spread the word that he offers the right leadership for these challenging times.
Our support would send a powerful message that the United States is headed in a new direction - on race relations, certainly, but perhaps most importantly, on what it means to be an American.
Tripp Jones is cofounder of MassINC. 
Comments:
Before reading this post i was really supportive of either Obama or Hillary getting the ticket because to me Either one getting in to office would mean a beautiful change for our country,
Not to mention How much we the American people would be moving forward towards being a more open minded nation in general.
Than i read this editorial...
"Those of us who have supported Clinton and continue to believe that she would be an excellent president can play an important part in moving our nation forward by supporting Obama. "
Well of course it would because That would mean He would than have ALL OF THE SUPPORT...
And yes it is a phenomenal thing to have an African American man running for office But what about moving our nation forward by supporting a woman...
Now that's something we haven't done before and id say that's equally as excotic If not just as important .
Our support would send a powerful message that the United States is headed in a new direction - on race relations, certainly, but perhaps most importantly, on what it means to be an American....
OK first off i can't believe Tripp Jones is pulling the RACE CARD So hard But what about
Saying that our support of a woman would send the Message that the United States is headed in a new direction With Sexism ... ?
To me THAT Is Most importantly what it means to Not only be an american But a WOMAN !!
Now after reading this editorial i realised Just how much i do not play in to the whole race card issue But how much it would mean to me to have a woman running for office...
So THE ONLY WAY I WILL SUPPORT OBAMA is if he is my only other choice besides another republican getting in to office
Thanks for sharing Tripp Jones's editorial with us :)
Well, that was the point of Mr. Tripp's editorial. He believes that Obama WILL be the only other choice besides another Republican getting into office... and if we don't pull together and support him now-- in the months leading up to the November election-- we are seriously hurting our chances of putting a Dem in the White House.
And quite frankly, if reading ONE man's editorial is enough to make this supposed drastic change from being "really supportive of either Obama or Hillary getting the ticket because to me Either one getting in to office would mean a beautiful change for our country" to now the "ONLY WAY" you'll support Obama is if he's the "only other choice", then you weren't really supportive of Obama in the first place.
You've been on my friend's list for a long time and I've read your posts on many topics.... never pegged you as one to be influenced so strongly by one little op-ed.
Actually it was the way he was trying to sway a vote tha irritated me
and unfortunately having just read this blog after having heard the race card pulled one to many times in other areas and through out the media i suppose i reacted rather harshly ...(My apologies to you)
Though my reaction was not because of you and your opinion but to Tripp Jones editorial.
In my opinion the whole race is becoming a little to underhanded and Segregated
And I Suppose this was all i needed for me to stop and think about how i really feel and for me to make my decision.
Now I Wouldn't have removed you from my list just because you have a different opinion than mine Because i believe that's what makes the world go around.
Than again i also wouldn't post somthing so "Matter Of Fact" If i couldn't handle the honest difference of opinions that I Knew my mixed group of friends might leave ...
Guess our political view isn't only how we differ and why Suddenly I'm off your list now..
Well That's just beautyful and an awesome way to gain support !
You take care~Tracy
LOL... See? That's exactly WTF I'm talking about. Thanks for proving my point. *sigh*
I can handle an "honest difference of opinion", but that's not what your response was. Your whole response was basically, I used to support both Clinton and Obama, but now after reading THIS, I don't... then you added the smart-ass little "thanks for sharing" comment at the end. Like I said in the other journal... not the kind of response a FRIEND would leave. I have friends on here that I debate issues with tooth and nail, but they don't go out of their way to try to make me feel stupid for posting something-- and that was the intention of your response.
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