Question: What Do We Do If Hillary Wins?

I feel bad for Howard Dean. Really, I do. The man just has a politician's version of Tourette's syndrome. I'm sure when he said that he wanted to bring "the candidates together and make some kind of an arrangement" in order to create unity at the DNC, he didn't mean for it to sound like some kind of crazy conspiratorial Bilderberg Group meeting between hooded members of the Skulls and Bones society, consisting of Kennedys, Bushes, and the remaining decedents of Vlad the Impaler.

Oh, but Howie, it did sound a little strange.

I get his anxiety, though. With all these statewide 50/50 splits between Hillary and Barack, the Democrats are already acting like it's a presidential election! Never before in the history of the country have we acted so indecisive, so early. All Howie meant by his cryptic remarks is that we need a front-runner because what happens if -yikes- Hillary Clinton gets the nomination?

Will Progressives sacrifice the pureness of their consciences for the sake of backing the only Democratic candidate left standing? Or let's say Barack takes the nomination: will Hillary's people rush to support him? Michael Moore says he is morally prohibited from voting for Hillary Clinton, and I agree with him.

I can't in good conscience vote for a woman who labeled the Iranian Guard a terrorist organization.
I can't vote for a woman who voted to give President Bush authorization to invade Iraq, regardless of what she claims about not thinking he would use the power she helped give him.
I can't vote for a woman who sat on the board of Wa-Mart, yet now pretends like she's not in the pocket of big business.
I can't vote for a woman who thinks working "35 years for change" means working 15 of those 35 years for a law firm that represented big businesses.
I won't vote for her even if Ralph Nader decides not to run.
I wouldn't vote for her if she was the last Democrat on Earth.

I'm sick of compromising my principles just so the Republicans won't win, as if Hillary Clinton is anything but a triangulating conservative in liberal's clothing.

There is a deep divide in the Democratic party between Progressives and the traditionalists, like Hillary Clinton, that helped sell the rest of us down the river. I've heard from many people that they would loathe seeing another Clinton in the White House, and so I wonder what will happen come election time if Hillary is indeed our presidential candidate. Perhaps this is all talk, and once the cold feet set in, liberals will sprint to the voting booth, and vote Hillary in, nonetheless.

The anxiety is palpable in the Democratic party, which is why Howard Dean, as usual, gave the game away with his complete ineptitude of maintaining a serious poker face. What was once considered an easy Democratic victory now seems up for grabs, so he's eager to work something out quickly. Maybe he plans to cajole one of the front-runners into taking a V.P. nomination, though I can't see Barack or Hillary taking second place at this point.

Mitt Romney's resignation from the campaign trail is indicative of the Republican strategy for victory: unite at any cost, even if you hate the bastard representing your party. Though everyone from Coulter to Limbaugh are busily chastising professional old bastard, McCain, they'll surely vote for him at election time. However, Democrats have a hard time voting against the consciences like that. If voters hate Hillary, they may simply stay home come November.

Comments

[MPeter]

I know what I will do if Hillary wins. I will stay home. I will never vote for her. It is not because she is a woman. She is as bad as any Republican I can imagine of and, she has been part of every corrupt deal Bill has been involved with. She does not represent change in any shape or form. She just isn't the woman I would want to be my first female President.

[DemandTruth]

Fine. Don't vote for Clinton. But VOTE anyway! Vote AGAINST "Justice" Roberts, "Justice" Alito, "Justice" Scalia, and "Justice" Thomas. And if you really don't vote, you'd better shut your mouth and smile, and NEVER complain about the leader you have been saddled with. Because you forfeited your right to complain when you REFUSED to exercise your most basic, most precious right in this country. Anyone who doesn't vote (write in John Edwards or Mickey Mouse if you have to) should be ASHAMED of themselves, and doesn't deserve the democracy forged out of so much blood. Period.

[alkamm]

Some people need to be inspired to vote. Through a strange set of social injustices, they feel they are left out of the political calculations. They are black, they are white, they are young. You can tell them to be ashamed of themselves, but only inspiration will get them out to vote.
Vote against Barack at your peril, but don't try to imagine that shame will get people to the voting booths.

[oceankat]

"I know what I will do if Hillary wins. I will stay home." (shrug) stay home then. That didn't work when I tried it as a kid with my mommy. It didn't work when my kids tried it with me. The reality is most of Obama's and Clinton's supporters are grown ups. Poll show that most would vote for the other candidate if he or she won the nomination. The kiddies can hold their breath and stamp their feet as long as they want.

[TommyMcCarthy]

I wish the Obama-ites, so famous for thier passion for honesty and all things pure, would just be honest themselves and say..

" If OUR preference isn't The Democratic nominee, then we're going to try to see to it that a Republican is elected."

You'll get your beloved "change" all right, and with McCain as president, you'll even get some honesty, but you can just give up on that "hope" business for a few years....like maybe a generation or so......................................tm

[alkamm]

Hey now, don't you realize that when you point the finger there are what is it, three fingers and a thumb, or just three fingers pointing back at you.
Hillary will ensure that a Republican is elected, but she doesn't care. She and Bill are like the egg-sucking dogs Hunter Thompson called Hubert Horatio Humprhey who took the party to defeat against Nixon. They are political junkies of an old stripe whose day is gone.
We need the kind of expansive unity that is apparent in every Obama group of supporters.
Hillary = McCain victory. Clear enough for you? Step back and look again.

[TommyMcCarthy]

Thanks for straightening that out for me. Sure glad I have you guys to explain all this hard stuff to me. Don't know what I ever did without ya'.
Thx for your response just the same...........................................tm

[TommyMcCarthy]

Thanks for straightening that out for me. Sure glad I've got you guys to explain all this hard stuff. Don't know what I ever did without 'ya..............................................tm

[feelfree]

There appears to be a lack of compromise in the supporters of a candidate who can't wait to compromise and bring an end to partisan politics.

Obama says he will work with Republicans and has compromised with them. The same Republicans that voted for the war, voted to make the ING a terrorist groups and all the things they despise Hillary Clinton for.

He talks about bring a change to how politics are done in Washington D.C., but his supporters don't embrace compromise within the Democratic Party?

These same people say that Obama attracts the new voters and Independents. Are these the same Independents that helped the current administration into the White House?

Yet again they despise their own party members.

[inthenitemare]

TommyMcarthy and fellfree,

Let me try to explain this to you.

A lot of Obama supporters are independents and disinfranchised republicans who believe(for whatever reason) that Obama is the one that can bring this country back together.

These are the ones who will not vote for her.
Look at all the statistics that have been gathered on this subject. Hillery is the more divisive one.

Obama has the better chance against McCain.
And, I'm an Obama supporter who will actually vote for Hillery if she gets the nod.

[TommyMcCarthy]

Thx. for your response, hope there are more like you.......

Generally, in a democracy,...... "My way or the Highway!", and.... "It's all or nothing!"
leaves us ALL out there on the highway with WORSE than nothing.

The rhetoric of some suggests they don't understand this.
Like the Iraq war,..this election is not a video game.
Real people have worked hard and long to bring this opportunity about, and real people will pay the consequenses of selfish and irrational behavior. Regards........................................tm

[horacekent]

Historically, I've been an independent/moderate republican. However, this year I'm voting for Obama (actually caucusing for him tomorrow in Washington state). If he wins the democrate nomination - I'll vote for him in the general election.

However, if Hillary wins the nomination, I won't vote for her in the general election. I doubt I'll vote for McCain either. This year, for me, it's Obama or nothing.

[honeybee49]

"This year, for me, it's Obama or nothing." Thanks for nothing.

[urbanrevolt]

I'm not so sure that Dean wasn't sending a message. Look at how this went over, the idea that the Dem big-whigs are going over the voters heads... It's a taste of what would erupt if it actually happened, and forewarning for those who would protest it, that they ought to be ready to. A warning to the super Delegates that people are going to be watching, and they don't like the smokey room scenario.

This could have long term effects on urban centers trusting the Democrats. That's my sense of it.

[DrPaulProteus]

"Question: What Do We Do If Hillary Wins?"

Answer: Drink.

[Wishb0ne]

Nah, I'm not gonna start drinking again, I'll just vote for a 3rd party candidate.

At least they'll feel good. "Hey! Look! I got a vote!"

[Herrington]

Drink heavily.

[TommyMcCarthy]

Excellent incisive comment by "urbanrevolt" (above)...................Your screen name suggests you've given this some thought ..............agree completely!...........................tm

[orbital]

i completely agree.

[BillZBubb]

This is another example of why I do not support Obama at this time. His supporters are too fanatical, too short-sighted, and very naive.

Sure, you can make a list of Hillary Clinton's failings. But through all the bad, there is still at the core a Democrat. Not a progressive on most issues, but a Democrat nonetheless. Do you really think she would appoint worse judges to the Supreme Court than McCain? Are you that far removed from reality? Do you think her health care plan would be worse than McCain's? Really? Do you think her economic policies would be worse? If so, you have no grasp of the economic situation.

Obama, for all his many positives, is also not exactly pure on progressive issues. That's what is so perplexing to me about the fanaticism of Obama's support. He's really been a centrist his entire political career. For instance, he's voted EVERY time to FUND THE IRAQ WAR. Where's the anti-war leadership from him? Talk is cheap, look at the votes.

[LoRiseAntlers]

When you're not progressive on most issues,you're not a Democrat.You're just a Rethug looking to use the goodwill of Democrats to make your way.It worked for Willy,and I'll be damned if his wife is afforded the same courtesy.

[DrPaulProteus]

You should amend that to read:

"When you're progressive on most issues, you're not a Democrat."

i mean, how could you be?

[ESerafina42]

Funny - her voting record is virtually identical to Obama's. I guess that means that he's not a Democrat either, especially with people like Newt Gingrich swooning over him.

[LAJonathan]

Holy crap BillZBuzz are you serious? Hillary=McCain. They cannot wait for her to get the nomination. The dump truck of dirt is coming, mark my words.

[OSUMercutio]

I will not vote for Hillary. This is not sour grapes or a personal attack on her. I believe the Clintons and the DLC have already done great damage to the Democratic Party. But if Hillary is elected, we will be damaged beyond repair.

[pjn]

Give it to McCain. See how that works out for you. If I remember, this happened in 2000? Will you people ever learn?

I'll vote for Obama with bells on if Clinton isn't nominated! I don't understand this purity stuff. No candidate can/will ever do all we want him/her to do. No one can ever be perfect. We have two candidates that aren't bad - hence the dead heat. Throwing one over for a republican is ridiculous.

[GnitenGoodLk]

It's a strategy, but one that will backfire, so it really has to stop.

[GnitenGoodLk]

I don't hate Hillary. I think she's tough, smart, completely able to handle POTUS. She's a fighter and is a master-spinner. I didn't particularly like the attacks on her or her daughter from MSNBC, or anywhere else. They were out of line. She's earned my respect for hitting back and still going strong. I still don't trust her.

BUT, McCain is infinitely worse. I know he doesn't think one second, one iota, one damn about anyone's sacrifice. The more you sacrifice, the less worthless you are (not financially worthy of course, as evidenced by how they are criminally shortchanging our soldiers, just not as worthless as before)

Think about that. McCain and his ilk do not think you are worthy to live, or for your families to stay intact. You are not worth it unless you can correct the fiasco they created by sending your loved ones indefinitely to Iraq, and even then, you are barely worth it.So even though my favorite candidate is Obama, and I am fighting like hell to support him, I will vote for Hillary if she is the nominee.

A party divided will not stand. Obama, if not our nominee this year (not gonna happen. he will win, but they are neck & neck, so let's get real) this step will strengthen his candidacy, now, or in the future, by showing true unity when our country needs it most. This isn't an admission of defeat, it's a f$#% you to the Repubs who are watching us implode/divide with glee and rallying around it.

If this continues, they will both lose, whoever is the nominee.

[LoRiseAntlers]

Allison,I think i love you.This is the most cogent indictment of Senator Clinton I have yet read.

Well done,well done indeed.

[audri]

Well, if you don't want to compromise your principles I certainly wouldn't vote for Obama either. Ever hear the expression that power corrupts absolutely? It is best not to get to emotionally identified with people who seek extreme power, and certainly the presidency fits that. A friend said it best to me the other day, "you work with which ever imperfect politician you get up there , you hold their feet to the fire and keep demanding that they do the right thing." And by the way, Michael Moore doesn't always come out smelling like a rose either. I'll take Hillary, we already know who she is when she gets power, wonder if Obama will start believing his cult following.

[SCharb]

"Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely" is the reason why I'm not voting for Hillary. She's already been corrupted by ridiculous amounts of power.

We certainly don't need another power-hungry Nixon like HRC in the White House.

[desmodia]

This is the kind of purist, don'tgetmyhandsdirty thinking that gave us two agonizing terms of George Bush. YOu really would repeat the folly of 2000 and vote for Nader instead of a Democrat?

Think of the Supreme Court appointments -- two of them probably won't last through another administration; think of federal judge appointments; think of the looming timeline to get something done on global warming; and then shut up and vote for Clinton if she's the nominee. Even if you don't like her.

[OSUMercutio]

No, Bill Clinton gave us the Bush Regime. If he really cared about his party and country, then he would have resigned after being impeached. As disgusting as the Republicans acted, Bill was selfish and arrogant to not have let Al Gore finish the term.

[song]

ya go blame clinton... why dont you blames yourselfs for letting the republicans intrude on his personal life and making such a big deal out of everything. His presidency was good for america, its you retards that voted Bush in, not clinton, stop blaming someone else for your own fallings.

[ckemp]

The S. Ct. is gone already. Kennedy is no swing-vote--otherwise, what was O'Connor swinging between? This is one reason the republican base is being pickier about its nominee--it can afford to be. They already have the court.

[Morcat]

Unfortunately, this is a bad time to get a big case of the "good consciences." This country is in the unenviable position of not being able to afford another republican regime. It simply won't survive a McCain presidency. I'll vote and work for the democratic candidate, even if we run the proverbial "old yeller dog," because even that would be better than what we've had for eight years. Hillary can't possibly do any worse than Bush, but McCain will. If you want to look at conscience, just how ethical is it to either withhold a vote that let's McCain win and start a war with Iran? I would hate to think that I either voted for him or withheld my vote and allowed that to happen. There are all sorts of ways to look at "good conscience."

[OSUMercutio]

Hillary certainly did not "vote her conscience" when it came to the Iraq war.