I'm Bi-Candidate

I am in the closet.

Not sexually of course, because anyone who knows me knows I am up for anything with anybody. I take all comers. I am an equal opportunity destroyer. So, I am not in that kind of closet. I am in the Democratic Primary closet. I know a lot of people in this closet. We can't talk about it. We are "undecided" in the polls. We are the ones everyone is fighting over. But I don't want to be in this closet, not anymore. I am outing myself.

I am bi-candidate. I like Hillary and Obama. I like Obama and Hillary. I think it is wonderful that we have not just one, but two great candidates to choose from. It is an embarrassment of riches really. Not just one amazing politician. But two! We have the incredibly exciting Barack Obama, who represents hope and change and who can get a whole generation of disillusioned voters excited about politics again, which I think I is a miracle in itself. Then we have the amazing Hillary Clinton, who has already proved herself to be a great leader, who can and will clean up after the Bush administration just like she did the last time she was president.

I can't decide. And so I don't want to tell anyone who I voted for because almost exactly half my friends are into Hillary and the other half are all about Obama, so no matter who I vote for, half my ass will get kicked, which should be ok, because at least I will have the other half of my ass to use for campaigning for my favorite candidate (even though it might look half-assed).

I voted last week, several days early, since I am a permanent absentee voter and have the luxury of voting in the privacy of my own home in my own time. I picked the candidate that I liked best, the one who I thought would do the best job. I filled in my bubble all the way, using blue ink to represent my blue state of mind and put my ballot in the mail. Then, I got worried I had made the wrong choice. I kept thinking about going back into the mailbox and fishing out my ballot and changing it. I really thought about doing this even though it is very illegal! I thought, hmm, maybe if I took a coathanger, stretched it out, secured a small flashlight with tape to the wire so I could find my ballot, put a piece of chewed gum on the end so I could somehow fish my ballot out, etc... I think I got all these ideas from an old episode of The Little Rascals. Then I realized that even if I broke the law and went to all this trouble to do this it probably wouldn't do me any good anyway because I had already filled in one bubble and I couldn't really erase it to fill in the other one. Then, what would happen if I changed my mind again? So I just left it.

The only way I could be happy is if Obama and Clinton were on the same ticket. Please God, let this happen.

-- margaret cho

Comments

[Calliope2008]

Extremists!, snap out of your myopic world view! Come out of the cave! The country needs to advance progressively!

I agree with Ms. Cho. Why do I have to choose between these two worthy people?

Dream:

They announce their joint ticket and mutual support but the “lead” is to be determined by voters. Whoever wins the primary process is the leader on the ticket for '08; for example, Barack-Hillary. Then in '12 they switch to Hillary-Barack, '16 is Barack-Hillary, '20 is Hillary-Barack. Fair is fair.

[JePense]

Just STOP it! The idea that it doesn't matter whether you choose Obama or Clinton because one is just as good as the other is the EPITOME of mental laziness!

These 2 candidates are VERY, VERY different and DO NOT belong on the same ticket! They want to go in different directions - if you tied them together they would be standing back to back, not shoulder to shoulder.

Too tired to choose between the past and the future? Stop being so LAZY! That's how we got 8 years of "Dubya" in the FIRST PLACE!!!!

Please wake up! Engage! Think!

[belladawna]

amen to them teaming up!!! i say hillary as president and obama as vice president!! then none of your ass will get kicked!! ;)

[peacehappens]

I love you Margaret but disagree with you.

Please take time to learn about Cynthia McKinney. If someone like you publicly supported her, she might become a viable third party candidate. She is a woman of great courage who has paid a steep price for speaking truth to power while she was in a congress. She reminds me a lot of you. She is a real leader and hero. She can heal our country and make us proud to be American.

Hillary has said water boarding should be used in certain circumstances, defended Israels 'right' to bomb Syria without provocation and defends NAFTA.
Obama said last year that he will keep some troops in Iraq and he will continue the "war on terror".

Neither lead the way to impeach Cheney and, if you look at their advisers, neither will do much to bring about real change.

[nainam97]

Margaret, I think we all have to take a deep breath, consult our instincts about what and who will work---and vote for an Obama/Clark ticket.

1. Obama has "it" and will attract young voters as well as a number of male and female voters of middle age.

2. Wes Clark also has "it" plus a wealth of military know-how. He's the one that's going to appeal to the people who worry that Obama doesn't have enough experience.

3. Both men are totally sane, worried about the future of humanity and both men are the kind of guy you just know you can count on to do what's right.

Obama/Clark!!! The thinking person's ticket, no matter what your age or sex. They will win in the kind of landslide we haven't seen in many a day.

[isis]

I'm with you. If you are bi both sides can look kind of mean, can't they? But Hillary's side is a tiny bit meaner IMHO. They seem almost desperately crazy. And all that money she and Bill have? However, her policy positions are solid. Really I don't care about all those little petty slander things such as Rezko, voting present etc. The criticisms of the Democrats are light weight criticisms, esp when compared to the arrogance of Huckabee and the temper of McCain.

[caywen]

Cmon Margaret, take a position!

[GuiltyUndertaker]

The only great candidate we had was Dennis Kucinich and the media ignored him until he went away. Liberals screwed again.

[BardEric]

I for one, really miss Mr Kucinich and the breath of fresh air of a candidate who REALLY spoke his mind. Of all the Dems I think he might have been the best choice for change, but that is crying over spilled milk so to speak. I think the candidates should really consider him for Sec of State, as he would be more than up to the task of cleaning up Condi's mess there.

[mountainmama]

Dennis had to go back to Cleveland to tend to his congressional campaign. You can support him. Send a check to

Reelect Congressman Kucinich Campaign
attn. Fundraising
P.O. Box 110475
Cleveland, OH 44111

[TrustMeImASalesman]

Margaret this is a good article! I might add though that your wish/desire/hope will end in defeat!
Option # 1
Let's look at the situation of Hillary President and Obama Vice President. Sounds glorious right? WRONG! Perspective #1 by most American blacks: Thanks but no thanks! It's the same old "You can ride on da bus, but you gotta sit in da back." NO DEAL. I can hear an unwanted Jesse Jackson voice now. "Back of da bus, it ain't us!"

Perspective #2 Obama is the peoples choice as Vice President but Bill Clinton will overshadow him and move him away from Hillary's inner circle! The people's choice get side-lined by "SlickWillie and the Interns". Black America is shafted again. Opra is chiming in with Jesse"Divorce the force-Delete the Bill".

Options #2 Obama is President and Hillary is VP. Perspective #1
Not gonna fly because Hillary is either in charge or she isn't there! This is her time to become President and she will not(pardon my old southern cliche')play second fiddle to any Negro! She lived in Arkansaw too long!(My Opinion)I am not a racist don't go there!
Perspective #2
Obama must pay some real political debts to American Black power structure! Hillary will be asked to leave and plus be that faithful Senator to help the Democratic Party! Any other office offer would be an insult to her constituents and organization.
Major running mate will be Joe Biden! It's Hillarys face saving exit! It's Black America's thanks to White America. This would be a dynamic ticket!!

[BardEric]

You may not be a racist; but both your "options" and both your "perspectives" contain racial contnet.If race isnt an issue for you why do you bring it up at all? Your own words speak volumes for you.

[daro]

why is it that just because someone mentioned race or that their comment contained "racial content" (as you called it)you say that they have a race issue. why is it wrong in this country to notice that there are different races? noticing the differences in the races does not mean someone has "race issues" or that they are a racist; hating someone for their differences does. guess what? obama is black. know what else? hillary is white. oops, i must be a racist for noticing that, according to you, anyway.

[ClaudiaJean]

THANK YOU... I wasn't sure WHO was the OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON for ALL African Americans... but after reading your post, I can't believe I wasn't aware that you'd been given the job after all. Were you elected? Appointed? Did you inherit the role? Or did you simply decide yourself that you'd be able to speak for the entire race?

For all the people claiming that the Clintons injected raced into the campaign, they really need to look at themselves. It brings to mind the phrase learned in childhood: HE WHO SMELT IT, DEALT IT

[hobe]

Hillary has won in the states we need to take to win in November. Many of the states that Obama won are in Republican states that are going to vote republican no matter who are nomination is. Many republicans have switched over since they think obama is easier to beat. hillary wins in most primary states that depend on the voters. Obama wins in caucus states which are the party telling us who we should want. The election is more like a primary where we all get to vote in private and not have to answer to anyone.

[StanTheManic]

"... the incredibly exciting Barack Obama, who represents hope and change and who can get a whole generation of disillusioned voters excited about politics again, which I think I is a miracle in itself."

Assuming Cho is referring to 18-30 year olds (?), a generation with the attention span of a speedballing gnat, how long with O'Bama be able to keep their attention w/out substance?

It is precisely because of O'Bama and Hillarity that this 32-year Dem recently went Indy. I see two people currently employed as agents of change. I voted for change in 2000. I voted for change in 2004. I'm still waiting.

[frug]

"how long with O'Bama be able to keep their attention w/out substance?"

Indefinitely. It's when confronted with substance that they get bored and sleepy.

[whadiyano]

Hillary's team is pushing the idea of a Clinton-Obama ticket as a ploy to make people think they can still get Barack if they vote for her. Bull! This is aimed at people who like Barack but have been fear-mongered into thinking somehow he's not yet ready. Well we can't afford to let him cool his heels in what is really just a symbolic, ceremonial type job for eight years! The country needs Barack's leadership NOW. Damn right, if Hillary is able to politic her way into the nomination, she'll offer Barack the Vice-Presidency. She wouldn't have a prayer of winning without him. But would Bill's ego allow it? Or would Barack accept? He could just wait to take over from the failed McCain regime in 2012. The scenario sucks big-time. And Barack would be crazy to pick Hillary for VP. Lots of better choices with way less baggage,

[Kim445588]

Very poor article by you Margaret. Anyone who has actually been listening to Obama's message, understands that Clintonian type of politics is a large part of what he is promising to tamp down or end. I think he would support her for the good of the party if she is given the nomination, but joining forces would be would make him a total hypocrite and he might lose all credibility instantly.

I honestly have to wonder if you have listened to any speeches or debates, or maybe you are just extrapolating the parts that suit you. This "dream ticket" would probably be a nightmare as the repugs would blast Obama as becoming part of the status quo of corporate run candidates that he is pledging to get rid of.

IMHO, people are just deluding themselves about this being a possibility, because it kind of allows them to let themselves off the hook of making a decision and standing firm.

[BardEric]

"Obama's message, understands that Clintonian type of politics is a large part of what he is promising to tamp down or end." Even the Clintons dont have the political baggage that Ted Kennedy has. Yet Sen Obama proudly waves him around. Ironic?-Maybe. Hypocritical? -Probably. You dont attack "old school", Washington politicians, and then proudly campaign with one; not if you expect people to believe that you are the herald of a proud new breed of elected offical.Remember he is going to have to work within the Washington establishment if he wants to get anything done, and he is not the candidate with the most knowledge of its innermost workings. I dont dislike Sen Obama in the least, and I will support him if he wins the nomination, but in EVERY presidential election in my lifetime, there has been a candidate who promises change in Washington; and we are STILL WAITING. Now I dont say Obama can't change the status quo, I just wonder why voters in THIS election aren't asking him to explain his proposals in as much detail as we have of his predecessors who have used the "change" mantra to seek the presidency. We are buying his moving oratory, his slick campaign video(s), and all of his promises at face value, maybe because we so desperately want to move past all GW has done to hurt our nation that we seek a candidate with little or no apparent baggage of his own. But surely he has some; all elected officals do. The media just hasn't bothered to try and dig any up on him, as they have been too busy digging around in the Clinton's back yard. The bottom line here, to me, is experience. You dont hire a (relative) novice to be CEO of a corporation, you bring him in as a junior partner, mentor him, and then when he/she is up to the task, you move him/her up the ladder. A VP ticket would give Obama the time to grow to reach his potential.(and maybe 16 years in the WH)

[whatsthatsound]

I don't really know that Hillary has proven herself to be a great leader, and I'm still bothered by the dynastic appearance of two families tossing The Prize back and forth. But I'd walk a mile in the rain with my foot in a cast to vote for Hill over Man o' War McCain.

Still hoping for Obama, though.

[jazzman]

That was a joke. "Clean up after Bush like she did after her first Presidency." Get it?

[mojopo]

I agree, Margaret, and here's why: Democrats have already been turning out in record numbers at the polls. We are poised for a landslide with each candidate on one ticket.

If both candidates mean what they say about change and most importantly, about fixing our broken nation, they must set aside ego and the status quo. Both of these people would be capable of doing amazing things for the US, and I think it would be one of the more revolutionary things to happen in this modern age. Separately, Clinton and Obama are sure winners this election year. To ensure victory and a decisive change we need them to combine their efforts for the greater good.

We currently have houses divided between Obama and Clinton in this nation. Why not give everyone ice cream and a dream ticket? Settle those damn arguments between people. Why not just do it? It's not like it's impossible, especially if either of them is willing to stake their reputation on the word "hope". Anything less than a combined ticket between Clinton and Obama would be utter stupidity and cowardice.

[mamamay]

Why destroy Obama's hope for the Pres? Hil has had her chance and didn't do anything. For examle, she had 8yr in and 8yrs out to work on this Health care, and it still isn't right. That's just one issue. How long do we live to see such fulfilled promises. She's still working on a Vietnam war VA case for approving benefits, it's not fulfilled yet. Let's vote and give Obama a chance without more time to Hil. She is not serious, she is competing with Bill and the two of them is making a mockery out of the Am people in their greed and hunger to return to WH
Let's close this ClintonBush legacy and vote Obama in 08. This will turn the page and begin the future with a fresh start to restore Am.

[bdd]

To Barack and Hillary,
PLEASE STOP THE SNIPING!!!!
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE THE PEOPLE (ALL RACES, CREEDS, AND GENDER) WIN THIS ELECTION.
OK, the votes show a dichotomy here based on things like 'older women', 'young voters', 'Latinos', etc. To Hillary and Barack, LETS GET OVER THIS. I am from Massachusetts. I am a 56 year old white male. I voted for Barack. I can see the writing on the wall. Neither one can get the total number of delegates to win the nomination. We need a super power team here. I suggest that if the two candidates want to carry on until the Democratic convention, they do so in a civil manner. At the convention I urge Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton accept a team where Hillary runs for president (she currently has more delegates and is older, sorry Hillary) and accepts Obama (and he must accept) as the Vice President. No rethug challenge can over come this. Again I stress, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE DEMOCRATS TAKE CONTROL OF THE WHITE HOUSE NOW.

[BardEric]

I agree whole-heartedly.They would be a powerfull, dynamic presidential team, the likes of which Washington has not seen in my lifetime. If we all want this "change" in Washington so badly, I can hardly think of a better strategy then letting HRC and Sen Obama tackle our nations problems together.

[mamamay]

You talk like someone who was mistreated on your way to 56. Obama needs to be the one in control not this distressed and overworked and over the hill,hil.She has had her chance to be in the WH and she didn't do a good job, and now we need Obama to go in and not only clean up after Bush, but further sanitize after the clintons. She does not need to take a trip back to the WH. It will be too much for her psyche, and his ego. It would be good if she grew up and accepted this fact, instead of trying to get even with Bill via a win for the WH. Leave this legacy behind,turn the page, and let's go on with the future. Vote Obama in 08

[ClaudiaJean]

One can only pray this logic is taken to heart.

[Twocentsworth245]

Margaret, your comments are right on target! I couldn't agree with you more! :-)

[texanna]

Margaret, I am in that closet with you, honey. I was never a fan of either of these candidates that the corporatist media long ago selected for us. But, this is where we are and of course I will vote for whichever one survives to the general election. For the primary, though, I just can't bring myself to vote for either one. I don't know if I can bring myself to vote in the upcoming Texas primary, because I can't find enough of a reason to decide between these two for myself. I do know that whoever gets my vote is going to have say or do something substantially different from what they've said or done to date to get it.

[mamamay]

Try a little tenderness. Both are good people, one is a lot older than the other, has not exactly gained more experience, but a different
type of experience than the other. Obama is more knowledgeable and familiar with all pending issues. He will be more suitable for dealing with the war, and strengthening our alliangces with foreign countries. Obama is a worker, and shows great strength as a uniter, and one to unify our need to come together and get the kinks out of our crumpling govt. Hil has the mindset of a high schooler..wants control or she whines and cries. She offers more of Bush. Let's get a real man for the job,vote for Obama in 08 and turn the page.