Hillary's Gift to the American People (and Barack Obama)

If we step back and really look at the Democratic presidential race for 2008, the gift bestowed by Hillary Clinton shines through. Her staying in the race has made it a better race with better candidates. She's tough, smart and relentless. Obama is a better candidate because he's had a competent opponent who is well versed on the issues. All the dirty laundry has been uncovered, viewed and washed clean: Reverend Wright, the questions of Muslim heritage, and the indictment of the money folk from Chicago. Yep, it's all out on the table and the television cameras have had their day now, not in October, 2008 before the Republican candidate. Her staying in the race made Obama's resounding loss in West Virginia palatable. Consider the fallout if he lost to a candidate that was not even in the race. That would have been hard to package even for the most skillful spin doctors.

Hillary staying in the race is really about a candidate deeply committed to the country and its people. What does she need this aggravation for? She's one of the most powerful Senators to come to Congress. She has a legacy of far reaching, bi-partisan legislation. Her husband's Clinton Foundation is impacting world poverty and health care. Her daughter is beautiful, smart and loves her dearly. Why would anyone submit themselves to the constant humiliation from the media, if they did not care deeply about the future?

I say it is because we have a candidate that at all costs believes that we can rebuild this country, and has a bone deep commitment to helping to make these changes. I say it is because she truly believes.

If we look back in years to come, we will see that her candidacy was remarkable and changed the face of this country forever. Hillary's gift to this country will be felt for years to come whether she is on the ticket or not.

I only pray that we are wise enough to take the gift of Hillary, and allow it to soar.