The "Great Repair"

Everyone knows the next POTUS is going to inherit a huge American disaster: an economic meltdown, a diminished international reputation, decreased global influence, the Iraq war bleeding Americans and money and a loss of personal liberties. Both Clinton and Obama have the intelligence and leadership abilities to get us back on track.

But if Clinton is elected the Democratic nominee, many Obama supporters are saying they'll stay home and sulk (maybe not if he is VP). But there is no such thing as being a passive bystander in a democratic system. Inaction IS action. Eight years of the Bush presidency was the result of "active nonparticipation" by too many independents and Democrats.

It's now time to direct the escalating attacks and rhetoric from the Clinton and Obama campaigns and supporters to McCain instead of each other. The Republican party is showing the democrats, once again, how they initiate their winning strategy: get behind their candidate early and start solidifying the base. Even though there is some grouching among the most conservative of their party, they will quickly coalesce around McCain to defeat the democratic nominee. While the Democrats continue bickering about vague differences and superficial talking points, the Republicans are building their arsenal.

So, even with all the talk of "change" and needing a new direction for this country, we might be faced with McCain in the White House. Can we afford that? McCain will "stay the [Bush] course" and America will continue down the path of disaster. McCain has no clue about economics, economic parity or business innovation so you can kiss any hope of an economic recovery goodbye.

Democrats can begin emphasizing their strengths against McCain by focusing on the economy and connecting Iraq to the financial ruin of the country. The military industrial complex has grown under Bush. Less defense spending helps strengthen the economy because we can invest our hard earned tax dollars in things that advance the security of our country such as health care, education and business capital investments.

While it's exciting having such a close race, the Democrats don't have the luxury of debating much longer, now that the Republicans have chosen their nominee. Democrats also need to take care of the Florida and Michigan delegate issue by demanding that the DNC reset their races. As we have seen in such a close race, all the votes count and every delegate vote must be counted and legitimate.

It's time to put the infighting aside, make some compromises and unify under one large umbrella. It's time for the "Great Repair" of the Democratic party and the country.

Comments

[CanCar]

Obama has a reputation for telling it like she thinks it is—whether about the butter, her husband’s ongoing effort to quit smoking or his political priorities. And though she’s lighthearted in her critiques, she never plays the role of the deferential political wife. www.investingstrategy.org

[Rachiavelli]

Here's the thing. I, and many people that I know, are not Democrats. The Dems seem to think that they are somehow "owed" our votes regardless of who they put up.

That is a mistake, and one that could prove to be very very costly. I don't vote AGAINST the Republicans. I vote FOR candidates, and it has never before been a Democrat until BHO. And if it's not him, then you better believe that I have zero blind party loyalty to force a vote for Mrs. Clinton. The people who are already voting for her are those kinds of voters. Not me. Not a lot of people.

I am not automatic. In fact, you Dems have never won me over in the presidential campaign. So don't you dare try to scold or scare me in to voting for a bowl of lukewarm oatmeal.

[Desiderata]

Or lukewarm spit.

But both Obama and Hillary, in their jobs as United States Senators, have time and again voted (or not voted) according to political calculation instead of what is best for our country.

They will do the same from the White House.

There is no there there with these two.

Of course McCain would be as a bull in an already wrecked world, but the lesser of the two evils is a choice no one should be compelled to make.

[Doofus]

There comes a time when NOBODY should

vote. That'll show the bastards.

[standforpeace]

Right, we need to have new primaries in Florida and Michigan. It's the only way to ensure that the voters there have a chance to hear from both candidates before making a decision. However, what we don't need to do is to disenfranchise the voters in states that have not yet cast primary votes by bypassing them altogether (as we do most years). Those of us here in Ohio and beyond deserve a chance to actually participate in a meaningful way for a change. Otherwise why don't we just hold one caucus in Iowa and one in New Hampshire and let those voters decide for all the rest? Oops I guess that has been the business plan for the past forty years. Well, not this year.

What this country is desperately in need of is more democracy not less.

[laocoon]

it really depend on the nature and tone of the debate. Obama and Clinton could use the free coverage to campaign against the Republicans if they would grow up. I think it is becoming more a issue of personal ambition and ego. As Bush said peace and prosperity are in the balance. If we get more of the Republican magic we will have neither for a long time. These two candidates need to transcend their egos and focus on the dire needs of the country. A prolonged debate does not have to undermine this goal but they cannot present a selfish face in the process or go for the others jugular. As supporters of one or the other we need to do the same. The race insures coverage and the coverage allows both to educate the people about the horrors we face if a Republican is allowed to win.

[slg]

Progressives are so polite they're each saying, "You first".