Cate’s Musings

As anyone with any sort of consciousness in the U.S. knows, we’re two days away from Super Tuesday. And it stresses me out. Watching the returns for single state primaries is enough to get me worked up, so I know Tuesday evening is going to be an emotional one for me.

This morning a new poll was released showing Obama a mere two points behind Clinton in California. It also says 18% (!) of Democrats in the same state are still undecided. So, if you’re one of those 18%, or a swayable Clinton supporter, I am now talking to you.

Lets just start by saying that I don’t hate Hillary, and I don’t think I need to consider gender when voting. I’m excited that either candidate will make history if they make it to the White House. But honestly, I’m not from the the generation of feminists who think it’s a betrayal to vote for a man when a woman is on the ticket. I don’t think women of my generation understand that sort of thinking, and maybe it’s because we didn’t have to fight the good fight and grew up in an atmosphere of equality (or at least the expectation of equality), but I just don’t care that she’s a woman and so am I. I’m voting for who I think is the best candidate.

Okay, so lets get down to it.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s policies are quite similar on many issues, this we all know. She claims he’s not for universal health care (something I support very strongly) but I think he’s just got a different approach to making it happen. Immigration, education, the economy etc…, their policies are all about the same.

On the war and other military issues, there are however some important differences. As we all know, Obama was against the war from day one. And Clinton can’t answer the question about her vote for the war in a way that satisfies me even remotely. She won’t rule out the use of nuclear weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan, something that I find rather, um, crazy. Perhaps her reasoning is to not look ‘weak’, but I don’t go for that. I respect Obama for not trying to ‘out bomb’ his opponents, even if they’re all just rhetorical bombs. I also agree with Obama when he says he’ll talk to our enemies which she says is irresponsible. Not sure how that gets us anywhere. And I realize Anne Coulter is crazy and mean, but when she calls Clinton more of a hawk than McCain, that just plain old scares me.

Now there’s also the question of electability. And it’s a big concern because more than anything I just don’t want another Republican in the White House. Hillary’s baggage is huge, and she polls with what they call ‘very high negatives’. Meaning lots and lots of people frickin’ hate her. No big news flash there. So can she get elected? I think Obama’s chances are better. And as importantly, once in the White House, can she effectively get things done? I think Obama’s chances are better.

Lastly, I’ve also never had the opportunity to vote for someone who inspires me. I’ve voted for people who’s policy I agreed with but were pretty much sticks in the mud. And Obama ain’t no stick in the mud! If you haven’t seen his speech in Iowa or in South Carolina, watch them. They’ll get you fired up and teary eyed. And I reject the notion that Obama’s inspirational speeches are all style and no substance. He inspires people to action, and action is what matters in the end.

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The posters up top are from Shepard Fairey, of Obey Giant fame. He’s supporting Obama too and his posters and artwork are pretty damned cool.