I’m still divided
Feb 11, 2008 Feminism/Politics
But I sure love Michelle Obama — the way I loved Hillary when her husband first ran. I hear the Ohio primary is actually going to count this time and I’m waffling. Sometimes I think Hillary would be more effective because of her more deeply entrenched political life and sometimes I think it’ll make her less effective. I’m trying not to vote with my emotions but it’s hard. My heart wants BOTH of them to win. (But I think a Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton ticket is a pipe dream — what do you think?) But then I go back to: Who’s most likely to beat McCain? I gotta be practical.
Michelle Obama Solidifies Her Role in the Election - WSJ.com: “My mother raised us not to make decisions on what could go wrong or we’d never go forward.”
Yeah, I like this woman.
Edited to add: You all know how I worship my mother, right? She likes Hillary. She has a strong influence on me. I’m just sayin’. (Not that I’ve decided who to vote for but the people in the internets vs. my mother? My mom very often wins. I hope to make up my own mind before I’m actually standing in the booth wringing my hands.)
February 11th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Michelle Obama is an amazing asset. I love watching her speak (even more than I like watching her husband speak).
I wound up voting for Obama, but… I’m still waffling overall. Every time I listen to Chris Matthews, though, I feel the sudden itch to donate money to Clinton.
February 11th, 2008 at 11:45 am
Robin, I gotta say it was way more fun reading about other folks waffling back when I thought the Ohio primaries wouldn’t matter. Although it’s an embarrassment of riches thing. And I do feel better knowing that McCain — as much as he isn’t my guy — is no W. Whatever happens next November, I know (hope!) I won’t be crying like I was last time!!
February 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I have always liked Clinton but think she has too much of the “warrior” mentality and too much baggage to be an effective consensus builder. So I voted for Obama, who I think has the chance to do great things. (Realizing it may not happen, but it is great to at least vote for the chance.) So I went for Obama in California. I really think Obama is more electable.
I don’t think a joint ticket is a good idea. Obama-Clinton, I think she would actually be a liability because of her (unfortunately) ability to inflame parts of the Republican party to vote against her. Her presence on the ticket might alienate the independents/McCain voters Obama could pick up.
Clinton-Obama would be helpful in the general election, but I think it is career suicide for Obama. The VP is a dead-end job — he would be 8 years before he could run again, and then who knows what the political atmosphere would be like. He is too talented to waste his time as VP.
Chris Matthews is a Clinton fan, for sure. He is constantly talking her up.
February 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
I’m not torn at all. I find Clinton to be very divisive and partisan, and I want healthcare to be solved by the states not the federal government. I like Obama, and I think he has a voice our country needs. Add in that my life-long Republican parents have switched to the Democratic party so they can support Obama (and not just in the primary, but in the general election too), and I am an Obama-believer.
This isn’t a popular opinion, but as the mother of 2 girls, I’m kind of hoping the first woman president won’t have Hillary Clinton’s personal life and will have risen to national attention more through her own achievements. I liked a lot of what Bill Clinton did as president, but I wouldn’t wish him on anyone as a husband, and the fact that she’s stayed with him affects my opinion of her, particularly when she tries to appeal to women as a feminist.
With the primary battle already being as ugly as it is, and showing signs of only getting uglier, I don’t think either Obama or Clinton would want to be on the other’s ticket. It wouldn’t surprise me if Edwards ends up on the winning ticket though.
February 11th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Dawn, how’s this for who can beat McCain?
http://apps.facebook.com/obama/content/1828
February 11th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Dawn, I can’t recommend enough that you grab any opportunity you can to meet both candidates.
I reviewed the visits to my state at my blog. It was really helpful to me to do my own data-gathering and it’s a good time for the kiddos too.
February 11th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
And I do feel better knowing that McCain — as much as he isn’t my guy — is no W.
Oh, God, I wish that were the case. Unfortunately, the McCain of 2000 isn’t the McCain of 2008. He’s a great choice for people who think that W’s foreign policy was made of sunshine and puppies. It absolutely scares the crap out of me that more people don’t know that.
(Sorry… still reeling from conversation with the folks over the weekend in which they said, “Well, McCain isn’t too bad…” Ack!)
February 11th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
McCain and the Supreme Court scare me, as does McCain and Iran. But I’m with Dawn, we’ve had worse leaders.
I voted for Obama, and would love the chance to do it again in November. I would vote for Clinton, but I don’t think she can win this time. I think she has way, way too much baggage and there are those who will just sit on their hands rather than vote for her.
All the Dems over 60 still love her. My mom loves her. But truly, I don’t see how she can be effective with all the bullshit that has gone on about her the past 16 years.
I know people who have never voted - 4 of them- who say they will vote for Obama or vote for no one. I think that might be a fairly common trend seeing the crowds he is attracting.
People are starved for someone they can feel good about. The unknown gives them that idea. Clinton and McCain both are known. I think experience is actually a detraction in this campaign for some voters.
February 12th, 2008 at 9:07 am
I want Obama to win the nomination (was able to vote for him guilt free because of Edwards departure) because I think he actually has a shot to beat McCain. I don’t think Clinton does. She is too polarizing. I think that the people that will sit back and not vote if Obama is the the dem ticket will come out to vote against Clinton. And I have to state for the record, I could live with McCain if he is the one. At least it isn’t W. Sad isn’t it?
But I have to say, I’m thrilled that there is a woman and an african-american running. What an amazing time in history!
February 12th, 2008 at 10:30 am
This is such an exciting race, isn’t it? I’m addicted to watching every single thing about it on MSNBC. I adore Michelle Obama. And her husband…he’s pretty good, too.
I’m with you about choosing the candidate who can win in Nov. Hillary is so polarizing. I’m an independent and I’m voting for Obama. I think there are many of us who are and not many who will go with Hillary. I like that he’s bringing people together and reaching across the aisles to try to work with all people. I could go on and on. 
Our primary isn’t until May, which is such a bummer! 
Who knows with how this is going, though. Maybe it will matter.
February 12th, 2008 at 10:38 am
I’m 99% for Obama. Hillary leaves a bad taste in my mouth, for many reasons.
February 13th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I’m the same way - in the one primary where Ohio could matter *gasp* I still don’t know who I’m voting for. I’m leaning toward Obama at this point, mostly because I think he’s more electable. I love Hilary’s fighting spirit (personally) and her determination, as well as her intent to do something (ANYTHING!) about healthcare. Just as an aside, I think it’s hysterical that people think she’s too cold and too edgy - they would not think that if she had a penis.
McCain scares the crap out of me - I hate his stance on Iraq, and his recent pseudo-endorsement of Karl Rove (!!!) was the nail in the coffin for me. I’m probably going for Obama, because I feel like he’s got a better shot, I love his wife and I think he’s brilliant.
We’ll see.
February 13th, 2008 at 6:57 am
Amanda, I’m leaning more that way, too, especially after the flurry of comments here! I absolutely think that sexism is hurting Hillary’s chances but I want to vote to win so I’m leaning more towards Obama in the hopes that the democrats can finally take office!!! And I also think that he has the possibility of really bringing younger voters out and hopefully get them more involved in politics.
February 13th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Listen to your Mother…
February 14th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
I agree with the above commenter that sexism is hurting Hilary and it is just sort of accepted. I see it. I feel for her as a woman. I am sad we still have these issues.
However, I am an Obama supporter for other reasons. For one, the whole dynasty issue really makes me upset. If we vote her into office it would mean the presidency will be in the hands of a Bush or a Clinton for 24 recent years!
I want someone new.
I also believe (hope) he is in a better position to win in Nov.
February 14th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
DEMB — I’m with you, too, re., the sexism. It’s infuriating but it also makes me realize that because of it she’s less electable. I want to vote to win this time around.
(Now off to google buchela!)