I have to confess that I am an undecided voter with an up-coming Democratic primary on May 20, 2008. I was originally a John Edwards supporter--and actually donated three times during his campaign (I'm newly out of graduate school, so finances are tight, but I really believed in his anti-poverty, health-care reform, fair-trade, and environmental initiatives, and I still do). I'm in a sticky-wicket because I do not regard either candidate still in the race as progressive as I'd like them to be, but they are both miles away from the Republicans. I am one of those Democrats who in an appeasing moment to my decided friends echoes, "I think either candidate would make an excellent nominee and president"--which is true, but also admittedly uncommitted and vague, and if I like specifics in my candidate, I should expect no less from myself.
Why I'm undecided: Hillary's health-care platform is superior, yet she voted for the war and remains more hawkish than Obama. Obama annoys me when he constantly talks about bi-partisanship, which in my experience as a 20-something Democrat, means the Republicans get what they want and the Democrats get the satisfaction of looking weak and ineffectual--which must apparently must be what they want because they're so good at it, especially in Congress. Obama does represent a generational change, which appeals to me because growing up Clinton also meant growing up mired in stupid scandals generated by the Republican muck-machines, but that's kind of like victim-blaming. Don't get me wrong, Obama's speaking grace has moved me, as it has moved pretty much everyone with a beating heart and a flicker of hope for this species, especially his speech on race (full text link), "A More Perfect Union." Yet, he's not specifics oriented while debating and Clinton is great during debates and as a consummate nerd, I'm into specifics and debate bona fides.
I know that there is a very real danger of turning off all of the young people (20-somethings) who are now voting for the first time and precisely because Obama represents such a departure from the political status quo, but as a political junkie, I've been voting since the day I turned 18, including when I've been out of the country (I actually missed the 2000 election because I was spending the semester in England, though I voted via absentee ballot), I didn't have access to a TV, so I learned most of my information from the internet and British newspapers. So, for me, its like asking me to vote based upon the needs of the political newbies who are overwhelmed by Obama's person, not his politics. Obama's person, organizer and activist is indeed impressive, but damnit, I want those mandates for health-care and I want a stronger environmental message!
Argh, so who will I vote for? I still don't know, I'll keep you updated, dear reader.
3 comments:
I, too, am undecided and even was back when there were more candidates running. Saw your comment on Shakes and thought I'd drop by and say 'hi' to another undecided Kentuckian!
Excellent, welcome to my new blog!
Yeah, I really feel like I'll be undecided until after May 20th--unless one of them actually kills a baby seal on national television.
I saw your post over at Shakes, too, though I only lurk there.
I too am from the good ole KY, and am personally very excited that our vote could matter. I too am in my 20's(late), and have been a pol junkie since about 2001, when I found the internet!
I support Clinton. I like a lot of her policies, not only is her health care plan superior, but so is her environmental plan, while Obama's relies heavily on ethanol, and seems to be written by industry lobbyists.
I also like her toughness. She has been in the national public face for 16 years, and she still faces every obstacle with a smile on her face. I am in awe, and eager to see what such boundless determination could do in the Oval Office.
I think Obama is faltering now, because honestly has has never dealt with a extended election battle against a tough opponent, and I don't think he can hang in til Nov. Plus, while his idea of change(though I still haven't figured out what he wants to change) is very inspiring, he made the point himself that people don't believe in government right now. We've had many years of incompetence so it's no surprise. And, IMO, people will have to believe that government is capable of good, before they can be capable of believing in an agent of change. Of course, many Obama supporters would argue that since people are unhappy with government, know is the opportune time for change, so it depends on your perception.
I'm really looking forward to engaging you on these issues, to help in your decision. If you could explain in more detail some of your questions about Clinton, like the "war-mongering"?, I would be happy to give you my own perceptions on these issues.
Here is a good article that looks at Obama's legislative achievements, many of which really aren't that progressive.
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