Clinton / Obama ’08

There. I said it out loud.

I rarely discuss politics with my friends. It was always one of those rules of etiquette about conversation: you don’t discuss religion, politics, and ….. damn. There’s a third thing, and I can’t remember what it is. Well, it’s time I take my stand and stand behind it. I mean, people I hardly know (like the guy at the credit union on the corner) ask my opinion and I’m not shy about telling them. I just don’t want to piss off my friends — politicians come and go, but your friends are your friends. Right? But there it is. Silent no longer.

I don’t claim to be the most politically savvy person on the planet. No, really. If I were, I would have worked for more winners than losers, when I did that sort of thing, rather than the opposite. On the other hand…

Eight years ago, when “W” ran for President, I said to anyone who would listen, “If Bush makes it to the White House, mark my words, we’ll be back in Iraq. He will find some excuse for us to send the military back there to clean up what his Daddy wasn’t able to finish.” I did. I said that. I have witnesses.

Four years ago, when I heard Barack Obama speak at the Democratic National Convention, I fell in love. I said to anyone who would listen, “That man will make a fine President someday. Give him 8 years to get the right experience as Hillary Clinton’s Vice President, and he will be a force to reckon with.” Note I said “Vice President” to Hillary Clinton’s President. I wanted to run out and get a bumper sticker saying “Clinton/Obama ’08”. Four years ago. And you know what? Bandwagons aside, I still feel that way.

Apologies to those of my friends who have fallen in love with the rhetoric, but I don’t believe Obama is ready to be President. One term as a senator from Chicago does not give him the experience or exposure to lead our country at this rocky period in our history. He can dream and envision Utopia all he likes, but he is not ready for the White House. He’s a hellva great orator and wordsmith, but I’m afraid he’s mistaken the starry eyes and Clinton-haters for grass-roots support.

If he becomes the Democratic nominee, I will vote for him, because I am – if nothing else – a staunch, dyed-in-the-wool Democrat. I know plenty of others who will vote for a Republican for the first time in their lives or just stay home.

Not because he’s black, but because of that You Tube video of his “crazy uncle” pastor aligning himself with Louis Farrakhan, making all those anti-Semitic and anti-Israel remarks, and saying that this country brought 9/11 on itself because of its alignment with Israel. The line “Not God Bless America, But God Damn America” plays really well in the Borscht Belt.

Obama refuses to disavow the pastor, saying “Oh, he’s just really conservative.” Oh, yeah, and he wasn’t at the church the day that sermon was given. That’s probably true. But that video was pro. That wasn’t recorded on a cellphone spontaneously. And I posit this to you: That man performed the Obamas’ marriage ceremony and baptized their kids. They have been members of his congregation for over 20 years. So, do we suppose that this was the first and only time these views were heard from his pulpit? He just woke up that particular morning and had an epiphany? I can’t buy that. And while I do believe that you don’t have to buy everything your minister is selling, if you’re planning on running to be the next President of the United States, why are you keeping up your subscription? I’m sorry, but that’s just naive.

I truly believe that if Obama becomes the nominee, we’ll have at least 4 years of McCain. I’m not an age-ist or anything, but Ronald Reagan was younger when he took office than McCain is now, and I keep seeing that photo of Reagan nodding off during a Cabinet meeting, then revealing after he was out of office that he had Alzheimer’s. I know, I know. I can’t help it. But even people who are older than he is, that I talk to feel that way.

MJ and I both voted for Hillary Clinton. She’s already had 8 years in the White House and won’t need a tutorial. Also, if you remember, the last time the U.S. was in strong economic condition was during a Clinton’s presidency. (What is it with these Republicans, man? They preach fiscal responsibility, but name one Republican President in the last 50 years that didn’t run this country into a deficit and/or recession. Geez!) A woman in the White House! We can do that now.

I still say Clinton / Obama in ’08. Go team!