So it’s up to you to tell the truth about this country we love. It’s up to you to tell the truth about what’s happening to ordinary people. It’s up to you to remind us that democracy only works when ordinary people claim it as their own. It’s up to you to write the story of America that leaves no one out. - Bill Moyers
So sorry to have left you on such a pessimistic note. I don’t know how an honest life can be led without a good dose of cynicism and a sprinkling of pessimism. What I’m trying to achieve with this series of posts could best be described as a Clintonesque “third way.” On one hand I want to believe in the America that I thought I used to know. I want to believe in the America that inspired me to serve my country in the military, the America that towards the end of the 90’s appeared to be making strides to narrow the gap in areas like gender, economic, and racial inequality.
On the other hand I’ve seen the same things you’ve seen for the last seven years.
My solution. I endorse Barack Obama for President. McCain is the last thing this country needs…insult to injury. But I’m not voting for him. Call it “Strategic Voting.” I live in New York and have the luxury of deciding between Ralph Nader, Ron Paul, and Cynthia McKinney. Party politics and strict ideology has laid this country to waste and I want to see the two major parties struck down even more harshly. If I lived in Florida like Bryan, or Texas like Steve the equation would be totally different. I believe Barack Obama will be the next President–the first legally elected one in over a decade– as much as I also believe in the central tenant of his campaign that this election is about us engaging in our Democracy again. This is my way of doing it.
- BROWSE / IN TIMELINE
- « Reconciliation: Part II
- » I changed my mind…
- BROWSE / IN Politics
- « Reconciliation: Part II
- » I changed my mind…
COMMENTS / 13 COMMENTS
Diva Jood added these pithy words on Jun 10 08 atFred, I’ve just caught up on your posts - been without consistent internet since Thursday, fixed now.
Interesting concept, “strategic voting.” My strategic vote will be cast for Obama, and I am not convinced he has a lock on getting elected. I remember “strategic voting” between Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon in 1968 - so many people voted for “none of the above” rather than Humphrey that we wound up with Nixon.
Personally, I believe both the Obama AND Clinton supporters have been idiotic - and frankly, if Clinton had won the nomination, there would be plenty of Obama supporters sitting on their hands - and Clinton supporters saying “suck it up and get on board.”
But from a practical standpoint, the Democratic party must get on board - if someone is a Democrat, now is the time to get on board. I forget who said it, but the quote is this: Republicans fall in line, Democrats fall in love. Still, you have to do what you have to do, and while I don’t agree with it and hope you come around, I respect it.
Frederick added these pithy words on Jun 10 08 atWatching the hammering McCain is taking from all angles (in only the first week of the general election) I’m pretty optimistic. Don’t get me wrong, I’d have no qualms about voting for Obama. But New York is no Florida…it’d go Democratic this year if Kucinich got the nod. Under those circumstances I feel it necessary to bolster support and interest in third parties. Stick in the mud Clintonites that are still mad by the time November rolls around will easily be offset by Ron Paul and Barr, even with the Nader factor.
Lew Scannon added these pithy words on Jun 10 08 atFor those Clintonatonic who wish to see a woman president, Cynthia McKinney makes the perfect choice, and I was happy to see her get the nomination. I’ll probably go with Obama myself, not because of any party loyalty, but because I feel he’s the best viable candidate running.
Josh added these pithy words on Jun 10 08 atI stopped considering endorsing/voting for a democrat when Kucinich was dropped from the race, Edwards would’ve been nice, but I still prefer Nader to Edwards. And the Democrat party has been such a disappointment over and over and over again. I will not use my vote to support such a party. (Although Kucinich and Wexler redeem the party somewhat - http://cspanjunkie.org/?p=158 )
I live in Florida, however as a MA resident, I can vote however the hell I want.
Bryan added these pithy words on Jun 10 08 atMaybe I’m not making myself clear enough, but I don’t care about the candidates, they aren’t the problem. My problem, the problem that a lot of Floridians have, is with the DNC and the arbitrary manner in which they “enforced the rules”.
The games that the DNC played have helped the Florida GOP screw us over again, and the only way of showing that they really, truly stepped over the line is by not donating, dropping the party registration, and not voting for their candidates. Until they figure out that they lost Florida by messing us over, nothing is going to change.
There aren’t that many Democrats on the Panhandle any more, and after this year there are many fewer. The games they played in their recent backroom deal in DC, already confirmed what many suspected, this was about helping a candidate win, not counting Democratic votes. Well, now they have fewer votes to count.
There is nothing anyone can say to me that will convince me to vote for anyone approved by the DNC. I’m not a forgiving kind of person,
Frederick added these pithy words on Jun 10 08 atMaybe just a classic case of talking past one another.
Adorable Girlfriend added these pithy words on Jun 10 08 atI am a Hillary supporter, but will vote for Obama because McCain is a scary alternative!
Randal Graves added these pithy words on Jun 11 08 atAbortions for some, miniature American flags for others.
I’m voting Obama because we can’t afford McCain. And that’s enough of a reason.
Fallenmonk added these pithy words on Jun 11 08 atWhile I respect your attitude and resolve in not supporting the two party system by voting for a non viable 3rd party candidate I don’t agree that your vote is something you should use to make a statement, no matter how noble the cause. As an American citizen you are enfranchised with the right to cast a vote for the President of the United States. Regardless of your feeling about the two party system and regardless of your intent to support a third party candidate your right to vote is not and was not meant as a tool for you to use as an abstract political statement. You owe it to your comrades in the military and your fellow citizens to take your “cherished” right and vote for the candidate you feel, above all others, deserves the privilege of serving as your president. Casting your vote for anyone less, as a vote of protest or political statement is a dereliction of your duty as an American citizen which is to vote for who you believe will be the best for the country. You can support a third party with money, canvasing or blogging, whatever. Casting your cherished vote as a political protest is not why I served in the military, not why my father, grandfather and on and on and on served. We and you served to preserve the right of Americans to chose their government and that means taking it all deadly seriously. You of all people, who have seen your comrades fall in the sands of Iraq should know how important your right to vote is. Again, I am denigrating your resolve or well deserved disgust with the Democratic party. I share your disgust as you well know. I just want to feel my vote counts as much as it can.
Frederick added these pithy words on Jun 11 08 atA slight correction, while I’ve had people I knew closely die in Iraq, I’ve never seen anyone die in combat. If I don’t point out that distinction it will surely be used against me in the future.
A vote for a third party isn’t a throw away vote, it wasn’t in 1912 and it isn’t today. Barack Obama will win New York whether I vote or not. At least I’m voting.
Agi added these pithy words on Jun 11 08 atObama will win California. Hence, I’ll vote for whoever I damn please.
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