All good, dijamo. Let me tell you why I'm for Obama.

I've been watching politics (indeed, covering it as a reporter, in some cases, e.g. interviewi) for three decades. I've never been so inspired by a presidential candidate in all that time as I have been by Obama. And yes, words matter because words set the tone of a presidency, the expectations for concrete action, the goals that will unite a country. Obama has set the bar high enough to stir our hearts, yet not so high that we might think his goals pipe dreams. He reminds us of our best selves, the selves it takes to pass the Voting Rights Act, suffrage, the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts and other difficult measures that prove the worth of America precisely because they are so politically difficult to enact and so beneficial.

I support Obama because he will devote tens of billions to research and development of cleaner energy sources, "green" jobs, and improved energy efficiencies in cars and housing — all while holding the line against the opening of ANWR.

I support Obama because he strongly supports a woman's right to choose even though he knows he will face a hard time from the religious right because of it.

I support Obama because he will order a phased withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, making the generals responsible for executing the best plan they can present for securing our forces and materiel, leaving Iraq with a stable government and enhancing security in the region. He will bring in other nations to help enhance regional security, allowing the U.S. to focus its forces on stabilizing Afghanistan and rooting out bin Laden and al Qaeda where they live, not where Bush allowed their violent ideology to spread.

That's a start. I'll let others add their reasons.

Playing the inevitability of his delegate lead

The difference is that the delegate lead made the outcome inevitable (barring a major Obama scandal or other disaster) long before the final primaries, because the nomination race was a race for delegates. That's not at all the same thing as a presumption of "inevitability" based on polls and conventional wisdom. Obama played it smart by not risking unforced errors.

I think it's safe to say that Obama understands that no such inevitability exists for the general election. If you see him playing it too safe in the general election you should point it out, but so far the states he seems to be going after suggest just the opposite.

It’s time to confront that 20% of HRC supporters and argue why Obama based on policy and facts rather than get over it he’s the nominee.

If those 20% are seriously undecided between Obama and McCain at this point, then I doubt any form of argument is going to help. The differences between Obama and McCain are too stark, and the consequences of a McCain presidency too obviously grim.

I'm only saying that if they are (for the moment) seriously undecided between McCain and Obama, then it's probably not because they're unsure of whether they are more in tune with Obama's positions on the issues vs McCain's.

Most will end up on Obama's side eventually, when they work through what they need to work through. Most (outside of the Larry Johnson / Hillary is 44 crowd) sound like they're in an unsustainable state of limbo, unable to bring themselves to support Obama but at the same time, repelled by the thought of McCain becoming president. Some are seriously leaning toward McCain because they are Democrats in the mold of Lieberman, and I doubt we'll get many of them back. But most will eventually come around, when they're ready.

It seems like only days ago (because it was only days ago) that this meme was about Obama needing Hillary's 18 million, her nearly-fifty-percent. Now that the dust has settled only slightly, the meme is about Obama needing the 20% who are undecided. That number won't stay as high as 20% for very long, so that 20% doesn't translate into a 10-point loss in November. It wouldn't even translate in to a 10-point loss if the election were tomorrow.

Hey, speaking of TPM being pro-Obama (or at least the majority of its posters), do you have any accounts on pro-Clinton sites? I created one on TaylorMarsh in an effort to be politely reasonable (i.e., point out the policy similarities between Obama and Clinton as well as what a McCain presidency would be), but none of my comments get through "moderation". I promise I'm being very polite, so I don't know what the problem is.

So, have you had any luck on pro-Clinton (now seemingly pro-McCain) sites?

I think you're absolutely right about fighting for every vote. Complacency is never a good thing. I always like being the underdog better.

I like the idea of TPM as marital counseling!

And by the way, this post has an awesome title. ;)

Silly me. I should have done signed up earlier but I actually prefer debating with people who don't see my side of things and try to show an alternate perspective. If I tried to post there now, I'd be a "poser" rather than a genuine Hillary supporter.

I think I'll try on Taylor Marsh (which has also accepted the Hillary marching orders to support Obama I think.) Hillary is 44, I took a look at and it's scary. Again I got no shot of getting authorized for an account there. But I would hope the more resonable minded HRC supporters will hear Hillary's call to unify behind Obama. I'm sure she'll use he rinfluence to make that happen.

Oops. Here it is again. effing html:
He wants an engaged and informed populace, and his ethics reforms in Chicago and in the Senate have all gone to facilitating that. After a president who carries on with his losing war despite a less than 30 percent approval rating and a VP who responds to America's anguish over this war with a dismissive, "So?" it is refreshing to think of a president who will govern with his ear to the people. And of course that includes Hillary supporters. So, of course, you are part of the conversation. If portions of his policy do not sit well with you, let him know. Engage in the conversation and build your case. Despite what frequently happens here, I don't think his campaign is about stifling dissent; it is about encouraging it, but it is also about all of us (Obama supporters first and foremost) learning to enter that conversation with an open mind and with a willingness to learn from people who disagree with us, not to destroy or marginalize them.

Yeah, I think they're probably looking at all new accounts with vast skepticism. Skepticism is fine, and all that, but it seems like they're now in full blown censorship mode over there at TaylorMarsh. The front page isn't bad (IIRC), but the "Hot Topics" page is nothing but people talking about how they're going to vote for McCain.

I knew better myself than to try HillaryIs44. ;)

Thanks! Of course the multiple reposts were intentional so I could come up with the amusing title :)

I'd say all that. And add that what's exciting about Obama is that he's playing this to win.

Sure, they all want to win. But Obama is direct, focused, sharp.

It seemed that Kerry was a wuss and a lawyerly wonk. Gore seemed to assume he'd win if he's just keep on talking to us like a community college teacher, patiently explaining things in a manner that blah blah blah.

Obama is the -- yes, I am the originator of this term -- Barakarate! Master. He doesn't punch at his opponent wildly, he uses his opponent's attack for his own attack. He aims for the spot behind and through his opponent, which happens to be the White House. And he gathers up a massive posse.

Hi Dijamo!

A thoughtful and compelling post. Thanks for sharing it with us.

And btw I am slowly shifting toward the idea of Hillary Clinton for VP. Her speech on Saturday really stood out to me... and I think she might be a terror on the campaign trail ripping into the Republicans as an awesome attack dog. Grrrrrrrrr!

I think it could unify things beautifully.

But could you answer a few questions for me.

1. I am confused about this claim of sexism. From my perspective Hillary Clinton ran a terrible campaign and she lost because of strategic and tactical mistakes: not contesting the caucus states, poor organizaion early on, a team that didn't understand how delegates were awarded, a lack of focus in message, and a lack of comprehension that this was a a "change" year and not an "experience" year. How is that sexist

2. How was sexism in this campaign any more evident than the racism that Obama faced? I saw Clinton supporters on the the news in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky saying things like "He's a muslim", or "I won't vote for that "n****r". Was there sexism in the campaign? yes.... but there was also racism. And frankly, I don't think sexism prevented Clinton from winning. If Clinton had contested the caucus states, she would have probably won the nomination and probably the Presidency. That's not about sexism..that's about a campaign error.

That isn't meant to get you riled up...just my observation.

Ok here are some other questions for you.....These relate to a possible Clinton VP candidacy.

1. Will Hillary be happy being #2? Will she be able to serve in the role of the 2nd banana? yes, she would serve in an important capacity on important issues (i imagine healthcare) and as a strong wrangler of votes in the Senate. But will that make her happy? If she truly understands the role of VP and accepts that it is not a co-presidency...then I can get on board. I can also support a Clinton 2016 campaign!

2. What do we do with Bill? From my perspective every time he opened his mouth, he did damage to Hillary. It was almost as if he realllllly didn't want Hillary to win. Another Democratic President would diminish his role in the party. He was loose with his lip...and many times it was damaging. A lot of people look to Bill in SC as a major downfall to Hillary's campaign. How do we get him to shut his trap during the general election and during the Obama Presidency? It makes me nervous.

Ok I am looking forward to a lively discussion with you!

I have seen the polling about a Clinton VP and it's affect in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas. But I would like to see other polling...

The Clinton effect in WI, CO, MO, and VA, as well as how a Clinton on the ticket affects potential republican turnout. Those issues concern me!

I just want to make the choices that will ensure a Democratic White House in 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. :) If it is an Obama/Clinton ticket... I say let's do it!

Thanks for the discussion...

Dave

Thanks Dave - I look forward to a lively discussion with you as well, but sadly a busy rest of the afternoon won't allow for a full reply. I will say this though - in terms of sexism and misogyny, you don't have the believe that sexism was the reason Senator Clinton lost to believe it had a negative impact in this campaign. The outrage that I and many Clinton supporters felt was that everytime the race was injected into the campaign, the dmeocratic party rose up loudly to smite the offending party (even in cases where there was no racist intent whatsoever). Where was that public outrage from democratic leaders when Hillary was being called shrillary or they were questioning the authenticity of her emotion during that question in new hampshire or the endless focus on her pantsuits and jewelry choices versus her policies and ideas? And in terms of supporters on TPM and elsewhere - anyone who called Obama the N word is obviously NOT a Hillary supporter - they are a racist. They were appropriately admonished for their conduct. When Hillary is called a bitch (or worse) etc there was no public outcry. I have no problem with people not liking Hillary or even hating her, but calling her a bitch is disrepectful not just to HRC but also to women in general and her supporters.

Great post, and many great responses.

I just want to add that I am thrilled to finally be fighting on the same side with you, dijamo. We went back and forth a fair bit on these boards, and I have to say you, like Hillary, are a formidable opponent!

I admire your ability to argue your points fairly and tenaciously, and I am delighted to see those laser-sharp skills turned on McCain. I quite agree, we need to keep up the heat and not take any votes for granted. There's simply too much at stake.

This looks like a great post and an interesting discussion that I'm looking forward to reading tonight, after work.

But right now, I just wanted to let you know I'm too busy laughing (in a "been there" kind of way) at your headline to engage in serious discussion.

You have trouble with the effin html in the same way I have trouble figuring out how to drive back and forth without using any gas at all. In other words html in the posts and gas-free Subaru driving--it's a beautiful, but impossible dream.

Rec'd.

We've disagreed on here before, but that was HRC vs. BHO stuff, which is a dead horse now. Yours is a very sensible post. The only thing is that, currently, I fear that 20% is a lowball figure. That, of course, only amplifies your original point.

We have to figure out some way of reaching the undecideds, and as good as the Obama campaign has been, I think those of us who have been politically active have to do work at the grass-roots level too. I posted a blog a week or so ago here about talking to people who don't like Obama. I'm glad to incorporate the urgency your post demonstrates.

Good one on the clap clap point point with the different finger. I could have used that a couple of weeks ago. Dang it! And I think you are providing fodder for the conspiracy theorists who thought dija & mina mo were one and the same because I used the Whitty Hutton hell to the no reference last week.

But I digress - it's not about whether someone else calls you a real democrat or a republican or what ever the eff. You can't let other people define who you are. It's in you PO! (sorry I can't get Kung Fu Panda out my head)

As you know I came to the light with Obama as the dem candidate when we were watching family guy on Tuesday night and they were like OH NO! OH NO! OH NO! And then the big Kool Aid pitcher crashed through the wall and said OH YEAH! That's when I said oh snap - this is real.

Then when we went to see Kung Fu Panda, Master said yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift which is why they call it the Present. You know you are junkie when everything you hear is filtered through the prism of the campaign. So today is a present and we can hold hostilities and resentments or move forward in a positive direction. So I do hope you'll try to unity kool-aid. It's not that bad and I can guarantee it's a hell of a lot better than McCain-ade.

PS. If you ever text me and call me dija-ho again I will kick you in your tenders :) Have a nice day!