Reply #33: I am not an Obama supporter, esp. after McClurkin, but it was clear [View All]

[Bumblebee]

to me last night that, given the enthusiasm for Obama coming from younger generations, Clinton could have not done anything else to win Iowa. People who choose her go by practical reasons (not unlike Kerry in 04), some are emotional about her being a woman but there are always some reservations. My problems with Obama have been: 1. I do not think he is as progressive as many think he is, as the whole McClurkin affair showed 2. My main objective is winning the WH and I am still scared of the hidden but strong racist undercurrent affecting the general vote which doomed several strong black candidates for lesser offices before, even when they appeared to be strong in the polls because people do not admit their biases to pollsters 3. He _is_ inexperienced, and, if he is running against McCain and, god forbid, something happens between now and November, people's priorities will change very quickly and they will vote for "safe" rather than "exciting."

Having said that, what I saw yesterday made me think that if he can generate the same level of enthusiasm, vigor, increased numbers, et al in other states, it may bode well for the general election because it matters a lot and that's what was missing with Kerry and probably will be missing with Clinton. As to Edwards, he is really not in the picture any more, let's be realistic.

I still want Clinton to win NH -- but not because I necessarily want her to be the nominee. I just want a real race for a while and to have two options at this early point rather than one because I am still so undecided. I think it is also good for the eventual nominee to sharpen the skills in debates with each other -- as long as it does not turn ugly and very negative.

My strong regret is that Bill Richardson, who has it all on paper, did not turn out to be a more exciting or even competent campaigner. As to Edwards, I used to support him but then lost my enthusiasm for him -- probably at the time he decided to go negative against Clinton. Plus, when we have a potentially first black president, or Hispanic president, or female president, it is kind of anticlimactic to root for another white male...

Finally, the debate on Saturday will be great -- with just four of them, and lots of time, it will be a really serious and thoughtful discussion. Plus to see four such diverse candidates on the stage as Dem strongest options makes me very proud as a Democrat, regardless of who wins in the end.