My truth about Hillary

[peacock2121]

I finally saw it.

The truth is, either Obama or Hillary have the policies and positions that I would be fine with. I am fine with either and I disagree with both on certain positions. Not nearly the number I disagree with McCain or Huckabee on.

Anyway, I saw why I am a Hillary supporter.

When I was in first grade, it did not occur to me that I could be President. When my brother was born, I was thrilled that one of us could be.

I want first grade girls to know that they could be President.

I want powerful women to have an example of 'getting their turn', after years of supporting their spouse.

I want a pantsuit (although I would prefer a skirt) in the White House.

I would not be voting for or supporting her if her policies were not in line with mine. Given they are, she got my primary vote.

[mrkelley23]

Substitute "black person" for "woman" and you understand a lot of Obama's support, too.

I can't support Hillary, but I'm glad I can point to specific votes and say that it's truly about her record.

[peacock2121]

Substitute "black person" for "woman" and you understand a lot of Obama's support, too.

.

I saw that as well.

[minimetoo26]

Sadly, my biggest problem with Obama is that he's a smoker.

So we all have these preferences and prejudices that sway our votes that have nothing to do with the issues.

[peacock2121]

I am a bit confounded that Pealette and her husband are supporting her because they want to be part of history - voting for the first woman president.

They do not know nor do they care about her positions or policies. They think none of it matters. They think they are all full of it.

yikers

[peacock2121]

Sadly, my biggest problem with Obama is that he's a smoker.

So we all have these preferences and prejudices that sway our votes that have nothing to do with the issues.

Is he still smoking or is he only chewing Nicorette?

I love that his wife outted him. I love that she asked America to tattle on him.

Of course, he was a closet smoker, so he knows how to hide.

[BackInTex]

Sadly, my biggest problem with Obama is that he's a smoker.

So we all have these preferences and prejudices that sway our votes that have nothing to do with the issues.

Is he still smoking or is he only chewing Nicorette?

I love that his wife outted him. I love that she asked America to tattle on him.

Of course, he was a closet smoker, so he knows how to hide.

Makes you wonder what else he is hiding.

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

Sadly, my biggest problem with Obama is that he's a smoker.

So we all have these preferences and prejudices that sway our votes that have nothing to do with the issues.

He's running for President not sainthood.

[silverscreenselect]

I can't support Hillary, but I'm glad I can point to specific votes and say that it's truly about her record.

There's a reason that no sitting Senator since JFK (and before that Warren Harding) has been elected President and that's in large part because they have a record of votes which always wind up upsetting some people.

It's easy to give a speech or write a newspaper column or blog or talk on a radio show about what's right and wrong when you don't actually have to go on record, you don't have to come up with a meaningful plan of action alternative if you oppose something, and, more importantly, there are absolutely no real-world consequences to your being right or wrong about it.

Obama himself has said that he's not sure what he would have done if he actually had been in the Senate during the Iraq vote. He de-emphasizes that fact along with the speech itself whenever it suits his political purposes. Since Obama has had to go on record in the Senate, his actions are virtually identical to Hillary's on Iraq.

[BackInTex]

I can't support Hillary, but I'm glad I can point to specific votes and say that it's truly about her record.

There's a reason that no sitting Senator since JFK (and before that Warren Harding) has been elected President and that's in large part because they have a record of votes which always wind up upsetting some people.

It's easy to give a speech or write a newspaper column or blog or talk on a radio show about what's right and wrong when you don't actually have to go on record, you don't have to come up with a meaningful plan of action alternative if you oppose something, and, more importantly, there are absolutely no real-world consequences to your being right or wrong about it.

Obama himself has said that he's not sure what he would have done if he actually had been in the Senate during the Iraq vote. He de-emphasizes that fact along with the speech itself whenever it suits his political purposes. Since Obama has had to go on record in the Senate, his actions are virtually identical to Hillary's on Iraq.

Well said, and I'll add to that the fact that some on-record votes don't necessarily translate to full support for the primary issue being voted on, yet can and will be used against the voter by his/her opponents. "Its better than the alternative" votes are killers to a political career.

[Bixby17]

I finally saw it.

The truth is, either Obama or Hillary have the policies and positions that I would be fine with. I am fine with either and I disagree with both on certain positions. Not nearly the number I disagree with McCain or Huckabee on.

Anyway, I saw why I am a Hillary supporter.

When I was in first grade, it did not occur to me that I could be President. When my brother was born, I was thrilled that one of us could be.

I want first grade girls to know that they could be President.

I want powerful women to have an example of 'getting their turn', after years of supporting their spouse.

I want a pantsuit (although I would prefer a skirt) in the White House.

I would not be voting for or supporting her if her policies were not in line with mine. Given they are, she got my primary vote.

Though like with many candidates, I don't agree with every position she has, I agree with enough that if I liked her as a candidate I could get over it.

My thing with Hillary isn't the female thing. It's just a personal thing. I'd love to vote for a female candidate, but the way that Hillary Clinton speaks annoys the crap out of me. I want to be able to like her but it kills me. I hate watching any speeches she gives, even if it is on a subject that I agree with.

I also don't like the whole Clinton baggage thing. I remember where I was when I read about the cigar. I remember where I was when Clinton finally fessed up after being totally scientifically busted, as opposed to semi-busted. And I just was angry and felt it was such a waste.

I also think that whoever is the next president is screwed anyway. Iraq and the federal deficit is a clusterf because we haven't had any adult supervision in the WH. If a Dem gets in the WH next, all the mess of Iraq -deficits gets pinned on them even if they didn't start it.

Crap, I don't know who I am going to vote for.

[Appa23]

I want first grade girls to know that they could be President.

My Kindergarten girl can't be President.

However, there is no need for Hillary to be President just so little girls can "know" that they can be President. Many already know and aspire to it. Just ask them.

[peacock2121]

I want first grade girls to know that they could be President.

My Kindergarten girl can't be President.

However, there is no need for Hillary to be President just so little girls can "know" that they can be President. Many already know and aspire to it. Just ask them.

She might be able to be by the time she is of age to be so.

I have a distinction between knowing and believing and aspiring.

I know others do not have those distinctions.

[Bixby17]

I want first grade girls to know that they could be President.

My Kindergarten girl can't be President.

However, there is no need for Hillary to be President just so little girls can "know" that they can be President. Many already know and aspire to it. Just ask them.

Ha.

Personally I wouldn't want any of my children to be president because it is an awful job.

Role models do matter. It is easier to pretend that they don't.

It is hard to figure out how to be successful if people like you have never had that success.

Sucessful females in particular have to do a dance between not being a beyotch and not being too compliant. Figuring out what to wear--that sounds silly, but guys in the work place can wear suit and tie or basically golf clothes depending on how casual the work place is. It is more difficult to figure out what is professional to wear for females.

Then there are issues of good ole boy networks. People like working with people that they feel comfortable with. That they have things in common to talk about. I've always thought that the most important class I took while at law school was golf. I believe I had an easier time in corporate life than some of my female peers because I knew sports and could play golf and could assimilate into a mostly male workplace.

It is also difficult to figure out what success as a female you should aspire to. If you want a family and a career, there are lots of different ways that females do that, and none of them are easy. For years, I mentally struggled with how I was going to make that work so that it fit my life. Guys, typically don't have to think too much about that (other than maybe trying to pick a career that doesn't involve too many moves if they care about that for their family).

Females in lots of different jobs are longshots. Hillary as President means that a female American president is a possible thing. I'm just not sure I want her in particular to be that groundbreaker.

That a black man in American could be President is also a very cool notion to me too.

[Jeemie]

I want first grade girls to know that they could be President.

My Kindergarten girl can't be President.

However, there is no need for Hillary to be President just so little girls can "know" that they can be President. Many already know and aspire to it. Just ask them.

She might be able to be by the time she is of age to be so.

I have a distinction between knowing and believing and aspiring.

I know others do not have those distinctions.

So until there's a female President, you can't KNOW there can BE a female President?

Is that what you're saying?

And personally, I don't want a female President just for the sake of their being a female President...or that so little girls can KNOW that they can be President.

I want the best possible person...male, female, black, white, red, etc...to be President.

I want little girls to know that it takes excellence (well- it SHOULD take excellence) to aspire to be President.

[Bixby17]

My Kindergarten girl can't be President.

However, there is no need for Hillary to be President just so little girls can "know" that they can be President. Many already know and aspire to it. Just ask them.

She might be able to be by the time she is of age to be so.

I have a distinction between knowing and believing and aspiring.

I know others do not have those distinctions.

So until there's a female President, you can't KNOW there can BE a female President?

Is that what you're saying?

And personally, I don't want a female President just for the sake of their being a female President...or that so little girls can KNOW that they can be President.

I want the best possible person...male, female, black, white, red, etc...to be President.

I want little girls to know that it takes excellence (well- it SHOULD take excellence) to aspire to be President.

Well duh.

It shouldn't be THE reason you choose somebody.

But there is knowing that something is possible and really KNOWING something is possible.

Sort of like the People Magazine issue they do each year where they show real people losing large amounts of weight with diet and exercise. When you see that others have been able to do something amazing, it lets you know that this may be possible for you too.

Yes, people know that exercise and eating right can help their weight, but actually seeing what the results are and seeing that people have been able to keep the weight off gives you a deeper knowledge that something is possible.

Women's right to vote anywhere in America has existed for less than 100 years. You can see why people might be excited about the idea of a female US president.

[Jeemie]

She might be able to be by the time she is of age to be so.

I have a distinction between knowing and believing and aspiring.

I know others do not have those distinctions.

So until there's a female President, you can't KNOW there can BE a female President?

Is that what you're saying?

And personally, I don't want a female President just for the sake of their being a female President...or that so little girls can KNOW that they can be President.

I want the best possible person...male, female, black, white, red, etc...to be President.

I want little girls to know that it takes excellence (well- it SHOULD take excellence) to aspire to be President.

Well duh.

It shouldn't be THE reason you choose somebody.

But there is knowing that something is possible and really KNOWING something is possible.

Sort of like the People Magazine issue they do each year where they show real people losing large amounts of weight with diet and exercise. When you see that others have been able to do something amazing, it lets you know that this may be possible for you too.

Yes, people know that exercise and eating right can help their weight, but actually seeing what the results are and seeing that people have been able to keep the weight off gives you a deeper knowledge that something is possible.

Women's right to vote anywhere in America has existed for less than 100 years. You can see why people might be excited about the idea of a female US president.

Except Appa actually has a point.

The younger generation doesn't need to see the actual concrete example. They already know it's possible.

My experience with speaking with them (yes- anecdotal, but all I have to go on) makes me firmly believe that the younger generation doesn't view race and gender the same way older generations (including us) do.

So WE might be excited at the prospect, but to them it will be "What's the big deal"?

To me, that's just an example as to how much progress has been made.

[fuzzywuzzy]

Anyway, I saw why I am a Hillary supporter.

I want first grade girls to know that they could be President.

I want powerful women to have an example of 'getting their turn', after years of supporting their spouse.

I want a pantsuit (although I would prefer a skirt) in the White House.

I would not be voting for or supporting her if her policies were not in line with mine. Given they are, she got my primary vote.

This is how I felt...until...

Had a conversation this weekend with my girlfriend about this...

I told her that I like both, but, I am leaning toward Hillary...

Well, got an inside scoop on Senator Clinton...

When she was on her book tour... she was not very nice or receptive to the book store owner, she was rude to her own staff, and no one was allowed to touch her (shake her hands) there were staff that would take the book from you, hand it to Hillary, she would hand it to another staff member, who would then hand it to you. The end!

I have been to an event that this same Book store owner has had...she is wonderful, helpful, and very receptive to all. It took us 3 hours to get a book signed...and we got to meet the person, shake hands and have a small conversation! This person has endorsed Obama, and doesn't come out very often to do so...

So...I am rethinking who I want to fix this country in the next 4 years!

fuzzy

[Bixby17]

So until there's a female President, you can't KNOW there can BE a female President?

Is that what you're saying?

And personally, I don't want a female President just for the sake of their being a female President...or that so little girls can KNOW that they can be President.

I want the best possible person...male, female, black, white, red, etc...to be President.

I want little girls to know that it takes excellence (well- it SHOULD take excellence) to aspire to be President.

Well duh.

It shouldn't be THE reason you choose somebody.

But there is knowing that something is possible and really KNOWING something is possible.

Sort of like the People Magazine issue they do each year where they show real people losing large amounts of weight with diet and exercise. When you see that others have been able to do something amazing, it lets you know that this may be possible for you too.

Yes, people know that exercise and eating right can help their weight, but actually seeing what the results are and seeing that people have been able to keep the weight off gives you a deeper knowledge that something is possible.

Women's right to vote anywhere in America has existed for less than 100 years. You can see why people might be excited about the idea of a female US president.

Except Appa actually has a point.

The younger generation doesn't need to see the actual concrete example. They already know it's possible.

My experience with speaking with them (yes- anecdotal, but all I have to go on) makes me firmly believe that the younger generation doesn't view race and gender the same way older generations (including us) do.

So WE might be excited at the prospect, but to them it will be "What's the big deal"?

To me, that's just an example as to how much progress has been made.

Progress based on your conversation with kids?

When I was a kid, I thought I could do all sorts of things. I was going to be a president, an astronaut whatever.

When you get older, you realize what specific impediments there are to doing different things. Some of those impediments involve what sex you are. There are challenges to males and challenges to females. It is just how it is.

If a female ends up being President some day, it does, in some way that may not be measurable to you, it does change what people see is truly possible.

Though I will say that if Hillary Clinton becomes President, I'm not sure she is the role model of the way to become President:

Get good grades. Check
Get a great education. Check
Work hard at your job. Check
Marry a charismatic turd and forgive his massive transgressions. Huh?
Then it's your turn. Uh check.

Though I will say that if she became President, and was able to conduct herself with dignity and excellence at her job, she would be quite role model.

Menfolk as Presidents--They are just dudes who are better or worse at what they do.
Female as President--Representing her gender. That's just the way it will be seen.

[themanintheseersuckersuit]

Though I will say that if Hillary Clinton becomes President, I'm not sure she is the role model of the way to become President:

Get good grades. Check
Get a great education. Check
Work hard at your job. Check
Marry a charismatic turd and forgive his massive transgressions. Huh?
Then it's your turn. Uh check.

Though I will say that if she became President, and was able to conduct herself with dignity and excellence at her job, she would be quite role model.

Menfolk as Presidents--They are just dudes who are better or worse at what they do.
Female as President--Representing her gender. That's just the way it will be seen.

I would assume you saw this when it was going around

Packers, made a shocking announcement today.

Their starting quarterback this Sunday will be Mrs. Brett Favre.

Fans in Green Bay were shocked when this announcement was made, but Mrs. Favre assured the fans that, "Hey, I know this game. I live with Brett. I have taken several road trips on the team plane. I've gone to the pregame meal. I know a lot of the Packers. I've played around with a lot of the Packers in the back yard. I've tossed the football with them, and I know what a slot right 60-Prevent-Slot-Hook-And-Go is and I know how to avoid a corner blitz." So they polled the people in Green Bay, 50% of Packers fans are excited, motivated, looking forward to the big game.

[mrkelley23]

I can't support Hillary, but I'm glad I can point to specific votes and say that it's truly about her record.

There's a reason that no sitting Senator since JFK (and before that Warren Harding) has been elected President and that's in large part because they have a record of votes which always wind up upsetting some people.

It's easy to give a speech or write a newspaper column or blog or talk on a radio show about what's right and wrong when you don't actually have to go on record, you don't have to come up with a meaningful plan of action alternative if you oppose something, and, more importantly, there are absolutely no real-world consequences to your being right or wrong about it.

Obama himself has said that he's not sure what he would have done if he actually had been in the Senate during the Iraq vote. He de-emphasizes that fact along with the speech itself whenever it suits his political purposes. Since Obama has had to go on record in the Senate, his actions are virtually identical to Hillary's on Iraq.

This is not a couple of votes on appropriations bills that I'm talking about. This is something that violated the sacred vow she made when she took office, namely to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States. As far as I am concerned, every Senator who voted for the "Carte Blanche" resolution basically trashed their obligations as members of the U.S. Senate. By giving the President unlimited power to conduct military operations in another sovereign nation without a formal declaration of war, they ignored both the letter and the spirit of the foundation of our nation. I find this reprehensible, especially on the part of Sens. Clinton, Edwards, and all the other Democrats who voted for the resolution. I don't care if they had other intelligence, or other information that caused them to vote this way. If they felt war was necessary, they should have introduced a declaration of war.

And it's not that they weren't warned about the consequences of their actions, either. One of the putative leaders of their own party, and one of the strongest Constitutional scholars in the Senate, Sen. Robert Byrd, warned strongly against voting for the resolution, for the very reason I have offered here. They ignored him, and went with the political winds.

Votes since then are less relevant -- they are more a reflection of military realities and political realities. I don't care if Obama dithered about how he would have voted. Maybe he would've voted "Present."

The only way I would be able to vote for Hillary is if she winds up in a race against McCain, and there are no viable third-party alternatives. And even then I'm not sure, because McCain at least has the excuse of being in the same political party as the President he deferred his obligations to. One thing is sure -- no matter how irrelevant my state of Indiana is, I will not "sit out" any election, in protest or otherwise. I want the right to b*tch, thank you very much.

[wbtravis007]

Yeah, I'd do her.

Jennifer Flowers? Absolutely!

That Wiley lady? Yep.

Monica? Hmmm. Probably not.

Paula? No, thanks. I'll pass.

[Appa23]

. . . .One of the putative leaders of their own party, and one of the strongest Constitutional scholars in the Senate, Sen. Robert Byrd, warned strongly against voting for the resolution.

Of course, Senator Byrd is an expert on the US Constitution. I mean, he was there when it was written.

[Appa23]

I really wonder how much of a "concrete example" for all womenkind an election of Hillary would be.

Following the professed logic to its conclusion:

- Black women still would not truly know that they can be President. (an election of Obama would have the same effect for them as the election of Hillary)

- Nor would Hispanic/Latino women, Asian women, or Native American women. (A minority/non-white President would have nearly the same effect on their perspective as would a female President.)

-Nor would a Jewish women, Muslim women, Catholic women, Buddhist women, or really any women other than "WASPs." Every single example could say, "A _____ women has never been elected in over 200 years, so what chance do I have?"

- Really, not even all WASPs can say "Hey, someone just like me obviously can be President."

So, to sum up, the election of Hillary Clinton truly would be a great day for White, European-descent, occasionally-practicing Methodist, Former First Ladies everywhere.

[trevor_macfee]

I have come to believe there is something important going on with Hillary's run for the presidency. I see it in my 10-year old daughter's eyes every time Hillary is shown speaking on TV. There is something about her (Hillary) being a "girl" that just resonates with my daughter. Perhaps it is because she has gone through school with a class that has had about 6 girls each year and about 20 boys (at her school there is only one class of each elementary grade so the students mostly move up together). The tight bonds that those girls have forged have, I think, made her very aware of "girl power."

She gets the same look in her eyes watching Hillary that she had the first time she saw a woman preach. I am pastor at a church with 2 other men, although our denomination does ordain women (and more than half of the current graduates of our seminaries are women). When we attended another church and the pastor there was a woman, my daughter was mesmerized - not so much by the sermon but by the fact that a woman could get up and preach.

Although I'm not voting for Hillary tomorrow, I'm glad she's running.

I can also understand why my wife, although torn between Clinton and Obama, will cancel out my vote tomorrow by voting for Hillary. She has been a victim of sexual harrassment at work, and her career suffered when she took time off after our daughter was born. She is very conscious of the fact that women were (and some would argue, still are) second-class citizens in the workplace. There is something powerful for her, too, in Hillary's run.

I disagree with the narrow interpretation that Hillary's campaign only "speaks" to white European-descent, former first ladies, etc. women - although I'm no woman, I think that the fact that a woman is a serious candidate for president "speaks" to a significant portion of women, whether they agree politically with her or not.