MyDD :: It's Been One Week

It's Been One Week

by Beltway Dem, Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 06:40:14 AM EST

Last Tuesday night, after Obama had enough delegates to secure the nomination, I decided to post a diary that would announce my intention to remain loyal to the nominee of my party, even though that nominee was not the woman I had supported during the primary process. The transition has not been easy for me.

Emotionally, it has been hard for me to think of myself as someone who supports Barack Obama. I was for Hillary for so long that it just became ingrained in me that I was against Senator Obama. I have felt like a stranger in a strange land, but I know enough about changing my feelings to know that to change them, I have to do new things. So these are the actions I took:

1. I signed up at Barack Obama dot com and made a $25 donation.

2. I've written several diaries at MyDD and even cross-posted a few of them at daily kos (more on this in a moment.)

3. I told my personal friends off-line what I was doing.

4. I pinned an Obama button to my gym bag.

5. On Saturday, I removed my Hillary bumper sticker on my car and replaced it with an Obama bumper sticker.

A lot of my Hillary friends have not been able to understand what I am doing, and I have become the object of some puzzlement among them. I hadn't thought about this aspect of my new project, so I was surprised, but in hindsight, their feelings make good sense to me. I apologize to them that I didn't prepare them for this transition.

The Obama supporters at MyDD have been peerlessly gracious. Some of the Obama supporters at daily kos have been gracious, but there is still some latent stuff going on over there, so I think I really may stop trying to post diaries or comments at daily kos.

My friends in real life are just yellow dog Democrats, the same that I am. They were for Hillary, but they never embraced her cause the way I had, so they have made the transition with less emotional baggage. They are pleased that I am doing what I am doing.

I am still in the process of my transition. I still am sad that Hillary has lost, and I have not made the whole transition to the new phase of the campaign, but I do know that if I want to change my insides, I have to change my outsides. I am acting my way into this new phase of the campaign, because defeating John McCain is the only thing that is important in presidential politics.

Barack Obama for president!

Tags: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, John McCain (all tags)

Permalink :: 87 Comments :: Post a Comment

it's not easy to move to another candidate (2.00 / 14)

and I thank you for taking the effort to do so. With more people like you, we can win the White House!

by slinkerwink on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 06:53:00 AM EST

No, it's not... (2.00 / 5)

So thanks, slinkerwink, for understanding that. Hopefully in time, more of our Clintonista blogger friends will see the light. They just need a little more time, I guess.

No way, no how, no McCain! :-)

by atdleft on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:54:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

HTH (2.00 / 4)

many of us do understand exactly where you folks are coming from. take all the time you need, just make sure you're on the bus with us when it pulls out of the station. =)

Visit us at TexasKAOS, where we're taking Texas back!

by annatopia on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:57:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Switching from Dean to Kerry was tough for me... (none / 0)

... but it had to be done. When Dean got the chairmanship of the DNC and we started winning elections, I realized it was a blessing in disguise.

Hillary is going to get something out of this, whether it's the VP or National Health Advisor. I have a feeling HRC may end up getting to be Senate leader, a job that would be perfect for her.

by dystopianfuturetoday on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 12:35:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 11)

I remember the feeling when I had to take the Dean sticker off and replace it with Kerry/Edwards. It was very emotional. I have kept both on my fridge for years now. I feel your pain. Politics can suck when you are so emotionally invested, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Kudos to you for the effort.

by temptxan on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 07:55:44 AM EST

shit (2.00 / 5)

i still have a dean bumper sticker on my car. =)

right next to the obama ones. :^D

Visit us at TexasKAOS, where we're taking Texas back!

by annatopia on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:55:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: shit (2.00 / 2)

Yah, I know the feeling. I was all for Dean, and when he dropped out, it was a rough transition to Kerry, I guy I had no enthusiasm for whatsoever. Now, I'm just digging the fact that my generation is getting so passionate about politics at all!

by Kordo on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:25:10 AM EST
[ Parent ]

rough indeed (2.00 / 2)

it was so damn hard to carry water for him. but i did the best i could (as did most dean supporters).

this year, i am really excited that the guy i ended up supporting got the nomination. that's the first time that's ever happened to me, and i've been voting in presidential elections since 92.

i was brown - clinton (well, by default i guess) - bradley - dean - and now obama. =)

Visit us at TexasKAOS, where we're taking Texas back!

by annatopia on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:33:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Taking out the trash (2.00 / 2)

That's how I felt about supporting Kerry. Something that just had to be done or there would be very unpleasant consequences, but not a task I approached with any enthusiasm.

"Mom, baseball, apple pie, and a unified Democratic juggernaut."

by Purplepeople on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:31:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: rough indeed (2.00 / 1)

My brother convinced me to go with him to Reno for GOTV in 2004. It wasn't about Kerry as much as it was about Bush, though. This year, I'm looking forward to Nevada GOTV for my preferred candidate. As a Tsongas - Clinton by default - Bradley - Dean - Obama supporter, this is also a new experience for me.

by CA Pol Junkie on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 01:28:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I with you (2.00 / 14)

I'm trying to "fake it till I make it". I have no real enthusiasm for Obama.

Right now I know that I can enthusiastically vote against McCain... hopefully by November I can enthusiastically vote for Obama.

Keeping an open mind to Obama... but Hillary has my heart.

"Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been." Hillary Rodham Clinton - June 7, 2008

by twinmom on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:01:14 AM EST

Just to clarify (2.00 / 11)

I will vote for Obama in November... it is the "enthusiastically" part that I am working on.

"Life is too short, time is too precious, and the stakes are too high to dwell on what might have been." Hillary Rodham Clinton - June 7, 2008

by twinmom on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:02:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I wrote on another blog (2.00 / 12)

that Aristotle observed that if one wants to develop a new habit, she or he needs to behave as though she or he already has acquired the habit. Kind of like, "acting as if." Curiously, neuroscience, with its doctrine of Hebbian plasticity, has confirmed Aristotle's insight. If it's true that we are what we eat, it's also true that we are what we do.

That's it, baby; let's go win this election!

by Beltway Dem on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:33:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Cognitive Dissonance?? (2.00 / 11)

If you behave in a manner that contradicts your beliefs, you experience a mental conflict. You have to do one of two things--justify the dissonance or change the belief.

My enthusiasm for Obama may be lacking, but my enthusiasm for defeating John McCain is overwhelming. Even if that doesn't change, Obama will still get my vote and John McCain will get my scorn, disdain, and determination to defeat him.

Another Clintonista against John McCain

by psychodrew on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:56:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Eventually, (2.00 / 7)

the belief will follow the behavior. I am not entirely rosy about all of this, but I try to make the best of things when they turn out in a way I would not have embraced at the start.

That's it, baby; let's go win this election!

by Beltway Dem on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:05:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Hard to believe, but us Obamans know (2.00 / 5)

exactly how you feel.

There have been moments during all this primary madness when it all seemed like it was slipping away. Days where the lists fell silent except for the lone sad voice saying what we all felt or the forced optimism (often me ;-) trying to make a silk purse out of the sow's ear in our laps.

So, our fears didn't fuly realize themselves, in the end. But I can tell you that there were times when we experienced the foreseen future failure like it had already happened. When food lost its appeal, when the family members who were not in as deep walked quietly around us to keep us from exploding.

So, yeah, we really do get it.

-best

-chris

Motley Moose, Troll Free Blogging

by chrisblask on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:53:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hard to believe, but us Obamans know (2.00 / 2)

Glad to see an Obama supporter referring to himself as an "Obaman". In another diary, someone is being TR every time they use that term becauseo9ne of your fellow Obama supporters finds it offensive. Meanwhile, in this diary, someone used the term "Clintonista" which I detest, but no one called them on it or TR them for it.

It is hard to make the switch, and it is especially hard to play nice with folks who had decided that all of Hillary's supporters were either DLC types, racists, female or poorly educated folks and did their best to divide us with that rhetoric.

Eventually, we'll all get to where we need to be, but some of us will never be enthusiastic until 'your guy' shows us more reason to support him than "I'm not McCain".

Hell's bells, even the GOP didn't have to crucify Eisenhower's record in order to make Reagan their 'saint'. We can have two great ones, you know?

by emsprater on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:05:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I always have thought of (2.00 / 2)

Clintonista as a neutral term to describe our cast, but I learned the other day that some people found it offensive.

That's it, baby; let's go win this election!

by Beltway Dem on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:21:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

i supported obama (2.00 / 2)

and i find it offensive. the first time i ever heard that term it was on a right wing bbs years ago. the person used it as an invective, to equate people supporting clinton with the sandanista rebels.

lovely, eh?

Visit us at TexasKAOS, where we're taking Texas back!

by annatopia on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:51:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i supported obama (2.00 / 3)

Actually, -ista is just a Spanish suffix denoting, among other things, one who follows or supports a particular person, faction, or team. I've heard it used to describe everything from political partisans (e.g., Peronista) to fans of a particular futbol team.

Still, I can see why people made the connection with the Sandinistas and imputed a negative connotation. Personally, I would regard it as a positive association, since the Sandinistas overthrew a dictator, after all. But that's just me.

by Captain Bathrobe on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 02:15:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

the sandinistas (2.00 / 3)

were, and are, heroes.

their opposition, the reagan-backed and john poindexter-created contras, mined harbors, bombed colleges and hospitals and power stations, and assassinated union leaders and human rights workers.

Viva Sandino, and long live Daniel Ortega and the people's revolution in Nicaragua.

by rabidnation on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 02:42:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I always have thought of (2.00 / 3)

We're here, we're Clintonistas, get used to it ;-)

Grumpy, reluctant, sore-losing, unhappy, irritable Hillary supporter for Barack Obama 2008

by DemAC on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 01:54:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hard to believe, but us Obamans know (2.00 / 1)

You will never see what you want to see in him until you stop calling him our guy and start calling him the Democratic nominee.

I really think so much of the lack of enthusiasm just stems from you having been for Hillary for so long. I get that and I respect it.

At the same time if you look at it objectively they vote the same way about 95% of the time. They are virtually identical on many issues and they are both terrific leaders in their own way.

That is the reason you should support him, along with the fact that he is not McCain. But until you choose to see that you won't no matter what he does to show you.

ENOUGH!

by JDF on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 07:04:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hard to believe, but us Obamans know (2.00 / 2)

I'm totally with you there. Obama was always a long-shot through most of 2007. Iowa was stunning because suddenly I thought... Hey, maybe we could win this thing after all! Then Clinton won New Hampshire; then she won Nevada. It seemed pretty bleak until South Carolina and Super Tuesday. After that point I never had a doubt, though.

BTW, mojo'd for quoting Grace Hopper in your sig. Amazing lady, one of the founding mothers of computer science (alongside Ada Lovelace).

Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics

by BishopRook on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:34:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

It's harder on Kos because (2.00 / 4)

It's harder on Kos because there are just so many posters and so many diaries.

We can't see all the diaries, much less all the posts.

Can you imagine the upheaval over there had Senator Clinton won? We would have a hard time getting rid of all the posters who would be making 'I'm voting for McCain' posts over and over.

But we would do it. We would have to.

And we are going to have to start doing something about all of the anti-Clinton diaries and posts too. But sometimes it's hard to differentiate between the anti-Clinton posts and the posts that are just pissed at certain Clinton 'supporters' that are now McCain supporters.

It's going to be a process that many of us don't like. But I can't think of a more important election than this year and electing Democrats is needed so much.

I know there are a lot of hard feelings on both sides. But what I am doing is waiting to see how Senator Clinton and Senator Obama handle it. They have to do the most work.

by DaveDial on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:57:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's harder on Kos because (2.00 / 4)

I'm not trying to stir the pot here and I appreciate the diarists efforts and hope that in the fullness of they progress from going through the motions to believing in the cause.

But I would like to try and explain some of the animosity that some of us have for Clinton.

Speaking only for myself (although I'd be surprised if many didnt' agree with me) it's mainly rooted in a deep disapointment in someone for whom I once had a great amount of respect and admiration for.

There is a sense of betrayal that many of us feel regarding Hillary Clinton that in return for our years of support and having her back against the right wing that she kicked us too the proverbial curb then gave us a couple extra kicks for good measure.

Her vote for the Iraq war her cozzyin up with people like Murdoch and Scaife. These were betrayals of the very people who supported her through out her husbands term, who defended her when all the carpet bagger accusations came out when she ran for the Senate in New York.

It was made most clear with her comments about Moveon.org it is ironic and telling than an organization who's genesis was to defend her and her husband turned against her so completely.

The disapointment is mainly rooted in the belief that Hillary really is better than that. A belief that she has abandoned those values that made us respect her in the first place the ultimate irony of which being that it was the abandoment of those values that cost her the nomination.

I hope that this primary will shock her back to her base values. Because despite the many less than favorable things I've said about Hillary Clinton this primary season I do believe that she is a good person who does deeply care about progressive values and that she only allowed those beliefs to be compromised by the mistaken belief that that was the only way to get things done.

I think that perhaps Obama's victory will break through some of her cynicism and maybe restore her faith in us so that she can return to being the woman we all respect so much before.

Hope is what this election is about so I hope that the Hillary we loved comes back to us.

by Skex on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:48:27 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's harder on Kos because (2.00 / 2)

That doesn't help.

You really should just not use the Internet to "explain" why you hate Hillary. It only serves two purposes: making you feel good and pissing off Hillary supporters.

So maybe it's better to sacrifice the first for the sake of getting Obama elected.

by dcg2 on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:42:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's harder on Kos because (2.00 / 1)

To clarify, I should have said better not to use a forum like this, rather than "the Internet".

by dcg2 on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:42:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Well, I'm an Obama supporter, so I know all (2.00 / 1)

Well, I'm an Obama supporter, so I know all of the reasons to be pissed.

Just like Clinton supporters have their reasons. Listing your grievances doesn't really help. So let me just counter some of your list.

What about Hillary feeling abandoned by the same people you say she abandoned? Obama had the support from most of the left, especially after Edwards dropped off.

And who is going to get the most blame if Obama loses on account of things Senator Clinton said or if her 'supporters' are the difference between McCain winning or losing?

Senator Clinton would be devastated if that happened. Any hope of every running nationally again would be gone.

This isn't going to be easy. But when people calm down and really reflect about the issues and the future, and STOP picking at the scabs that are still open, we can begin to come together and heal.

by DaveDial on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 12:49:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Well, I'm an Obama supporter, so I know all (2.00 / 1)

Obama supporters have already started to blame Hillary for his loss should he lose. Rep. Clyburg said that he "heard" that the Clinton's were deliberately trying to cause Obama to lose.

If Obama loses it will be HIS fault and the Democratic party, not Hillary.

He's the one with more money than God. Now it's just a matter of his message and himself.

by mmorang on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 04:54:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You are incorrect (none / 0)

If Obama loses and Hillary Clinton is used in RNC ads and it's thought that a number of her supporters crossed over and voted for McCain, she is finished.

Even if it's not her fault, it will be perceived as such. Even by a lot of her own supporters in both Houses.

How could anyone not see that?

I mean, I would feel sorry for her, because I really think she wants Senator Obama to win in November. And I admire the fierce and determined way she fought for the nomination, in some aspects.

But there is no way to prevent the fact that it was seen as Senator Clinton pushing her supporters towards McCain during the primaries if Obama won. There are too many websites and Clinton 'supporters' railing against Obama.

Of course she is going to try and prevent that from happening. And I hope for all Democrats(and the Country) that Obama wins in November.

But there is little doubt that if Obama loses that a lot of blame will go towards Senator Clinton. Ending any chances of a Hillary Clinton Presidency in 2016.

by DaveDial on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:34:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You are incorrect (none / 0)

That's disgusting, cowardly crap that Obama supporters are going to continue to whine and blame Hillary Clinton for the fact that their candidate is unelectable. You managed to steal the nomination with Chicago voter fraud, vote theft, and voter intimidation at caucuses, then in cahoots with the DNC Rules and Bylaws committee disenfranchise the voters of Michigan and Florida and even steal 4 delegates from Clinton, and you want to whine even in November that you are her victim? What kind of childish crap is that?

Plenty of us are not supporting Obama. You will see. That's what you get for stabbing friends in the back.

by 07rescue on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 06:10:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

You are an example of why (none / 0)

You are an example of why she is going to be blamed. Even though I think the Clinton 'supporters' like you are not as many as you think, you have a vocal minority that look more like Bush Republicans than Democrats.

Read this thread and tell me you want these people back here and supporting Obama.

That's not to say that I don't think Clinton supporters, real Clinton supporters, don't have valid complaints. Because I think they do.

But Senator Clinton knows that the people who ran Hillaryis44.org and NoQuarter are going to be linked to her. She is never going to be able to live that down if Senator Obama loses.

You do your candidate no favors with your actions. Senator Clinton deserves more respect than to have her 'supporters', supposedly Democratic supporters, go around and doing the right-wings work for them.

It's an insult to the Clinton's and all real Democrats.

by DaveDial on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 08:38:09 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's harder on Kos because (none / 0)

She has always bee a good person and did not compromise her values. It's a shame that so much of the "progressive" and "liberal" blogosphere didn't see it.

by daria g on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 07:51:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't think many Obamans would have threatened (none / 0)

to vote for McCain if Hillary had won.

The reason I supported Obama (after Edwards dropped out) is that I thought he was the more progressive candidate. Put differently, although Hillary is a solid Democrat, I still saw a Hillary Presidency as likely to be somewhat closer to a McCain Presidency than an Obama Presidency would be. Witness Iraq, Iran, etc.

Hence, Obamans like me would have been highly unlikely to jump over Hillary to vote for a right wing platform, because, looking to our right, Hillary was next to us and McCain way off in the distance.

by DaveG on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 12:00:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I don't think many Obamans would have threatened (2.00 / 1)

Many Obama supporters threatened to never vote for Hillary.

Obama himself put out the word early that he hopes that the super delegates don't overturn the "will of the people".

Neither he or Michelle would simply answer "yes" when asked if they would support Hillary. They always had to qualify their answer.

He always implicitly put out the message that there will be many of his supporters who would not vote for Hillary (so don't even think about nominating her if you want my supporters to stay in the party).

by mmorang on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 04:59:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Sigh.....again, that's not true (none / 0)

Or it should be be into context at least.

When Senator Obama said that some of his voters might not vote for Hillary he was talking about Republican and Indy voters. Not Democrats.

And both Michelle and Barack both said they would word hard to get the Democrat that was nominated elected.

by DaveDial on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:37:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Just to clarify (2.00 / 5)

twinmom, you saved me a post. We are in same place. I thought somehow it would be easier. I will vote with my head, but she has my heart. Will I ever stop crying????

by linfar on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:12:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

That's exactly what I keep saying. (2.00 / 4)

My head has been with Obama for a long time, but my heart has always been (and still is) with Hillary.

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:44:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I understand. (2.00 / 1)

I was a Clinton supporter until the day or two before my state's primary. Believing Obama had the potential to transform the nation for the better, I felt I couldn't forgive myself if I was the part of history that denied this kind of oppportunity, and reluctantly cast my vote for Obama at the time. As the primary season progressed, I fell in love with Obama's candidacy. I hope you'll find the same kind of potential in Obama that I see.

I still believe Hillary Clinton remains a remarkable woman, has been one of the most influential women of the last 25 years, and will be one of the most influential women of the 21st century. She's taken a lot of slings and arrows thrown by Republicans on our behalf, and we Democrats are greatful for that. It's just she had the misfortune of running against another inspirational candidate whose candidacy captures the mood of the nation at this time.

You don't have to donate to or volunteer for the Obama campaign. Donate to another Democratic candidate, the DNC, DCCC, the DSCC, etc. Volunteer for another Democrat. All we are asking is as a Democrat that you vote for the Democratic nominee this fall.

by Brad G on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 05:31:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I wish I could participate (2.00 / 9)

in recommending your diary, and rating up comments that make all of us feel better. So, all I can do is post a little bit of gratitude here, for your open and optimistic heart.

Little by little, those who are hurting will heal, and as our nominee continues to make more concrete moves to earn their trust and enthusiasm, we'll really have something.

Hillary is urging her delegates to support Obama now, so with everyone starting to work as one team, it's looking like we really can win the White House this fall.

by Bee on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:14:10 AM EST

For many (2.00 / 1)

it isn't about healing. There is genuine outrage and anger at the DNC.

But I wouldn't expect you to understand.

by Coldblue on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:14:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Try me sometime (none / 0)

Expecting nothing from people will get you nothing.

Or don't. Suit yourself.

by Bee on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 01:23:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Try reading (none / 0)

this and let me know what you think.

by Coldblue on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:29:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You're a good man, BD. (2.00 / 9)

I know what you're going through. I'm not ready to make the donation and put the button on yet. It's just too soon.

I up for the battle to defeat John McCain. But I'm not ready to fully embrace Barack Obama. Maybe after my vacation next month. I don't know.

But no matter what, love him or just like him somewhat, I will do whatever it takes to defeat John McCain.

Another Clintonista against John McCain

by psychodrew on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 08:34:48 AM EST

Re: You're a good man, BD. (2.00 / 1)

I've been unenthusiastic about Democratic candidates before. One campaign, I shifted my allegiance three times as various candidates dropped out in turn and still was left at the end with someone I thought was underwhelming. I voted for 'em all. Obama might break the pattern and be one who actually wins, though that is not entirely clear yet.

I've put up with George McGovern, the second campaign of Jimmy Carter (voted for John Anderson), Walter Mondale, and the insipidity that was Michael Dukakis. As much as I didn't care for them, they were all pretty much superior to the Republican alternatives. Truth-in-advertising: I wrote in for McGovern/Nixon, seeing them as both unacceptable for other reasons. I'd probably vote for McGovern if I had to do it over again; while I disliked McGovern, I absolutely loathed Nixon, something I'll remind myself as I slog forward with Obama.

But the enthusiasm will be hard to muster and I won't fake it. I loved Bill Clinton and liked both Gore and Kerry. I started out being very ambivalent three years ago about Hillary and came to admire her deeply; I think she'd be a better president than Bill was and I'll mourn her loss...and be pissed for the whole "Clintons are demon-spawn from Hell that eat live kittens for breakfast" mentality until my dying day.

The only thing that would get me revved for Obama would be Hillary as VP and I don't think that's going to happen and I'm not sure that it's even the best thing for the country or for Hillary.

by InigoMontoya on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:44:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Losing is unthinkable (2.00 / 8)

Up until now, losing was a personal thing. Your candidate lost to some other Democrat and if that person became President, well, they might not be everything you'd hope but they'd still several orders of magnitude better than what we have.

But now, now losing is unthinkable. To not give Barack Obama our full support at this point is to lose to John McCain, to tilt the Supreme Court to the right for decades, and to forego the ending of our 8 year national nightmare. Unthinkable. Absolutely unforgivable! We can't let that happen.

John McCain supports privatizing Social Security.

by Travis Stark on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:14:18 AM EST

No, we can't lose... (2.00 / 3)

As Hillary herself has said, there's too much at stake. We have an occupation to end, an economy to fix, a climate crisis to solve, a health care fiasco to take care of, and a nation to put back on the right (err, left!) track. I don't know why anyone would think that a good Democrat like Hillary Clinton would want any of us to derail our one chance of ending the Bush-Cheney nightmare.

No way, no how, no McCain! :-)

by atdleft on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:59:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 7)

Thank you.

I think folks need to back off a bit here when it comes to Clinton supporters who have not made that transition. And I hope that, now that it's a week later, people can stop writing about the past.

As Hillary Clinton said:

Every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward.

We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.

by politicsmatters on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:15:20 AM EST

Yeah, (2.00 / 4)

time takes time, but effort take effort, too.

That's it, baby; let's go win this election!

by Beltway Dem on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:30:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 7)

As someone who frequents dkos and dallys at mydd, I offer my request that you continue to post and comment at daily kos. We need people like you there. I know from personal experience that it's a hard transition to make when your candidate doesn't win in the primary but it happens and we all have to keep the long term picture in mind.

Welcome to the team.

by vbdietz on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:24:32 AM EST

Kudos (2.00 / 6)

Primary season is always ugly, and this one was uglier than most. If either Obama or Clinton had been running any other year, it would have been an easy win; it was the fact that both these political juggernauts were running in the same year that dragged the process out so long.

I'm glad to see you and other Clinton supporters warming to Obama. I suppose you've already made the bumper-sticker jump, but for anyone else considering it... You don't have to remove your Hillary sticker before putting your Obama sticker on. There's nothing wrong with having a sticker for both of them. Preferably alongside a funny anti-McCain sticker. :)

Proud member of the Wikipedia Generation of American politics

by BishopRook on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:31:54 AM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 7)

Kudos to you, sir, but remember (as I'm sure I don't have to tell you) that you sure don't have to stop supporting Senator Clinton in the meantime.

Serious question- Is This Snark?

by ragekage on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:34:50 AM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 5)

Indeed. Hillary is going to be part of Barack's effort to retake the White House, so we most definitely support her right back.

Welcome aboard, and let's do the damn thing!

by Reeves on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:45:49 AM EST

I remember when Clark dropped in 04 (2.00 / 4)

It took a few weeks to reconcile what had happened. I eventually supported Kerry with donations and a little time, but was never as passionate for him as I was for Clark.

by parahammer on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 09:49:11 AM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 4)

Why'd you remove the Hillary bumper sticker from your car? I would love to see some cars with both Hillary and Barack stickers on them.

by pomology on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:01:01 AM EST

I wasn't thinking. (2.00 / 3)

It would have made a lot of sense to do just that, but Hillary had dropped out of the race, and it seemed like I needed to make the move alongside of her. With hindsight, it was a missed opportunity.

That's it, baby; let's go win this election!

by Beltway Dem on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:19:56 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I wasn't thinking. (2.00 / 3)

I've still got an Edwards sticker on my car from last summer when I was phonebanking and canvassing two days a week here in Iowa.

When Edwards was still in the race, my sister in Missouri was trying to decide who to vote for in the primary. (She hadn't expected her vote to matter, and so hadn't paid close attention to the race.) I sent her an email giving strengths, weaknesses, and "meh" points about Edwards, Clinton, and Obama. I was passionate about Edwards, but I knew we had other strong candidates. (She wound up voting for Clinton.)

I haven't been involved in the Clinton/Obama wars, neither was my guy, and either had it in them to be a good president, light-years ahead of any possible Republican opponent. I think the long primary race has had the good aspect of building Democratic organization, enthusiasm, and voter registration in all 50 states, but I'm glad the main battle is on. Time for me to get an Obama sticker to put beside the Edwards one.

by RunawayRose on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:10:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 1)

I understand that these guys might not be to everyone's taste, and the playing might be a tad ragged in this gig, but times like this always bring this to mind

by redwoodsummer on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:27:35 AM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (none / 0)

Picture a bright blue ball just spinnin' spinnin' free. It's dizzy with possibility...

Government derives its power from those that it governs.

by lockewasright on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 02:50:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

We're going to be just fine as a party. I (2.00 / 3)

know because of folks like Beltway Dem, who is representative of a whole lot of us. Thanks for your diary, Beltway Dem, and your eloquent words.

Obama supporter working to defeat McCain.

by Rumarhazzit on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:07:26 AM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 2)

Nice diary, BD. You've done the right thing, instead of the easy thing. I'm confident that time will prove your decision to be wise.

Cheers!

I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt

by fogiv on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:36:47 AM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 1)

Nice diary!

Don't give up on dkos yet, they are coming around as well.

by Searching For Pericles on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:48:39 AM EST

I applaud you (2.00 / 1)

And I hope the following months make your transition a lot easier to take as Obama makes his case.

Let's elect a Dem President!

by SpanishFly on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 12:03:25 PM EST

Going through the motions (2.00 / 1)

Not feeling any of it right now.

Pledging my democratic vote is about all I got.

by Al Depansu on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 12:21:45 PM EST

Re: Going through the motions (2.00 / 1)

It's enough. When you're ready for more, if you get there, we'll be here to embrace you!

by rhetoricus on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 12:58:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Going through the motions (2.00 / 1)

thanks

by Al Depansu on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 02:15:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I so understand.. (2.00 / 1)

Edwards had my heart and mind. I even let myself believe he'd re-enter the race and save us from what became primary madness.

I had been feuding with the Obama Nation for months over health care, anti-gay church singers, "clean coal," the joke that is corn-based ethanol, the need for aggressive language about defending the Constitution, not compromising with the GOP, etc. etc.

It was difficult to make the transition..it chafed me bad sometimes. But the thought of a 3rd W term was too horrific.

Welcome. There is much that we share.

by rhetoricus on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 12:57:43 PM EST

Great for you!!! (2.00 / 1)

I refuse to take the Hillary bumper sticker off my car though. Oh well, I kept the Kerry bumper sticker on until July 2005, so this is nothing new. lol

rec'd

Hillary/Obama 2008

by Sandy1938 on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 01:11:49 PM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 1)

thank you for being very cool.

more so than me, really.

(for the record, as I have stated elsewhere: I have not been an "enthusiastic supporter" of a candidate since dean, and only marginally support Obama now. I am, and have been, vociferously opposed to both Clintons, and remain so; the various trade agreements, the disgraceful behavior in the balkans, and the willful disregard of genocide in Rwanda was enough to earn my eternal enmity.)

by rabidnation on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 02:46:32 PM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 1)

From a long time Obama supporter:

Your diary has inspired me to put a 'Hillary 08" Bumpersticker on my car right next to my "Obama '08"

Proud to have her as part of the Democratic team.

by mjtosner on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 05:17:35 PM EST

Re: I know it's hard. (2.00 / 1)

It's like you've lost a loved one.

I wrote this earlier today:

We understand your hard feelings about someone who came so excruciatingly close to the nomination. But we must remember our true opponent -- that is the Republicans.

Barack Obama has fought for many of the causes that brought Hillary Clinton and many other Democrats into politics in the first place. He has worked to expand health care in Illinois. Barack Obama has co-sponsored Hillary Clinton's bill to declare election day a federal holiday and restore voting rights to ex-felons who served their sentences. Barack Obama sponsored a resolution last Congress -- which Hillary Clinton was proudly an original co-sponsor -- rejecting a photo identification voting requirement. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both have co-sponsored bills to rectify recent Supreme Court decisions -- including the Ledbetter case. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have both co-sponsored the Equal Rights Amendment.

Meanwhile, John McCain has spent his entire public career opposing these causes at the top of his lungs. In his first year in Congress, John McCain voted against the Equal Rights Amendment and against establishing a federal holiday for MLK. Four years later, McCain supported his governor's decision to rescind Arizona's MLK holiday. Even 10 years later, McCain reversed his opposition to Arizona's MLK holiday, but still opposed establishing a federal holiday for MLK, and voted to strip funding from the MLK commission.

John McCain has voted to confirm Robert Bork, Clarence Thomas, John Roberts, and Sam Alito to the Supreme Court. In 1990, he opposed the civil rights bill correcting 1980's Supreme Court decisions.

John McCain -- like George W. Bush -- wants to replace community rated health insurance with a $5,000 tax credit where insurance companies can accept or reject applicants on an individual basis.

These are the consequences if you do not vote for the Democratic nominee. Keep your eye on the prize.

We're not asking you to donate, volunteer, or persuade your family/friends to vote for this campaign. Instead donate to the DNC, the DSCC, or the DCCC, for example. Volunteer for a Democratic candidate at a lower or different level/branch of government (i.e., House, Senate, or Gubernatorial race). But please, as a Democrat, vote for the party's nominee for President. That's all we are asking.

by Brad G on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 05:19:31 PM EST

I admire your approach (2.00 / 2)

I doubt I could have taken they cold turkey route if I was in your shoes, so I guess what I'm saying is, you're a bigger person than I, and I respect you for it.

by Poor Yorick on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 05:58:02 PM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (none / 0)

I've often found in life that needed transitions are facilitated by making outward changes as you have described. Good for you!

I hope we eventually get to the point where we can all feel only good, positive feelings about both Hillary and Barack. They're both exceptional Americans, dedicated to bettering this country. I for one am proud of both of them.

"It's time to pass the baton to the next generation." Ken Jacobson, WA state senator.

by tibbs on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:00:59 PM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (2.00 / 1)

shouting "enough already" and STFU hardly displays "grace"...

by zerosumgame on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 10:56:04 PM EST

You will vote Democrat (2.00 / 1)

I will vote for the person. If I have no confidence in either party's candidate, I will not vote.

by Coldblue on Tue Jun 10, 2008 at 11:12:29 PM EST

It's ok boo boo (none / 0)

Hillary is still our Democratic lioness and we are by no means through with her. It's kind of like when two high schools from a small town make the state finals. The people who lost are still your friends and family and you essentially love them. I'm really sure more and more people will make the decision you did in their own time, but I know it stings.

Always building room on the bandwagon because we need absolutely everyone.

by Adept2u on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 12:03:15 AM EST

Thank you Beltway Dem! (none / 0)

Though I've always been an Obama supporter, I don't thank you as one. I thank you as an American and as a Democrat. It says a lot about your character that you're able to set your personal feelings aside for the greater good.

Please do keep posting at Dailykos. Both DK and MYDD were meant to be progressive blogs. They need to stop being candidate based.

Just remember the view from us Obama supporters is quite different. If you say things like, "even though Obama tried to disenfranchise MI and FL" it's very, very hard for Obamites like myself not to say anything. That can spawn arguments and I still find myself getting sucked in.

The best thing for BOTH sides to do is move past who was right and wrong about what... in the past. We all have our opinions. I am absolutely certain my opinion is right, just like Clinton supporters think the same about their own.

So let's move on to defeating McCain.

Gobama!

by USArmyParatrooper on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 01:13:55 AM EST

Re: It's Been One Week (none / 0)

I can understand a leave of absence from DKos until people stop talking about Clinton there. If it seems a little too hostile now, it'll probably be better by September.

Visit Election Inspection for analysis, polls, and predictions!

by X Stryker on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 08:03:02 AM EST

Re: I would like to join you, but I'm not sure I'm (2.00 / 2)

there yet.

I know there is a war that must be ended.
I know that just having the Senate will not protect the Supreme Court.
I know that we can get universal health care even if the Pres supports only a plan to make rich people's health care cheaper.

But I am having a lot of trouble with a candidate who was willing to kick Florida and Michigan out of the Democratic Party just because it helped him secure the nomination.

And I'm having a HUGE amount of trouble the candidate who is unwilling to join forces with the candidate who got more votes than he. I can't imagine a reason for him to balk at begging her to be on his ticket. His apparent desire to see her (and me) grovel and kiss his ring is really really difficult to swallow.

But believe me, among Hillary activists, I'm WAYYYYYYY over on the most pro-Obama side. I have serious fears over our party's ability to heal, mostly because I see no commitment at all from the Obama quarters to do so. The attitude that is projected from there is, much like W's "political capital" statement, "we won, so if you want to join the bandwagon, show us how much you can repent for your foolish decision to support the fucking whore."

And that just won't get it done.

by mdFriendofHillary on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 08:37:57 AM EST

Neither am I sanguine (none / 0)

about the party's chances to heal. We both know that among the people who refuse to accept what has happened, there are a lot of cranks. But we also both know that among the people who refuse to accept what has happened are lawyers, professors, therapists, researchers, and activists of the first rank of seriousness. It is troubling to me.

I guess my own life experiences, which have called on me to overcome some very grave situations, life-threatening and status-threatening, have given me skills I engage when things don't happen the way I want them to happen. Scripture talks about deep calling upon deep in the roar of waters. I hope people will find their inner resources to overlook the things that have happened to recognize the gravity of the things that could happen.

That's it, baby; let's go win this election!

by Beltway Dem on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 09:29:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Nicely done (2.00 / 1)

I don't think I'll get beyond pulling the lever for him - glad to see you felt compelled to be more actively involved in the effort.

by activatedbybush on Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 11:41:01 AM EST

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