Let’s just shove her aside
by Micah Beasley . Guest Commentary
I believe that the word “Democrat” stems from the word democracy and yet some of my party leaders seem bent on stifling democracy in the fourth quarter of this very intense political battle. Personally, I want my voice and vote heard in this quarter, as do many others. But, no, let’s just push Hillary over to the sidelines. The conveniently orchestrated addresses by the Obama surrogates thinly veiled the arrogance with some of the men in the Democratic Party. Sen. Dodd one day, Sen. Leahy the next — Obama speaks out “against” their calls following the weekend. The damage had already been done and the Obama campaign new that full well.
Photo: Micah Beasley, Cody Rigsby and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).
However, instead of badgering the Obama campaign and Democratic party elders I want to make the case for my candidate without that negativity. I want to lay out facts and thoughtful analysis of why Hillary Clinton is actually the better candidate to defeat John McCain in the fall.
I believe we all remember the infamous 3 a.m. phone call about national security that aired across Texas before its primary. Hillary Clinton suggested that she was better equipped to deal with a national (or international) crisis than Barack Obama. While his supporters spewed pea soup from their mouths over the ad, I found nothing wrong with it. It was a valid point and this race isn’t about Obama and Clinton holding hands and strolling down Liberal Fantasy Land Avenue together. It’s about drawing contrasts and exposing Barack Obama’s shortcomings and flaws. Who else is going to do it since our media has become the Barack Obama marathon? His supporters accuse our camp of whining for no reason about that, but when I turn on CNN and see that a top story is 50 Cent saying he isn’t supporting Hillary Clinton anymore and that “Yo, I’m with Barack to the end now baby!” one does begin to speculate about a bias. From my perspective the 3.a.m. phone ad was a success, Hillary went on to win the Texas primary and also touted decisive victories in Ohio and Rhode Island.
John McCain’s entire platform is established on the issue of National Security. If you think Hillary’s 3 a.m. ad was bad, just wait until the fall. In a match up against national security Barack Obama will lose that debate against John McCain and if Americans are in fear of their safety, they’re going to turn out for the candidate that is promising them security. In contrast, Democrats and Republicans alike agree that Hillary has a strong stance on national security. Suddenly McCain’s entire platform is shaken up and the forefront issue becomes the economy. The Clintons hold a long history of restoring and balancing the economy, in Arkansas, New York and America. Let’s also keep in mind that Hillary called for the government to act on home foreclosures in February 2007, she saw this problem in advance when none of her other opponents did. We all know that the average American loves nothing more than that dollar bill. Hillary will win the economy debate with McCain.
Let’s also expose Barack’s inability to capture blue collar workers and the so-called “Reagan Democrats.” In overwhelming numbers these voters have sided with Hillary during this primary. This base will be vital to capturing the Presidency and polls and surveys alike show them siding with McCain over Barack in a general election. We can argue all day about independent voters but not being able to capture those members of your own party will neutralize and possibly overcome that “advantage.”
A new poll shows that 29% — almost a third — of Hillary’s entire base will break for McCain in the general election with Barack as the nominee. That is a huge part of the Democratic Party siding with the Republican contender. That doesn’t help me sleep at night.
Save for his home state Barack Obama has also not been able to capture a single core Democratic state in this primary:
California: 52-43
New York: 57-40
Massachusetts: 56-41
New Jersey: 54-44
All decisive victories for Hillary Clinton. If you’re unable to carry those states in the Democratic primary there is something fundamentally wrong.
Let’s also take a look at the Obama camp’s claims of victories in “deep red states.” If his camp is suggesting that he will be able to compete in states such as Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska, Utah, Kansas and so forth then they are dreaming. In all of those states John Kerry lost by at least 15% in 2004.
Lastly let’s look at the core support that Barack Obama carries:
African-Americans
People that describe themselves as “very liberal”
Wealthy Democrats
Young people
Liberal professors
I see none of these bases overwhelmingly switching to McCain over Clinton in a general election.
On a more personal note, you know, I’m blessed to have so many wonderful gay friends, and of course we’re not friends based on our sexuality, but we do understand one another’s struggles. Hillary Clinton led the filibuster to defeat the Federal Marriage Amendment with the Human Rights Campaign (youtube Hillary Clinton HRC campaign board meeting), Barack Obama just showed up and voted nay. I think you and I deserve a leader with a strong stance of standing up for our rights.
We’re within 1% of both the popular vote and delegate total, stop calling on us to drop out. We’re in this and we’re in it to win it. Despite what the Obama spin machine would have you believe: they too have to have the superdelegates to secure this nomination.
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2 Responses to “Let’s just shove her aside”
“Barack Obama has also not been able to capture a single core Democratic state in this primary.”
So if Clinton beats Obama in a blue state, then it follows that McCain will also beat Obama in a blue state? That’s your thesis?
And as for “democracy,” remind me again whose operatives sued in Nevada to disenfrachise fellow Democrats from that state’s primary? (Hint: Not Obama’s.)
Brooks had it right: Clinton should drop out now, not because she’s weak, but precisely because she’s strong.
By KipEsquire on Apr 3, 2008
I’m saying there is a fundamental flaw in his candidacy if Hillary Clinton can win decisive victories in all of those core Democratic states–especially when she had a lot working against her in California and Massachusetts. No I am not saying that those states mentioned will go for McCain in the general election. I was speaking specifically about the primary elections.
By Micah Beasley on Apr 3, 2008