Election Reflection Part 2 - Democrats

When I sat down to study the two Democratic candidates, I was determined to make a choice based on issues, not personality. To my surprise, I found their positions so similar that personality is one of the few things that separates them. They propose nearly identical health plans, though Clinton would require participation and Obama would let people choose (I appreciate that). The only difference in their approach to Iraq is that Obama insists we’ll be out sixteen months after he takes office, while Clinton estimates it will take a year but declines to give an exact date (which I think is reasonable). Their plans to address illegal immigration are essentially identical: border security, crackdown on employers, learn English + pay fine = citizenship. As for the experience issue, I don’t think either candidate has a monopoly. Clinton knows more ins and outs of the system, but Obama recognized Iraq was a quagmire from the get-go.

The more I read about these two candidates, the more I became convinced that the question was not “Whose positions are most similar to mine?” but rather “Which of these candidates would I want as my leader?” I view Senator Clinton much the same way I see Governor Romney. Both are intelligent and driven. They do their homework and are tireless in the pursuit of their objectives. I do not doubt that both would be effective leaders, but I’m not convinced they would lead in a direction I want to go. Clinton is a divisive figure, and she represents a political establishment that I think has some serious flaws. Perhaps she works the system grudgingly, but she certainly doesn’t make an effort to improve it.

By contrast, Senator Obama stands for openness, unity, and positive change. In the weeks leading up to the Iowa primary, his advisors begged him to respond to Clinton’s attacks by smearing her back. He insisted that went against what he stood for, and he’d rather lose the campaign than compromise that principle. I’m impressed that he has largely stuck by that commitment, and I love his idealism. While I don’t think he’ll be able reform Washington or the world in every single way he proposes, I think he will accomplish more in the attempt than others would by embracing the status quo. I love the idea of a president who is both capable and inspiring. In short, I cast my vote in Obama’s favor, and I’m intrigued to see what he’ll do with it. No doubt my Barack Star brother-in-law will be pleased to know that.

I’m not sure how I will vote in November. While there may not be much difference on issues within the parties, there is a vast gulf between them. This jury is still out on health care plans, illegal immigration, and how best to handle the war in Iraq. Good thing I have nine months to think about it all before my next trip to the polls.

One year ago . . . Small talk is a means, not an end