I wrote in an earlier column that the debates among the presidential candidates were a waste of time, simply because after listening to 90 minutes or so of rhetoric, we really didn’t learn anything substantial about the candidates.
That was then. This is now. Since all but two in the Democratic race dropped out, we have now been getting real debates, with both Obama and Hillary discussing real issues and how they would deal with them. No wonder these type of debates have stirred the interest of the voters. We finally get to have a much better understanding of their priorities and how each differs from the other on them.
The only problem is that Obama and Hillary don’t disagree on much. Health care, which I’m happy to see has taken a front seat in the debates, is probably the hottest issue between the two and each has charged the other that their respective plan won’t work. Personally, I see much merit in both plans and wouldn’t be unhappy if either one eventually was implemented.
The next issue that has seen sparks fly is NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). This is especially sensitive to those states (including much-coveted Ohio) that have seen the loss of tens of thousands of jobs that residents say are the direct result of NAFTA. This one has Hillary in a quandary, as on one hand, she spouts her fight for the working people, while on the other, she supported NAFTA.
The other key issue that divides these two is the Iraq war, and here there are no grey lines. Obama was against it from the start. Hillary supported it. Clear cut and in this atmosphere of anti-war sentiment, hurts Hillary.
The upcoming Tuesday primaries, especially in Ohio and Texas, are crucial for both candidates, but especially Hillary. She has seen what appeared to be an insurmountable lead at the start of the campaign almost a year ago, turn into a race where she has been overtaken by this young upstart Senator from Illinois, almost young enough to be her son. The nerve of some people!
If Hillary can’t win Texas and Ohio, and win them decisively, say the pundits, she might just as well pack her bags and slink off into the night. That may be true, but Hillary, if nothing else, is a fighter and she is battling for the biggest purse of her life. I doubt if she will throw the towel in before going all the way to the convention, unless wiser heads put pressure to bear on her to give it up for the good of the party.
I have to admit that I do not like Hillary Clinton and would not like to see her as our president or even vice-president. It has nothing to do with her being a Democrat or a woman. It stems from her being so arrogant in the beginning, believing that she was a slam dunk for the nomination; counting on hubby Bill to get the black vote for her, as well as the super delegates; her good guy/bad guy confrontations with Obama. Who the hell is the real Hillary Clinton and will voters be electing Hillary or Bill?
I like Obama for a number of reasons, but mostly for the fact that he has energized a lethargic public. He has people talking, arguing, debating, and most importantly, coming out to vote. A concerned, interested and passionate people are what makes and keeps a country strong and we need a leader who can instill that passion.
