It is less than twelve hours to go until I pull a lever for the Democratic presidential candidate and I remain firmly, staunchly, hopelessly, on the fence.
This is a first for me. I tend to have wildly strong opinions (shocking!) on most everything from politics to kids clothing to the correct lyrics to nursery rhymes. Nate insists that the last line of Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear is Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy, was he? and it drives me crazy apeshit bonkers because the proper cadence and appropriate play on words can only be achieved with Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy, was he? Seriously we could fight for six hours about it. And we have.
(Even so, he did get me on how it’s out came the sun that dried out all the rain for that stupid spider. I always liked the parallels between down came the rain and up came the sun but yeah, I suppose the sun is coming out from behind the clouds and not up first thing in the morning to make things all dry.)
But I digress.
Because I’m stalling.
Because I have no idea what to do.
My political post here last week could be called the Rorshack post, in that Hillary fans saw it as an endorsement of their candidate, while Obama fans shouted yeah! That’s why we love him! Yet I meant it when I said I was undecided. In truth, I am swinging between two teams like Anne Heche in her heyday. Every time someone gives me a good pro-Hill argument I’m like yeah! She’s my woman! Go Hill! And then every time I hear a strong Obama endorsement I’m like whoo yeah! Obama! Rock on!
(So forgive me in advance for this ramble. I’m using it in part to sort through my feelings.)
I see in Hillary a strong, confident leader. A woman who can shake off any mud flung her way, who could take on any opposing candidate on issues both foreign and domestic, who will probably be reforming legislation and reaching out to repair severed diplomatic relationships within 13 seconds of taking that left hand off that bible in January. I don’t think she “plays both sides” as her critics declare, as much as she is authentically moderate on many issues – perhaps the first essential step towards re-uniting the old reds and blues.
And then I see in Barack an amazing inspiration. A man who gives me goosebumps, not only when I hear him speak, but when I think of the young people he’s mobilized, the numbers he’s drawing in states like Iowa. He’s not just a man you want to follow, he’s a cult you want to join, a guy with a whole quart of Kool Aid with your name on it, only this time it really will take you to a better place. I think he has good fresh ideas and will surround himself with good, smart people.
If you haven’t yet seen this video – thanks, Laura! – it’s profoundly moving. Who these days writes folk songs about candidates…um, ever?
It makes me believe that whether he is as “ready” (so to speak) as his opponent is right now, that in 8 years, the positive legacy of an Obama presidency could last for generations. Also, that an Obama White House will be so far removed from the wretched one of the past 7 years, that he could be one the true knight in shining armor coming to right the wrongs, undo the curse, kiss the frog, melt the wicked witch, banish the evil king, destroy Voldemort, toss the ring into Mt Doom, and do it all against a Black-Eyed Peas soundtrack.
And then I think, ack, I’m buying into the media narrative. Let’s go back to the issues. Let’s go to who could win. Let’s go to who’s the right person for the job.
Then I visualize how pitting old farty flip-floppin’ McPlain up there against Obama could start a real revolution, if not a damn near civil war in this country over the next nine months. And I kind of like that.
Can’t there just be a Clibama candidate, as Rebecca suggested?
Okay, I am definitely Wallace Shawn in the Princess Bride, saying “So then clearly I cannot choose the vial in front of you!” before going on to justify why he can clearly not choose the vial in front of himself, either.
And we all know what happens to Wallace Shawn in the end.
I look for guidance.
“What do you feel in your gut?” my mother asks. “Doesn’t your body tell you before your head knows it? Doesn’t your stomach get just a little bit queasy when you hear that one candidate in particular is behind in a poll?”
Yeah, there is.
There is.
I will proudly, happily, avidly support either nominee with unwavering conviction. But there is one candidate for whom my heart will ache just a bit more, who will inspire a greater number of longing what if‘s, if left behind after tomorrow.
I think it’s Obama.
—
Edited to add: Funny enough, I had a paragraph in here about how each candidate’s supporters truly believe with all certainty that their pick is the only one who can win. I took it out because this damn thing was rambly enough already. But commenters are proving it to be so.
I don’t believe that only one person can win. I know it’s a long race. I know a lot can happen in nine months. I know that VPs matter. Perhaps that’s why I’m having trouble choosing.
Whatever happens, this is all totally fascinating to me, and I think we should all be wise to know that very soon, all (well most) of us Dems will be on the same team, pulling hard, and putting our collective voices to work for the much needed betterment of people kind.
79 shards of brilliance… read them below or add one
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Obama all the way, baby!And I’m with you on Fuzzy Wuzzy. “Very?” Not so much.
I think we’re pretty fortunate, to have two people that we actually feel good about. I’m voting Clinton, and I’m bringing my daughter into the poll to watch me do it. She’s almost 12, and she’ll remember. My husband is voting Obama, and she’s watching him, too. I want her to think back to this time, and remember history being made.My husband is afraid too many people love McCain, and he’ll win. My fear is that he may be right. Then we’ll look back fondly on the days of only being at war in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Hillary for me at this point. Is Barack wins the nomination. Then it’s go Barack. I want to see a Clinton/Barack ticket with Bill inside.Bonnie
I hear a lot of people talk about this issue of electability and that Obama is the more electable candidate. I disagree. In my (albeit small) circle of Democrats, I’ve heard more people say they will vote Republican for the first time in their lives if Obama wins. Their reason? Inexperience. I’ll back either candidate, but for me it’s about the issues. And I like Clinton’s position on those issues slightly better. I think Obama will make a great president. I’d just rather see him take office in 2016.
I also learned it as “Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy, was he?”. Unfortunately, that’s just plain wrong. The original 1944 song clearly does not contain “very”, nor should it. He was just a bare bear who wasn’t fuzzy.
It is wasnt fuzzy was he.. it rymes! I am all about Clinton. I dont want to wait 2 years for someone to figure out how to do the job. No matter how inspiring Obama is, I dont think he has what it will take *right now*.
Can anyone say, “Eeeney, mineey, moe?” That’s how I’m going to decide. *sigh*
see, this is why i was a little happy that the pressure was taken off of me. i live in michigan, so my primary didn’t count. at the time, i would have voted for obama…but i’ve changed my mind back and forth a thousand times since then.i cried when edwards dropped out, and i cried during the last debate–not just because it was so moving to know that one of the two would be our candidate, but also because i knew that i would be REALLY happy with either of them.this feeling of hope is foreign to me, but i think i like it.i was just going to type: ‘i can’t wait to see how this will end.’but, that’s not right. this is the beginning of something. a very good something.
p.s.in more important news, the sun TOTALLY DID come ‘up.’i’m just saying.
Supertiff: You just captured my feelings perfectly. Can I delete this post and just reprint your comment? Also, the part about the election.
Marriage 101: That’s fascinating because I keep hearing the opposite; that nothing will mobilize the GOP quite like a Clinton nod. < HREF="http://caffertyfile.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/04/which-democrat-could-unite-the-gop/?iref=werecommend" REL="nofollow">Here’s a peek.<>
Well, let’s see…it’s definitely out came the sun (because of the clouds), and Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t fuzzy, was he? I’ve never ever heard of the ‘very’ fuzzy version.And, I’m a Proud Registered Independent, so my vote really doesn’t count (for now), because it’s not allowed. So much for free speech and all that, huh?
Granted, *everyone* cares about the Independents later on down the line. *EVERYONE*I can’t wait to see what happens when the race really begins.Love your blog, btw. I found you via Marriage-101. 
Oh, and The Princess Bride is one of my all-time favorite movies. It popped into my head as soon as I saw your title, before I even saw the picture! Love it. 
I couldn’t have said it better. You captured my feeling on the whole situation to a T. Obama is an inspiration. And for as much as I love Hillary, I agree that the GOP will mobilize like crazy against her. Plus, I am not sure after 20 years of the same two families, what we really need is more. This country needs a new perspective desperately.Thanks, I really enjoy your blog.
I walked the fence, too…I’m passionate and informed politically — what ultimately sent me to the Obama side was watching a CNN clip. Britain and other European nations are cheering for Obama — the new guy, the one to restore our good tides in the world. That was enough for me. And, even though my FL delegates don’t get a vote — my gut felt right when I left the polls last Tuesday. Good luck.
What I really want to know is…Who is your mother voting for?
You’re completely right on no “very” in Fuzzy Wuzzy. A children’s rhyme with poor cadence would never survive.I have my fingers crossed that we don’t have any trouble getting into our new polling place. I filled out the change of address paperwork – that’s enough right?
I was totally apolitical until 9/11. Then I was suddenly hit with the urge to find out just exactly what the hell was going on in the world. So I studied, I read, I looked at both sides, weighed the differences and ran them past my internal barometer, in order to determine who was full of shit and who wasn’t. And then, in the summer of 2002, I started hearing rumblings about going to war against Iraq, and I was all, “What? But… but… the hijackers didn’t come from Iraq! Bin Laden’s not in Iraq! What the hell?” And then as we got closer and closer to the invasion of Iraq, I was seriously freaking out, because I had a feeling very bad things were about to happen.And they did.I was just a bored housewife out here in the Bible belt, a nobody with no political connections, no insider knowledge, no foreign policy experience, nothing but a computer with a high-speed internet connection. And I managed to figure out that we were being manipulated and lied into an unnecessary and devastating war.And I have to ask, if I could figure out such a life and death issue from where I sat, why couldn’t Hillary?And that’s why I cannot vote for her.
Fools! It’s “Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn’t very fuzzy wuzzy, was he?” (That, at least, is how my dad taught it to me, though I freely admit it makes no sense. It does, at least, have the right number of syllables.)Love the PB photo, especially since I”m planning to use that precise anecdote in my lecture this morning (though I’m wondering how many 18-year-olds have actually seen The Princess Bride). Remember, though – both the cups are poisoned.
Oh I am so with you on the fence. I think it’s a very large fence accommodating several thousand people at the moment. Luckily I don’t have to make a decision until March 4th when Texas holds its primaries. I do believe I am leaning towards Obama based on the sheer feeling that if Hillary was elected, the “Right” ( I use that term loosely) would never let her have her own Presidency. They would hash up old crap from a decade ago that her Husband did and never let her accomplish anything. It would be a waste of time. So honestly it’s nothing against her, and I do like her, but I too feel Obama’s my man.
I agree with you totally ashleigh, just stop and think about Bill’s 2nd term. It was so divisive and hateful and just downright nasty, and I really don’t want to go down that path again. Sadly I think a Hillary ticket is a McCain win, without a doubt.I think I’m having a left brain/right brain struggle with this one, I feel like Obama is so inspiring and gives me goosebumps and says all the right things and gives me so much hope, but Hillary seems like she might just be the smarter one with all the right answers on the test. And I’m just not sure what’s more important right now. I read this Obama quote 2 days ago and I think, in the end, he’s my man. I want to believe!
“I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe in yours.”
Ahhhh…I just had a conversation that sounded almost exactly like this post with a friend of mine. We’re both going back and forth between Hillary and Barack. I just don’t know. Whichever one wins the nom, I will vote for, but I need to figure out WHO I WANT TO VOTE FOR NOW. Its nice to finally have two decent choices though!
You have perfectly articulated the difficulty I am having this year. Thank you!
No “very” in Fuzzy Wuzzy.And I’m sitting on that very same fence with you, but leaning just a little bit more toward Obama. We shall see.
It’s funny b/c Husband and I were talking about this—we’re both waffling a bit. And I vote today! I think it’ll be Obama’s lever I pull, but it isn’t an easy call. I like to think that I at least have two GOOD choices right now. And, when I think of the final Dem nominee going up against the final Rep nominee? I get goosebumps. It’ll be an interesting summer/fall.
I flop back and forth so much that I’m getting sea sick. I like Hilary– but I wished I loved her. I think Obama is an inspiration, but hope his political inexperience won’t render him less effective (Deval Patrick has been rather disappointing here in Mass).I cannot remember EVER being this torn between two candidates, and I have to say, it’s WONDERFUL. I always felt that voting was choosing the lesser of two evils, so it’s refreshing to have two candidates that I support and would feel good about having in office. The one thing that I heard the other day that made me go ‘oooh!’ was that if Clinton wins, she’d likely select Obama as her running mate? Is that true?All I can say, is that if we have another President Clinton, I imagine my republican father’s ashes shaking in the ground. And that makes me smile…
Read your Twitter – If Hillary gets the nom, it’s a vote for all women. I NEVER thought it would actually happen that a woman would have the possibility to be President. Astounding.
Mrs. Q: I do agree that one point in HRC’s favor is that she could conceivably make him the veep, and I’m not sure that she would accept second fiddle should he win. On the other hand, the inside-the-beltway talk is that they really dislike each other. That wouldn’t be a first for a ticket, of course. But if she wins, and he’s interested but she doesn’t choose him, she’s going to alienate a huge part of the base. Tough position.
Ok. I just watched that music video. With my children. And I cried. Lucas kept repeating, “Yes, we can.” which sent shivers down my spine.I feel like I’m voting with my head for Clinton, but with my heart for Obama. Sigh…
Today I had butterflies in my stomach when I went to vote. I haven’t felt this excited about an election in years and the intelligent and thoughtful posts on this blog (and others) are truly inspiring.I voted for Barack. I respect Hillary and if she’s the presidential candidate she has my vote. But I believe Barack is as ready to be President as any of the other, more “experienced” candidates. For me it’s about where he stands on the issues and what his vision is for this country plus the fact that he is articulate, intelligent and seems willing to reach across party lines.
I am having the same left brain/right brain struggle as Amber. She described the fight going on in my head perfectly.I’m glad that my state isn’t voting today. I have until March to figure things out.
A very good argument Liz. Truly. I find that I like them both, I really do. But I’m hoping and praying for Obama. I can imagine the good he could do if given the chance.
Excellent post. I have always adored you and loved your blog, but I think I adore you a little bit more now …From another Mama for Obama!
I voted for Barack. Both candidates have an agenda I support. But because Barack is so charismatic he could push his/my agenda more easily. Charismatic people get stuff done, for better or worse. Hillary had a very hard time as the first lady. So much of the old boy network in congress hated her. Her ideas barely made it to the floor. The greatest most thoughtful, pragmatic ideas aren’t worth much if you can’t rally support for them. I do like Hillary. But I think her presidency would be an exercise in frustration.
Si Se Puede!
I’ve been so happy to have 3 awesome choices but now that the day is here, and my first choice is gone, and I have to pick between Obama and Clinton–I didn’t know what I was going to do when I went into the polling place this morning. But I ended up voting for Obama. Even now I can’t really tell you why. I like Hilary equally well. A much better place to be in than the last election, actually.
i just got home from voting with tears in my eyes- holding my 2.5 year old, holding her hand together we voted for the first woman who has ever been a viable candidate for president of the united states of america. she’s too little to understand how profound that was- and i honestly don’t know when we’ll ever have another opportunity to vote for a woman again. it was a privilege and i’ll never forget it.i didn’t vote for hillary clinton because she’s a woman, however. i honestly voted based on who i think will be the best president for our country for the next 4 to 8 years. for me it was the difference between picking a class taught by the respected tenured professor vs. the hot new adjunct who just got his phd. i feel so strongly that we are at a point in our history where we need someone who has earned their candidacy- i voted for that person today.
Isn’t it just great to have candidates that people are excited about? I agree with a previous commenter that I usually feel like I’m voting for the lesser of two evils, and I don’t even usually bother with primaries. But this year… this year I’m excited! I’m going to vote for Clinton next week when I go. But I’d be very happy with Obama as well. It really feels groundbreaking to have these two candidates to choose from.And you are right on about fuzzy wuzzy. My hubby and I? We argue about grammar for hours. People don’t believe that we really will argue about it until they bring something up that gets us going. hehe.
I’m with Nate on the “very.” Sorry. It’s how I learned it.When Shakespeare was writing his sonnets and he wanted to make a particular word or phrase stand out, he would break meter. THAT is my defense of “very.” So there
However, I am with you on Obama, and I voted for him today. My vote actually had very little do with concerns about Clinton’s electability. I think people underestimate her in that respect. My choice had a lot to do with the fact that Obama’s foreign policy agenda– most particularly his commitment to diplomacy– feels much, much more aligned with my own values than Clinton’s stance. I also appreciate the fact that he is drawing support from such diverse sources.And of course my vote also had to do with the inspiration. I saw him here in St. Louis this past Saturday. Have you ever heard a crowd of 20,000 people <>go silent<> with anticipation when a man opens his mouth? The experience is profound.
P.S. I left out one of the most important things about that rally– I went with a family of Republicans. Who are voting Obama.
Can I be you when I grow up? What an amazing post, totally articulating the tug of war going on within most of us. I get to vote today and still don’t know which lever I’ll pull. And as a pp said, how wonderful NOT to have to choose the lesser of two evils. The most important thing is that Democrats rally behind whomever wins the primary and gets a Democrat in office. Thanks again – I heart your blog!
It has been a tough choice. I am a Hillary Fan though! I think she is more then ready & I just have a weird feeling about Obama. Can’t put it into words. My mom said it would be perfect if it was a Hillary with Obama as VP & I would love that!
Lack of experience?What was GW’s record of experience?I am sick of hearing the term.
I just posted about this very same issue today.I waffled for weeks and finally chose Obama. But my heart is sick over it.I’m just tired of the Democratic policy wonks (Gore, Kerry) losing. I think we need the charisma of Obama to carry this thing.
I am a proud Hillary supporter…but maybe its because I’m an old lady who respects her clawing her way to the top. That said, Obama makes me weak in the knees when he speaks, in the same way Hillary makes me swell with pride.I will stand behind either of these candidates in November. This isn’t a case of winner or loser today, it’s a case of democracy.
As a newly registered Democrat (former Republican) who voted for Bush in 2000 and Kerry in 2004, I can’t be more excited to vote for Obama. For me, he represents the future. I don’t necessarily agree with him on several policy positions, but he gives me hope that we can finally transcend the divisive politics of the Clinton/Bush years. While I have much respect for Hillary Clinton, for me, she represents a kind of politics and an era that I think our country needs to move beyond. I hate to say it, but I’ll vote for Obama with glee, but for McCain if forced to.
I don’t get to vote until next Tuesday but I’m struggling just like you. The funny thing is that your last political post made me say “OK I am going to vote for Hillary” and now I’m moving toward Obama. I guess it is good that I have one more week to decide. I can not fathom that I am still undecided. ME! I’m usually SO SO opininated in politics. But, like you, I’ll be behind the D nominee 110%. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Honestly? I love them both (which is why I hate it when they “fight”!). I’m probably pulling more for Hillary but if it ends up being Obama? Then ROCK ON! So I know what you mean about being torn. And how awesome is it that THIS TIME we finally have some candidates that we can get excited about? Where was this in 2004??
I have to agree with Nate, also.
i need a clibama…would make my wishy-washiness so much easier!
I read your blog and never leave a comment.. until today. I am an over the top OBAMA voter. (He just took my home state of CT…)I love Hillary Clinton, she is brilliant and has worked so hard. I’ll support her if she gets the nomination. But until then, I wish for the type of government that Barack Obama might bring. He inspires great hope for the future, at least for me.
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