on the fence

I hoped it wouldn’t come to this: a moment for Democrats to seize, paralyzed by a 50/50 split in sympathies. The vitriol spewed by both the Obama and Hillary camps has surprised and saddened me.

I understand and support womens’ longing for a female president. Feminine values are sorely needed in the way we shape this world. Maybe we’d have less war, and more caring at home—though forgive me if I’m stereotyping women with that statement. Yet someone’s gender cannot be the defining reason they should be president.

Why does Hillary get to be a feminist champion? Her 35-year claim on experience was mostly played out in her role as someone’s wife—an enabling wife for that matter. I am a man, and I am a feminist. This does not fit my understanding of feminism.

I proudly support our Illinois senator. He opposed the Iraq War from the beginning, when doing so was unpopular. He does not take money from PACs. He inspires. And 43% of the electorate has not gone on record that they would never vote for him. That part of the population does not oppose Hillary because she’s a woman. They oppose her because for some reason, they don’t like or trust her.

For those who are on the fence, I offer links to two videocasts. The first is from Stanford law professor Lawrence Lessig.

The other, you may have seen. It’s the famous Yes We Can song.

My final argument is this: Hillary has taken Barack’s slogan, “yes we can,” and perverted it into “yes she can.” That begs the question: is it about her or us?

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