What's a feminist civil-rights supporter to do?
This is an embarrassment of riches we have in the Democratic primary. Sure, they all have their limitations, but when was the last time we had some viable, charismatic choices? When didn't you hold your nose to vote for the president?
But it's also been a very draining battle to watch. As I lay down at night after hours of play-by-play by the TV talking heads and online bloggers, the inside of my head pounds—Clinton vs. Obama, we feminists are between a Barack and a hard place. Our fantasy presidential teams are flush.
I am also realistic: I know that Clinton and Obama will both compromise, both equivocate on many issues. It's what being a politician is. The Clintons sold gays down the river a few times. Obama has been pretty good on our issues, even when he knows he's on the wrong side of history about marriage. He's a practical guy, he tells us to fight for what we can win. It's like telling us peas are good for us. We don't like to hear it, even when we know he's right. We can afford our moral high ground, while presidents shed most of their principles on the way to a different mountain top.
I have met both Clinton and Obama. In person, they are equally charismatic. But it's been very clear that Hillary has not found a way to translate that charisma through a TV screen. Barack has. He has also been a bit un-presidential in some of his comments, in his cockiness. Humility, sir, is much more appealing. Clinton, Edwards, and most of them have all had their stupid moments—when you watch them act like 5-year-olds. In this camera-video-phone culture, we get to see every blemish, on every one of them. So we dodge the negatives, trying to see the positives. To hope again. The silver lining is this: We have a chance for change in November. How we get there is as important as actually getting there. The winner should act like a winner, and the losers must be asked to be part of the team—and we should not allow them to say no.
In some ways, I feel like casting a vote for Dennis Kucinich. Not just because he is the closest to my views on so many issues, including gay rights. But also because I don't want to choose which "parent" I love more. It's like we're sitting around the dinner table and mom and dad are lobbying for my affection. Maybe I will go for cousin Dennis instead. Sorry cousin John, you are a bit too mean. At least I don't have the dilemma of a Condoleezza Rice—no thanks to her on all counts.
What is probably most frustrating to all Democratic and Independent voters is that this field is so deep in ideas and talent, so why can't they all just get along? Let the voters decide, by their votes, who is the first, second, third, etc. candidate. Then, second place gets Vice President. Third place gets to pick a cabinet post, and so on. We have a full baseball team's worth of talent, with room for a deep bench.
Let's put John Edwards in charge of healthcare and poverty. Al Gore head of the Environmental Protection Agency. Kucinich in charge of the "I have a dream" not deferred department. For once, let's use the entire slate of talent at the top, with former President Jimmy Carter as Secretary of State, former President Bill Clinton as United Nations ambassador. Michelle Obama as head of whatever she wants. I'm sure Bill Richardson could find a post that fits him. Even some independent-mind Republicans can be slotted in. How about Michael Bloomberg at the Federal Reserve? John McCain head of Veteran's Affairs—clean up that mess and fight for the injured troops as hard as you have fought to put them in harm's way. And who wants to be in charge of the hot potatoes of trade, immigration, and education? Come on, step up to the plate; we have been waiting for you since the 1960s. [ Just please keep Lou Dobbs away from immigration. Is it me or does the circumference of his head swell each time he promotes his new book? ]
While we're at it, how about some creative choices: Phill Wilson as AIDS czar, Ellen DeGeneres head of a new cabinet post on animals, Brad Pitt in charge of a New Orleans Rebuilding Project, and Staceyann Chin as poet laureate. Heck, if Oprah's candidate wins or loses, will she actually step up to be in charge of rebuilding inner-city schools? The supporters and critics on the sidelines, even the Sunday morning talking heads, should be asked to serve. The nation and the world face a dangerous tipping point. Without creative solutions, without everyone stepping up, even a Democratic president will strike out.
Stop making us hate Washington, and make us believe you do really care. If Obama wins, be magnanimous, choose the second-place finisher, even if it's Hillary. Same if Hillary wins. If not VP, something in the cabinet. Or keep the Senate post and make a difference there.
Now, can Clinton and Obama please stop debating in my head? I need some sleep.
