What Are We Fighting For?

It's an election year, so I figure I'll write some more about politics. In my last post, Raise the Drinking Age, I pointed out that the folks over at MADD have forgotten what they're fighting for. Today, as the 2008 Democratic National Convention starts (and it's starting right now, if I've scheduled this post properly), there are lots of supporters of Hillary Clinton who, I'm afraid, may have forgotten what they're fighting for.

I like Hillary Clinton very much. I liked Bill Clinton too. My wife and I both campaigned for Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996, going door-to-door, helping to arrange rallies, the whole nine yards (in 1992, my wife was paid campaign staff for Clinton in San Jose, California). I think Hillary would have made a great president and, for a long time, I figured I'd be supporting her. But, when I heard what Barack Obama had to say, I decided that he was the best candidate -- the right person at the right time.

But I completely understand why Hillary's supporters supported her. And I respect it. But what are they fighting for? I could list all of the issues that Clinton and Obama agree on and they would bore you to death. These two candidates have always been in violent agreement. A vote for Barack Obama today is a vote for Hillary Clinton's vision and ideals -- only the details are different. A vote for Barack Obama it is a vote against, the failed, tired, sad, war-mongering policies of Bush-Cheney-McCain.

Whether Hillary Clinton remains in the Senate or moves on, I believe that she has an important role in America's future. She has already made a tremendous impact in the Senate and in the Presidential Campaign. She is a winner, not a loser. If you were fighting for Hillary Clinton for President, you should be fighting for Barack Obama for President and Joe Biden for Vice President.

A song of the day, from 39 years ago and, sadly, still appropriate today. The Republicans are fighting for another 100 years of misguided war in Iraq.

What are you fighting for?