Yes, the stakes are very high November 2008. We've got to deal with Supreme Court nominees, the aftermath of the Iraq War, the financial crisis and the clean-up of corruption. We also have a society on our hands that is emotionally numb through too much tragedy while being wised up about how our trust has been used by Bush Administration.
In listening to the Hardball College series with Barack Obama tonight, I thought really deeply about what we need in a leader.
In my book, a leader is someone who is wise, forthright and hard-working. He or she must have commitment to the constituency that they serve. They must have respect for the Constitution. They must be open-minded, ethical and willing to listen to the people of this country. They must not be arrogant or self-centered. They must not focus on cronyism, making appointments that would serve the best interests of the people of this country not themselves.
Okay, everything not Bush 43--to make a long story short.
Most of all, America is hungry for a leader who inspires.
When I think about whether Senator Hillary Clinton houses these ideals, I must honestly say that she does embody some. She is a hard worker and intelligent. And, yes, she is a fighter. You could envision her standing up to the SCOTUS if she was in the place of former Vice-President Gore in 2000. But, beyond all that, I think she misses a couple of key elements of leadership that truly is fundamental to gain the trust of the people: integrity and the ability to encourage the best we have to offer.
I know that there are folks who believe in her abilities. If I look at the good Ms. Clinton could do, I know that her tenacity and toughness could serve to help the rest of us fight against the right wing attack machine that decimates the humane, the sensitive and the genteel. That is all right with me. Also, it's not because she is a woman. As a woman myself, I am glad that these hurdles are being crossed so that other women can run for the most powerful position in the land. We need more women, people of color, gays, lesbians and transgendered folk in office so we can be more reflective of American society as it is.
But, the thing that stands out like a sore thumb in regards to Ms. Clinton is her negative campaigning. Ever since she mocked her opponent's oratory style, it has been a long descent down into pessimism that didn't have to be there. It makes you wonder whether there was any other way she could have gone if she didn't implement nasty tactics in order to garner more popularity or votes. What also is sad is the fact that her husband, in which a lot of folks would have defended during his years under fire uttered pretty questionable things in regards to race. It makes you wonder whether President or Senator Clinton ever had a decent bone in their body.
All that I do know is that their behavior had changed my mind about them. And though I respect that other folks think that they are still praiseworthy (including some of my friends and family), I do not. As I had mentioned in some of the discussions of DKos, it is a matter of principle to me. That principle has to do with honesty, civility, and forthrightness even when it is hard to do so. That is especially important when it has to do with dealing with the corruption that is within our government. How can we trust someone who has "exaggerated" on some of the claims they have made to initiate change when they demonstrate they are more of the same as the last guy?
All in all, Ms. Clinton had failed the test, in my book.