Focus on the Large Prize
This has been the most exciting presidential election in recent years. For the first time since 1964, the Republicans have had an extended, contested primary battle. It ended only when John McCain won South Carolina; Republican leaders closed ranks behind him and forced the other Republican contenders out of the race. Now Mr. McCain has begun his November campaign already in March.
On the Democratic side, we are seeing an even hotter race. For the first time since 1968, there is no clear Democratic frontrunner. The 7has dwindled down to 2 candidates, New York senator Hilary Clinton and Illinois senator Barack Obama. In this tight race, Mr. Obama holds a slight lead with the Pennsylvania primary looming in April.
In addition, the discredited vote in Michigan and Florida will have to be counted somehow. The Democratic Party is floating several options, including a re-vote, vote by mail, caucus, or just simply dividing the delegates between the two candidates.
It looks like the June 3rd state primaries will be relevant as this race goes down to the wire. Each campaign is caught in an election that they assumed would be over by March. Now they have 2 more months of delegate searching. For the first time since 1972, it appears there will be a broker debated Democratic convention this year in Denver.
Somewhat lost in this contest for the nomination is the historical significance of this race. For the first time, we have both a viable woman and African American man for the Democratic nomination. It is likely that the Democratic nominee will become the next President, making history.
For all of us who have been labeled “firsties”, imagine what these candidates are going through on a larger national stage. But, like us, they moved this country forward and shattered stereotypes and long-held notions that simply no longer apply. Win or lose, each candidate will bring something great to our society and create a turning point for the future.
In their zeal to capture the election, the campaigns are starting to sink rather than rise. Each side has made personal attacks on the other; surrogates have stepped in to make implausible, harmful comments. The other side seizes upon these comments to point out the weaknesses of the opponent.
This has to stop. This campaign should be a celebration of the change for a better American society. This should be a more positive, exciting time not a bitter, hard feelings.
Women have come out in droves to support Hilary Clinton. African Americans have voted in the larges numbers ever in support of Barack Obama. There are many women who support Mr. Obama and Blacks who support Mrs. Clinton. That is their right and a freedom to be respected and not ridiculed.
We have the chance to discuss policy issues, not stereotypes in this election. It is up to voters to keep the level of discussion on a higher plain. We cannot afford to resort to the simplistic stereotypes to bash others.
Do not lose sight of what is important in this 2008 election: the direction of our country. We cannot allow the real issues regarding the Iraqi war, our economy, energy, education, healthcare, seniors and childcare to be derailed by this destructive in-fighting. Democrats need to focus on setting the course and direction of this country by winning in November, not proving that century-old stereotypes still exist. Fortunately, cooler heads are beginning to prevail.
The voices you need to hear Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama are American citizens who are deeply concerned about the direction of this country. They do not want this election to disintegrate into petty bickering. They want you to set a vision to solve this American crisis. They want you to push our country forward with credible solutions, not name-calling. Keep your staff and supporters focused on what is good for America and not the short term interest of your candidacy.
The two Democratic contenders must realize that once this primary battle is over, all Democrats have to focus on the November election. It will not be a cakewalk. Mr. McCain can appeal to Independents and non-Republican voters. If the Democrats continue this knife fight, the “winning” candidate will be so wounded and cannot win the November election. They have energized voters as never before. Do not turn them off with this in-fighting.
Don’t let the sniping drive you to the poll. There are more substantive issues that will affect you and your family’s lives. You have to vote again and again to voice your concerns.
So, I challenge each of you. We had a high turn-out in the February primary; vote again in June and November. It is up to us to ensure that these hard-fought gains remain in place. It will be up to you to exercise their right to vote again in June.
You want change in Oakland? You want a better city, state and country? Then you have to vote in June and November. Remember, VOTE.
Clinton Killian is an attorney in downtown Oakland, an Oakland resident, a former Oakland Planning Commissioner and a candidate for Oakland City Council. He can be reached at: (510) 625-8823 or email: clintonkillian@yahoo.com. Website: www.clintonkillian.com
