I hate to admit it. I really do. But maybe a confession is in order. Although I most definitely voted for Barak Obama twice in the past 8 years, I am ashamed to admit the first time I voted for him I did not like him. Why?
I have been a feminist since the late 1960's and I have been waiting patiently for a smart and politically savvy woman to have a clear shot at becoming president. I was pumped up and flying high when Hillary Clinton stepped forward to run. She was my senator when I lived in NY State; in my book she was a fabulous senator. I knew she was the one. "We" finally had a chance. I was angry when this bright young man stepped in. I knew he was smart, I knew he was principled, I knew we were going to be in good hands with him in charge. I was psyched and heartened to know we were finally going to have a president who was also a person of color. I loved the youthful and progressive energy that surrounded his campaign. But I was still seething with anger because MY candidate didn't win. As if it as all about ME. Sheesh, sometimes I just can't stand myself.
I was so freakin' angry that I actually refused to watch his speeches for YEARS. Yep, I'm a big baby. I couldn't even say his name with out spitting the words out, kind of like Jerry Seinfeld's reaction to Newman. My husband, a stalwart Obama supporter from the get-go, wondered if I had lost my mind. It took me 3 years to warm up to him. Obama, that is. Well, maybe my husband, too. Three wasted years of stubborn anger and miserable bitterness. Three years when Barak Obama had already hit the ground running and was working hard to pull us out of a recession he did not cause.
Now, I see him as a great president. Not only do I like him, I admire him. Okay, I kinda love him. I have to admit that, perhaps... he was the right person at that point in time to become president. In fact, I wish I could vote for him again, because I would.
I am not proud of my emotional reaction to the 2008 presidential race. That is exactly what it was, by the way, an emotional reaction. I AM proud that I did and still care strongly about feminism as an issue. The thing is, one can't just care about only one or two issues. Then we stagnate, which only diminishes our cause and makes the world smaller and meaner. We have to see the bigger picture.
I hope you all watched President Obama speak last night at the DNC. It was one of the most powerful speeches I have ever seen.
How brave and wonderful of you to be so honest. We all make mistakes and it is a very good thing when we can make up for them.
ReplyDeleteI missed the first of President Obama's speech last night but thankfully you can watch the whole thing on Youtube !
I'm not being brave. I like being right, but I enjoy being wrong if I learn something good in the process. Most of all, I wrote this for all the Hillary supporters who feel like they have a story to tell, but nobody wants to listen.
DeleteAnd, of course, because I want the good people who supported Bernie (not the one's who made fun of the way Hillary dressed, or spread lies about her, or made fun and tried to silence those of us who like her, by the way) to know that I understand how they feel. I am sorry for their loss. They should not be discouraged. The future is theirs.
DeleteThat was the most amazing speech. And didn't you love the senior citizen that spoke on his behalf before he came out?
ReplyDeleteI loved her well and truly. She is a joy.
DeleteIn 2004 I listened to Barak Obama address the DNC and I said, May I live long enough to vote for this man for president. Then in 2008 he stepped in front of Hillary. I was livid. I worked for her, voted for her, and lost with her. Obama got my unconditional support when he won the nomination and still has it. Now I can only say thank goodness I've lived long enough to vote for this woman as president of the United States.
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I'm right there with you.
DeleteThis is for our granddaughters.
DeleteI wanted to vote for Hillary in 08. I went with a friend of mine to see her give a campaign speech and was very impressed. A few weeks later I went with my very young granddaughters to see this young man, Barack Obama, at a train stop. After listening to him and being touched wth his charisma, I told them that they were looking at the next President of the US. He was the man for that time. Now is the time for Hillary.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that you are right. How great that you took your grandkids to a political speech.
DeleteHi Colette,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to stop by and tell you how much I appreciated the fact that you ordered a copy of Power Stones. That meant a lot to me.
My pleasure.
DeleteI too was torn in 2008. I feel as you do now.
ReplyDeleteThose speeches, WoW!
Of course, I am with her!
There were so many good speeches. Michelle, of course, was amazing. That line "When they go low, we go high" is a winner.
DeleteAnd, of course, Hillary's "When there are no ceilings,the sky's the limit."
DeleteWhat an interesting post, Colette. It has helped me understand. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, and welcome.
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