It Can't Be Hillary!

Written by: john nelson on Sep 2, 2007 12:46 AM EDT

I've been active in the Democratic party since the McCarthy campaign in 1968. In those nearly 40 years, I don't think I've ever seen a Presidential race as winnable as we have in 2008. Virtually everything is alligned in our favor. Except for one thing : If Hillary wins the nomination.

I am writing this from a neutral position. I support no individual candidate. I am still hoping for a miracle with Gore. But I have come to the conclusion that Hillary cannot win the general election. To have her as our nominee would be the ultimate wasted chance.

In my job, I travel throughout my home state of Michigan, and have regular contact with people in many other states.  I don't work in a political job, but sometimes political discussions do occur. I don't believe I have ever heard anyone as despised by regular people (not conservatives) as Hillary. She is the focus of many jokes, even from apolitical people. Even on a college football game today on T.V., there was a player whose last name is Hillary and the announcers were commenting on how unpopular the name is. It's totally ingrained into the national fabric. I don't know how it can be overcome.

It's not a sexist issue. Here in Michigan we have Gov. Granholm and Sen. Stabanow. But I seriously doubt Hillary could win Michigan. In addition to there being a Bush fatigue in the country, there is a Clinton fatigue.The comments I hear most often is we need new blood in the new administration; not Bush or Clinton retreads. I also hear that the perception is that she's just plain mean; that she would run over her mother to advance her cause. We've been polarized  as a nation for too long; and if elected, I believe she would be even more polarizing than Bush. We need someone to bring us together and make progress on major issues; not have roadblocks because of personalities.

I believe we are facing a very mediocre Republican field; and under normal circumstances, we would win convincingly. However if Hillary is the nominee, people will be coming out of the woodwork to vote against her; people who would be unlikely to vote otherwise. I also know of many Democrates who will not vote for her. They won't vote for the Republicans, they just won't vote. I don't believe she can win one state that Kerry lost and I don't think she can win every state Kerry won, especially the close states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

I for one do not want to blow this chance to take back the White House. Somehow, some way, we need to unite behind a candidate who, if nominated, will have a good chance to win the general election. Between Iraq, Iran, health care and the Supreme Court, I believe it's essential we take advantage of this opportunity to win in 2008. Thanks for your time.  

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