WHY AM I HOT FOR HILLARY?

What angers and frustrates me most about the current election is the fact that the American people are unable to make a clear and informed decision about the candidate they support. Ever since the Iowa caucus, we have been subjected to a media-created frenzy surrounding Senator Obama. A story was born that night when he won in Iowa, and stories sell newspapers and get people watching the news. Suddenly, we had the "little Senator that could" taking on the juggernaut that was Senator Clinton's campaign. Unfortunately, the media has focused solely on that story and refuses to present unbiased and fair news to the American people. And people have become so obsessed with this "underdog" story that they forget to think rationally about what each candidate brings to the proverbial table. Since this is my inaugural blog, I will keep my first entry to a brief overview of themes I hope we all can explore in more detail in the days to come. As Hillary says, we have to keep this conversation about America going. If our media outlets won't let us, then hopefully we can right here!

Perhaps the most glaring aspect that people too often neglect is the issue of experience. Senator Obama has been in office since January of 2005, where he previously served in the Illinois State Senate. He has done nothing of incredible note as a Senator, as would be expected for a first term Junior Senator. He announced his candidacy for President nearly 2 years to the day after he assumed office. Senator Clinton, on the other hand, has been actively changing America since the late 70's when she was appointed Legal Services Board by President Carter. She continued through her time in Arkansas when she fought for children and family rights, during her time in the White House when she brought attention to the Taliban (before anyone had ever heard of them), when she fought to reform the Health Care system, up to when she was (and is) a Senator who - since 2001 - has been consistent in her principles and values the same things now that she did over 30 years ago. She will continue to change the course of America by becoming the first female President of the United States.

What does all this experience really mean? Aren't we ready for change? My thought is that we do need a change, but we need change that is effective, well thought-out and trustworthy. Senator Clinton has many friends and allies in Congress and abroad, as she is the most traveled First Lady in history. For better or worse, these connections are necessary to get anything done in politics. Hillary is an exceptionally brilliant woman! No matter what anyone thinks of her a person, she is the smartest and most experienced candidate for the job. Senator Obama lacks the years and years of service and understanding that Senator Clinton will bring with her to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Sadly, I think he would be a sort of lame duck as soon as he took office. We have had 8 years of an ineffective president, do we need another 4? And, by the way, why is it that having a woman as Commander in Chief isn't a big change?

Senator Obama says he has opposed the the war in Iraq from day one. Well, isn't that easy to say when you weren't even in office to vote. Simple fact is that hindsight is 20/20 and it is very easy for Senator Obama to play Monday Morning Quarterback. Our President deceived the Senate and Senator Clinton voted the best she could with the information that was given to her. Lest we not forget the climate of fear that existed in 2003. As any good Senator would do, Hillary acted in what she felt was best for the country and listened to what the American people wanted at that time. In my mind, the only issue concerning Iraq should be ending the war... not what Hillary voted for when Barack couldn't.

I am also insulted that I - a 25 year old male - am made to feel "uncool" for supporting Senator Clinton. The media, thanks to Obama himself, have made "Obama 08" the only cool campaign to support. I think it's far "cooler" to support someone who you can believe in, has years of experience and has proof of her successes to back her up. I think it's pretty damn cool to support someone who is intelligent, committed to her beliefs, and passionately wants to do what's best for ALL Americans. Also, Hillary is a fun and personable person! I hope everyone got to see her on Letterman, she was great!


Finally, we need a President who can beat John McCain. If Hillary goes head to head with McCain, she can trounce him in any debate while making him look like an intellectual incompetent. On both Democrat and Republican sides, people are sick of having a moron for a President. I believe that a smart candidate with answers can create at least a little bipartisan support. Hillary is also an extremely strong person who can take whatever the Republicans throw at her. Her strength and her well thought-out solutions for America make her ready, on day one, to turn the country around. I will give Barack the fact that he can incite a crowd and get media attention, but he ends there for me. He never says a heck of a lot and throws about the word "change" to the cheers of the masses. His speeches are full of hot air, and he has so few ideas that extend beyond a four or five sentence answer. Remember the last time we listened to empty rhetoric? We ended up with George Bush...

-Kurt-