Democrat's Disunity: A Tempest in a Teapot

In recent days, we have heard some reports that a substantial number of Hillary Clinton supporters, mostly women, say they will not vote for Barack Obama, in the general election.  They give two reasons for this stance.  1) Some of Clinton’s female supporters are angry over what they claim was sexism in the media coverage of Obama and Clinton during the primary.  They say Obama got more, and more favorable, coverage from the media.  2) Some of Clinton liberal supporters are angry over his (as they see it) move toward the center on some issues. 

            I will deal with the second complaint first.  Get Real!  It is a fundamental of political campaigning that a candidate secure her/his base first then lean gently toward the center in order to prepare for the general election.  Every candidate does it and no one should be surprised that Obama is making his move gently toward the center.  In the same manner as McCain now nudges gently from his more conservative statements toward a more center perspective.    

            The first complaint comes under the heading of cutting off your nose to spite your face.  First, Obama is not responsible for the press coverage he received.  These people cannot inflict their anger on Brit Hume or Wolf Blitzer, so they have decided instead to take out their frustration on Barack Obama. 

            These disgruntled Hillary supporters should give this notion some more thought.  If you supported Hillary, then you believe that poor people, folks without adequate health care, and women who need abortions will be brought to ruin by another four years of Republican rule.  Obama is the one who will lead the nation to provide adequate health care for all its citizens.  Obama will appoint judges to protect the Row v. Wade decision, and Obama will work to help the poor and homeless in this nation.  These are all issues that liberals have fought for all their adult lives.  So, Liberals if you feel a bit of resentment toward Obama, helping McCain get elected might feel good, but it will be a disaster for million of the less fortunate members of our society.

Here’s one last point, made by Michael Kinsley in the July 21 issue of Time Magazine.  The chance to elect an outstanding African-American leader President is a goal liberals have been fighting for all their lives.  How silly it would be to let some petty frustrations spoil that opportunity. 

Personally, I think the disunity is more a tempest in a teapot, than a real deep-seated anger.  The resentment some Hillary supporters feel does not go very deep and will soon be set aside.  The Democratic convention is coming soon.  There will be one full evening devoted to Senator Clinton and her followers.  After which they will look carefully at the alternative and get 100 percent behind Obama.  Actually, the disunity you see now is typical for Democrats.  They love to fight right up to the convention.  After the convention, Democrats will get behind their candidate.  At least, I hope they will.