Let's get started

For my first blog post, some background. I've been interested in politics for as long as I can remember. Particularly Democratic, liberal, progressive, change-the-world politics. I've been involved off and on for many years - I've worked on campaigns, hung around lots of political activists, made my opinion known to lots of people.

As of now, January 2008, I'm volunteering for Barack Obama. I believe him when he says that he can bridge gaps between political parties and ideologies. I also like the fact that he seems to enjoy the game of politics, and can respond to his opponents with a sense of humor. That's a great quality, in my book.

I think Hillary would probably make a good president. She's smart, disciplined, hard-working, and, in the end, I think she's trying to do good things for the world. But, like a lot of people, I just can't relate to her all that well. Which is somewhat surprising, because I was a big fan of Bill. I even worked for him back in 1992. I was on the Transition Team; I answered his mail. I didn't follow through and get a job in the administration, but I'm glad that I can say that I worked for Bill Clinton in 1992-3.

But having said that, one reason I'm not supporting Hillary is that I have been very disappointed in Bill Clinton's performance during this campaign.

I still think Bill Clinton did a lot of good work to update the Democratic party. I remember resenting all of the right-wing attacks on him. But by the time 2000 rolled around, I have to admit that I really didn't mind that Bill Clinton couldn't run for reelection. He did some good things, his time was over, it was time, as a certain organization's title says, to move on.

I was relieved that I didn't have to think about any of that ever again. It was water under the bridge.

I was relieved that I would never again have to worry about whether or not it was worth it to defend Bill Clinton.

But unfortunately, it looks like the answer to that question today - whether or not it is worth it, now or in the future, to defend Bill Clinton - is no. The Clintons' behavior in Nevada - when the teachers' union sued to block caucuses from being held in casinos - was both wrong and idiotic. Neither Bill nor Hillary was directly involved, but it clearly was done for their benefit. And then Bill Clinton tried to deny it. What fools does he think we are? That was embarassing.

I ask myself the question: do I really want to see Bill Clinton in the White House for another four or eight years? The answer is, most unfortunately, is no.