I gazed at the empty ballot... and I made my choice.

[MrWendel]

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/6/6/1535318/-I-gazed-at-the-empty-ballot-and-I-made-my-choice

By Huginn and Muninn


There's no bad choice here. But you do still have to make a choice.

My California vote-by-mail ballot arrived early this week (I expected it earlier, but apparently so many people are now voting by mail that the Post Office is a bit overwhelmed). And with the California primary only a few days away, it was time to make my decision.

I was undecided for much of the primary season. For a while, I contemplated leaving the ballot blank on the Presidential nominee line as the vitriol of the primary season grew – but I realized that my decision needs to be not a reaction to poor behavior (which was on both sides), but on both the issues and the ability to govern and be a strong executive. And on issues, I am most aligned with Bernie Sanders, and I was thrilled when his campaign grew beyond what many believed possible, and several weeks ago I resolved to support him. I was even polled a few days ago (Marist) and indicated that I’d be voting for Bernie.

I don’t dislike Hillary Clinton – certainly I don’t despise her with the burning hatred of a thousand suns, as seems to be de rigeur for many around here -- but I do have some reservations (primarily around her relative hawkishness). I should add that I have been and continue to be extremely impressed by her intelligence and command of the issues, even down to the fine details (something that actually seems to evade Bernie).

And yet…

And yet.

(Cont... in link)

[caquillo]

1. "I realized that my decision needs to be not a reaction to poor behavior (which was on both sides)"

Uh, when did the Hillary Clinton campaign and its supporters behave badly? In fact, we have been a fairly civil bunch. It's Trump's and Sanders' campaigns/followers who have been uncivil.

[MrWendel]

2. Eh... it sounds like

a Sanders supporter transitioning and coming to terms with Clinton. Could be wrong though.

[LiberalFighter]

3. It appears there were more than just him that he knew.

[stopbush]

4. Look, someone found a picture of Sanders where he isn't wagging his finger!

[teamster633]

5. ...and further...

"Meanwhile, as I reflect, I see a Clinton campaign that is focused and empathetic. Hillary connects with people; Bernie connects with ideas and ideals. Hillary is detailed and thoughtful in her proposals; she seems well-prepared to cope with the vicissitudes of the campaign and the demands of the office. Her breadth of knowledge is confidence-inspiring. Sure, it was undoubtedly surprising to her that Bernie did as well as he has; but she has learned and embraced the voices and values emerging from Bernie’s run.

And then there’s Trump. To my mind, it’s reached the point where we can’t screw around any more. He has to be taken down, hard, and as soon as possible. I do feel that Hillary is likely best suited for this task.

I know, I know, the polls say… But at the same time, the polls also say that President Obama is enjoying high approval ratings (even the conservative-oriented polls have him well into positive territory). And it’s Hillary, not Bernie, who is best poised to build upon the wonderful work he has begun."