A thought about 2008

David Sirota:

The Financial Times this week published a piece about whether there is a serious anti-Hillary Clinton movement brewing inside the Democratic Party that could threaten her 2008 prospects. I'm not so sure there is a concerted effort to oppose Sen. Clinton as much as there is a new movement brewing to support candidates who are serious about standing up for ordinary citizens and fighting the hostile takeover of our government by Big Money interests...

...As the Financial Times noted in its piece, I don't think there is a full-on "anti-Hillary" movement yet. And let's be clear -- I am not a reflexive Hillary Clinton hater, and I've praised her in the past. But here's the thing: all the talk by out-of-touch Beltway pundits about Clinton supposedly representing the "liberal" or "progressive" wing of the Democratic Party is increasingly being shown to be the farce that it is thanks to Clinton's recent behavior. That's why I've also publicly criticized her recently. And if she continues down this path, I don't think Democrats or progressives should -- or will -- take it sitting down by simply letting her and her giant corporate-funded warchest walk to the 2008 presidential nomination.

Here's what I think. I don't want to talk about "electability." What I am interested in is a president who I can respect, one I can stand to listen to and one whose ideas are worth taking seriously. I want a president who lives by a set of solid moral principles in both his - or her - personal and professional lives. There are a number of democrats who, to my mind, fall into this category, but Hillary Clinton isn't one of them. To date, John Kerry stands head and shoulders above all others. He's been consistent, he's been strong, and he's been clear. If you don't believe me, check here. And here. And if you haven't heard the April 22 Faneuil Hall speech, you need to.

Commenter Cal over at Raw Story shares my feelings on this contentious subject.

All of you can continue to moan and complain about our candidates. Don't you know it takes the people and the party to make things happen as well. Yes, his consultants probably underestimated the impact of the liars but as usual we get caught up in attacking our own instead of doing what's best for the country as a whole. There is absolutely NO OTHER DEMOCRAT at this time in a position to run this country besides Kerry. No matter what you all say, you know its true. Name one...Look at his position on all the issues that matter to Democrats as well as his experience and COMPETENCE.

Leave this man alone...whether he runs again or not...he has definitely put in his time, energy, and efforts to make this country a better place. BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HIS PRESIDENTIAL BID. No matter how you all try to Swift Boat him again, he always rises to the top...With or without some of you so-called Democrats!

Thanks, Cal.