What We're Made Of

[morrigirl]

Over the last eight years Michael and I have had a running debate: Who would Americans be more likely to elect as president, a white woman or a black man? Michael always thought it would be easier to get a black man elected since sexism is so prevalent. I've always said it would be easier to get a white woman elected since racism is so extensive. Obviously, I was wrong. At least in terms of securing a nomination it seems sex was more of a detriment than race. That's not to say sexism is the sole reason why Hillary was unable to scrape up enough delegates to secure the nomination she is not yet willing to admit she has all but lost. I'm just saying in the narrow context of our debate, the sex of the democratic nominee was far more important than their race.

I backed Hillary because she was my Senator. I helped elect her. I like the work she has done in New York. I have a history with her. I was behind her for all the same reasons my Illinois friends are behind Obama. I wasn't rabidly behind her though. I have nothing against Obama. I agree with many of his views. It really didn't matter to me which one of them got the nomination because I'm gonna vote Democrat in November no matter who is on the ticket.

But, now that Obama has pretty much clinched the nomination, we're really gonna see what America is made of. For months I've been hearing registered Democrats, mostly age 50 and older, swear they would vote for McCain if Obama got the nomination because they don't want to see a black man in office. Greg says this sentiment is widespread in Long Island. Some of his immediate family have openly declared that as their plan of action come November. I've followed the campaign primarily through blog posts, and for months and months I've been reading these horrible racist diatribes about why Obama sholdn't be president because he is black. It's truly disturbing. The more I hear and the more I read, the more I worry about Obama's ability to beat McCain. I don't know if he can do it. I'm afraid this election will bring to light the racist tendencies of many "bleeding heart" liberals. I am afraid race really will determine the outcome of this election, thus sentencing us to four more years of conservative policy-making that will whittle away at what little remains of our foreign-policy, economy, and civil rights.

PS - Okay, that was depressing. Here's something a little more hopeful: New York State has adopted new rules to accomodate Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender youth in custody. Also, state agencies will now recognize gay marriages preformed legally elsewhere.

Comments

[gender-euphoric.livejournal.com]

While I wouldn't support Hilary because I think she's pretty clearly a hawk who wants war with Iran, I have always thought she was slightly more electable than Obama.

[morrigirl.livejournal.com]

Why has everyone suddenly started spelling her name with only one "L"?

[gender-euphoric.livejournal.com]

typos?

This is not directed toward you.

[morrigirl.livejournal.com]

Heh, heh, just something I've noticed in a lot of blogs, and even "legit" news sources. It makes no sense! This woman was our First Lady for eight years. People should know how to spell her name!

Re: This is not directed toward you.

[gender-euphoric.livejournal.com]

I've noticed people spelling Barack as Barak, too.

[dpsycho.livejournal.com]

I feel that if their roles were reversed, it still would have been the shining newcomer overcoming the "established" minority. Most of what I encountered against Hillary had more to do with her being a Clinton than with her being a woman. This isn't to say that I'm right, but that's how the political climate seems from what I've managed to observe.