Voted for Obama. He’s my candidate. Yet I finally figured out what the nagging sense of unease I’ve had about him was. I read an email that Jen forwarded from Suzie in support of Obama. Notably, this is about the 10th email I’ve gotten in the past several days from people that I have never thought of as politically active. This goes right to the heart of Obama’s appeal, I think, and to what will take him all the way – his ability to move and mobilize people, to inspire ardent dedication and committed action.
Suzie references Rory Kennedy’s chiming in on the issue, here. I’ve been loath, I think, perhaps subconsciously, to let an opportunity – a real chance! – to elect a female President slip by. How can I actually vote against the female candidate? I am a woman, a mother, and a feminist. As Rory says, I ache to raise my daughter in a world that can elect a woman to the highest office in the land. And yet, somehow, I can’t bring myself to support Hillary. Many people that I respect are voting for her. She has a strong case for why she would be a terrific president. But, for me, it comes down to issues of personality and charisma; on this score I add my voice to the deafening choir. And on this dimension, for me, Obama triumphs. I remember vividly Schuyler – someone whose views I respect so completely – talking after the Democratic convention where Obama spoke. Her excitement about Obama was contagious, and she said, as I’m sure many people did after that speech: “that man will be president.”
It was a relief to acknowledge what the thing holding me back from wild enthusiasm about Obama has been. All I can do is fervently hope that in my lifetime there will be other strong female candidates for President. And I do hope that, and I do believe that. I suppose, ultimately, the best role model I can be for Grace is to demonstrate support for the person I believe to be the strongest candidate, regardless of their gender.
And that’s the road I’m taking.
