Everyone knows the next POTUS is going to inherit a huge American disaster: an economic meltdown, a diminished international reputation, decreased global influence, the Iraq war bleeding Americans and money and a loss of personal liberties. Both Clinton and Obama have the intelligence and leadership abilities to get us back on track.
But if Clinton is elected the Democratic nominee, many Obama supporters are saying they'll stay home and sulk (maybe not if he is VP). But there is no such thing as being a passive bystander in a democratic system. Inaction IS action. Eight years of the Bush presidency was the result of "active nonparticipation" by too many independents and Democrats.
It's now time to direct the escalating attacks and rhetoric from the Clinton and Obama campaigns and supporters to McCain instead of each other. The Republican party is showing the democrats, once again, how they initiate their winning strategy: get behind their candidate early and start solidifying the base. Even though there is some grouching among the most conservative of their party, they will quickly coalesce around McCain to defeat the democratic nominee. While the Democrats continue bickering about vague differences and superficial talking points, the Republicans are building their arsenal.
So, even with all the talk of "change" and needing a new direction for this country, we might be faced with McCain in the White House. Can we afford that? McCain will "stay the [Bush] course" and America will continue down the path of disaster. McCain has no clue about economics, economic parity or business innovation so you can kiss any hope of an economic recovery goodbye.
Democrats can begin emphasizing their strengths against McCain by focusing on the economy and connecting Iraq to the financial ruin of the country. The military industrial complex has grown under Bush. Less defense spending helps strengthen the economy because we can invest our hard earned tax dollars in things that advance the security of our country such as health care, education and business capital investments.
While it's exciting having such a close race, the Democrats don't have the luxury of debating much longer, now that the Republicans have chosen their nominee. Democrats also need to take care of the Florida and Michigan delegate issue by demanding that the DNC reset their races. As we have seen in such a close race, all the votes count and every delegate vote must be counted and legitimate.
It's time to put the infighting aside, make some compromises and unify under one large umbrella. It's time for the "Great Repair" of the Democratic party and the country.