The race for 2008 begins as Clinton, Obama announce intentions to run
This week in politics has been quite the interesting one considering the two new entries into the race for the 2008 presidency. In case you haven’t heard, this week Barack Obama (D-Illinois) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-New York) threw their hats into the ring for the position of leader of the free world. Both candidates’ announcements for forming a Presidential Exploratory Committee were met with joy from Americans all over the country.
It comes with no surprise that the joy coming forth from these citizens stems from the physical qualities that these two individuals hold. Besides both being very talented individuals, they both are members of large representative bodies within our country that have not, until recently, been able to take positions of power within our government. Just this last election America witnessed it’s first female speaker of the House, Nanci Pelosi (D-CA) take the stand at the front of the House of Representatives. And now, if things go the way Senator Clinton hopes, America may have the first female president.
But, there is that small problem in Clinton’s way in the shape of a well-liked African American senator. Barack Obama seems to be coming in a quick second among democratic voters. After being asked to run on national television by Oprah Winfrey, Obama’s popularity has skyrocketed in America. People are rallying to his cry of hope for the impoverished and renewal of morally sound politics that he promises. Also, many in America believe it is time to see a African American become our president. I, for one, am one of those individuals.
On the same note, however, many are also ready to see a woman take the position. Women have, historically, been cheated out of powerful positions in our government even if they have been qualified to take the position. In America, it would seem, the average citizen has come to realize the importance and ability of our female citizens. I personally would welcome seeing a woman come into the position.
Unfortunately, I would rather it not be Senator Clinton. I know she has the ability and the talent for the job, but I personally do not believe I could vote for her. To be honest, her opening statement to her announcement for the 2008 seat that began with, "I’m in. And I’m in to win.", strikes me with a aire of lust for power. In truth, In my mind, If there was ever to be a situation mirroring Apocalyptic scripture, it would begin with Hillary Clinton as President and swarms of locusts. Obama, on the other hand, is in similar predicament. He has only been a senator for half a term, and doesn’t even hold a consistent enough voting record to rely on. Also, one has to wonder if he can keep his PR machine rolling until 2008, or even win his party’s nomination.
Being a moderate voter who is leaning more towards the democratic side right now, I must say, I’m sadly disappointed. I might be wrong, and one or both will end up proving themselves. But, as for now, unless Colin Powell throws his hat in the ring, I’ll most likely vote libertarian.
Send responses to
colonnadeletters@gcsu.edu
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Jan 26 2007. Filed under Opinion.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
