Standing on Principle

Democratic strategists are confident that disillusioned Hillary Clinton’s supporters are going to eventually find their way back into the Democratic fold and support the party’s candidate Barack Obama. Party supporters are opposed to the notion that a former Clinton supporter could turn on the party and vote for John McCain. They maintain that Clinton and Obama’s policies were similar, especially compared to those of McCain. These ideas suggest that there is a principled party and a principled candidate worth your precious vote.

In the nominee Barack Obama representing the Democratic Party, I find neither. That is why I have selectively and carefully considered my support of John McCain. I have evaluated both men and what they stand for as men, desirous of the position as President of the United States.

What does Obama stand for? Does anyone really know? A principled leader can produce a voting record for which they proudly stake their reputation whether the result is popular or not. In Obama’s two years as a United Stated senator, he has earned the reputation of being the most liberal senator on record. He has not produced one committee meeting on Afghanistan when given the task. As a state senator from Illinois, he passed on more votes than he cast. What do we really know about him, except that he has moneyed friends who were generous in the acquisition of superdelegates? I would very much like to listen to Senator Obama speak proudly of his voting record. I would like him to express pride in his accomplishments as a member of the Senate. Pride is the satisfaction one gains from personal accomplishments, not the commentary of another scripted on a teleprompter.

And what about this candidate’s spouse? Where is her pride? We cannot forget that in November we are voting for one person – in the position of president. We are not voting for how fashionable, stable, loving or devoted his wife is to her family or this country. Yet, the makeover team is poised to do just that. As a chameleon transforms itself to its environment, we are witnessing the makeover of a woman who now is willing to morph into some reincarnation of the Queen of Camelot. What will she be wearing tomorrow – a pillbox hat?

In Senator McCain, I find a man of principles. McCain is a man who has stood by his vote – whether popular or not. Votes that at times were not consistent with the Republican Party. He sought change, before “change” became a slogan. Like Hillary Clinton, John McCain relates to his constituents whether they are veterans, minorities, working class or women. He is a true American hero, one whom we can be certain of in his loyalty to this country and her people. In similar fashion, Cindy McCain is a woman whose demure manner and philanthropic endeavors match her husband’s aspirations for this country. She needs no makeover.

Hillary Clinton brought respect to herself and to the women voters she represented. In the absence of her candidacy, we must support candidates who have not only earned, but will maintain the respect of their constituents. Hillary Clinton understood the value of each and every vote that was cast for her. Every vote must count.