Imagine if Hillary had won the primary and Barack, as loser, had remained in the spotlight, refusing to concede for days, speaking, for example, to AIPAC about his vision for Israel without emphasizing that this work would be done as a Senator – not as the President.
He’d be called, I think, the same names that have been hurled at Hillary since Tuesday morning. (My favorite is divisive. Such an accurate word choice.) Think, instead, about the tone. While Hillary is called out on her behavior, the tone of the public discourse suggests her shameful behavior is somehow acceptable. She’s given a pass. After all, “it was a close race,” “she’s exhausted,” “it will take her a few days to clear her head.” She should quietly clear her head at home, not in the blaze of camera lights that should be focused on the presumptive nominee, so the Party can truly kick-start the general election. Regardless of whether or not Hillary Clinton becomes Vice-President, Barack Obama is running for President, and he had a tough, grueling, close race, does not have the luxury of taking a few days to relax before going after McCain, and surely deserves to launch his historic run for the Leader of the Free World on his his own flippin’ terms.
If Obama had been this stubborn, narcisisitic, and entitled, he’d be denigrated in ways that Hillary hasn’t been. After all, the loser is supposed to step out of the spotlight, quietly lobby for the vice-presidential slot, and, if necessary, fall on the sword for the Party. The honor of self-sacrifice for the group stretches back through the ages. It is what heroes – and sheroes – have willingly done for their people since the beginning of time.
Refusing to concede only damages an already fractured Party even more. If Hillary becomes the VP, Obama looks weak, like a sucker who caves in to a little pressure. After all, how can the loser be so much more powerful than the winner?
I understand my feminist sisters who want to see Hil on the ticket. I do. I don’t understand how they or anyone else can suggest that this unseemly behavior since Tuesday is acceptable.
The stakes are high in this election. Should we risk our policy on Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran; one, two, or possibly three Supreme Court nominees (Roe v Wade, sisters); and the increasing foreclosure rates driving American families from their homes on Hillary’s need to get her head right? Geez. Come on. Let’s all grow up and move forward.
Hillary isn’t making women stronger by insisting she remain in the news until Friday, she’s reinforcing stereotypes: She has behaved more like the jilted lover who can’t let go of the dream of a relationship. I want to see and celebrate the achievement of dignified grace in a polished, professional Hillary Clinton. I want the woman who knows great things await her, including the respect of the other half the Democratic Party, if she would just get out of her own way.
Comment(s)
“She has behaved more like the jilted lover who can’t let go of the dream of a relationship.” Ha! That’s an interesting way to look at it considering her relationship in the past with Bill.