It’s becoming more and more evident that the Democrats have this election in the bag, but one thing still stands in our way – Hillary Clinton.
Yes, Clinton has had a good run, and she’s managed to tear down barricades of chauvinism in places where it was once thought to be impossible. But the truth remains that we need a president who can unite this country, and Clinton seems to exude controversy. From her husband’s infidelity years ago to her recent remarks on staying in the race just in case her opponent is assassinated, her popularity seems misplaced.
There’s no doubt that she is well-qualified, and her experience in government is well beyond that of Barack Obama’s. But as we’ve seen in the last eight years, a life spent in politics in no way guarantees one’s ability to run a country.
I like the idea of a woman president; I think women have unique leadership characteristics that are often preferable to those of men.
Furthermore, the success that Clinton has had thus far opens the door for female politicians further down the road. But that’s all the more reason to wait.
This election will be historic no matter what, but let’s not veer too far from the real issues at hand.
It’s all too easy to get carried away with the pseudo-politics that the media tends to perpetuate, things like Clinton’s bad hair days or Obama’s fanatical pastor. It’s as if no one knows how to react to such a monumental change in politics, so we immediately resort to superficialities.
Given that this election would end the quagmire that is the Bush administration, the Democratic party is perfectly situated to make waves of change come next year. But attaining this change first means uniting the American people by offering a new kind of government.
Yes, electing the first woman president would be remarkable, but not if she represents business as usual in Washington.
The difference between Clinton and Obama is that Clinton represents nothing more than elitist politics shrouded in a woman’s body. Obama truly is grassroots politics; it’s the reason his support has risen exponentially while Clinton’s is in steady decline.
By continuing to campaign, Clinton is doing more harm than good. The writing is on the wall and she’s feigning illiteracy. Being a leader is about knowing when to do the right thing, and her actions continue to reinforce my belief in her inability to be a team player. Clinton needs to realize that her efforts would be better spent campaigning for the party rather than dividing it.
She has already said she would support Obama if he won the nomination, but her staying in the race detracts from this goal. By exiting gracefully, she can maintain her dignity and help the party simultaneously.
Please, Clinton, for the sake of Democrats everywhere, face the facts and drop out.
Erica Janoff is an industrial engineering senior and a liberal columnist for the Mustang Daily.