I’m not sure that I can convey through words the difficulty that sometimes goes along with being a black female Democrat at this historic time in the United States when the Democratic choices for president are now a black and a female. Anyone who thought this contest would not end up being about race and gender is neither black nor female – which I guess accounts for the way the media (including the blogs) has played it out. Regardless of who our nominee will be, Democrats should be proud of the fact that we are not just paying lip service to diversity, we are actually doing it.
Instead of celebrating this, though, Democrats are employing Karl Rovian-style tactics against other Democrats. People who were barely alive in the 1990s all of a sudden are experts on the decade and those who are old enough to remember it are experiencing selective memories. I can hardly discuss presidential politics anymore – with anyone – because I’m sick and tired of being told I should support Barack Obama because we’re both black or that I only support Hillary Clinton because she’s female. What a tremendous disservice that does to reduce these two to the lowest common denominator! What happened to supporting someone because you think s/he is the most qualified? We decry negative campaigning and yet most of what I read or hear is nothing but.
You know what? I really don’t care who you think started it, but it really needs to stop.
I remain firm in my belief that Hillary Clinton is the best qualified candidate at this time to be president. Period. End of sentence.
Notice how I didn’t have to slam anybody else to say that?
Technorati Tags: Hillary Clinton
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
AEM – you just don’t get it, as usual.
You are getting real close to being banned here. You’re already on strike two.
Do you want to ban me for pointing out that ALL three remaining Republicans are more qualified than either Democratic candidate, or do you want to ban me for pointing out that we can vote in either primary?
Cancel that last — I forgot Ron Paul was still running. What a nutjob that one is.
Vivian,
I don’t agree with your choice of candidates, but I respect it. And, more importantly, I appreciate the class with which you make your case.
Why don’t we just add Sandra Day O’Connor to that Republican diversity list and take off Clarence Thomas? It might make for less disagreement.
An excellent point, spotter. Thomas does not represent diversity of thought, which is the important thing. Neither Clinton nor Obama stray far from mainstream liberalism. If Thomas does not represent diversity for the Republicans, Clinton and Obama cannot represent diversity for the Democrats.
The Republicans, OTOH, have as their two leading candidates John McCain, who broke with conservatives on the infamous McCain-Feingold Law, was part of the Gang of Fourteen, and has supported gun control, and Mitt Romney, on whose health care plan in Mass. Clinton and Obama base their plans, and who was the governor of a very liberal state with NO Republican Congressmen or Senators. How’s that for diversity of thought?
andken, we do have great candidates. All were well qualified and have served their country in many ways.
so… you are not a democrat so don’t tell us what to do.
Viv, vote your consience. I will vote mine
Vivian, This is truly the best diary I’ve read anywhere on the Virginia blogs about this election. I’m with you 100% and you’ve said it so well. Your words are worth repeating:
Instead of celebrating this, though, Democrats are employing Karl Rovian-style tactics against other Democrats. People who were barely alive in the 1990s all of a sudden are experts on the decade and those who are old enough to remember it are experiencing selective memories. I can hardly discuss presidential politics anymore – with anyone – because I’m sick and tired of being told I should support Barack Obama because we’re both black or that I only support Hillary Clinton because she’s female.
Can Republicans just go somewhere else to talk?
Maybe I should get my own blog, Vivian. If I had my own blog, I would post today “About D@mn Time — Art Monk Elected to Hall of Fame”
Would you be so kind as to do that for me?
linda b
I´m not pointing nothing to anyone, and even If I think that Hillary is a awful candidate I showed solidarity to Vivian. And If I would vote for my conscience it wouldn´t be for someone that voted for the Iraq War Authorization or for Patriot Act.
Vivian,
I didn’t start anything just enjoyed a blog by Brian saying look at the issues. Laughed inside. I thought sincerely that I was just commenting on your blog about being in your situation. I am in the same situation having to answer to some redneck white constituents how I could ever vote for an afro-american or a female. I simply say afro-americans and women have been voting for white males for many years so whats the problem. If they haven’t discriminated why should I.