I am not anti-Obama; just that Hillary Clinton is my babe

Mr. Sabella Ogbobode Abidde

Sabidde@yahoo.com 

Senator Barack Obama represents different things to different people. Some continental Africans see him as a man who represents great potential and possibilities. In spite of their sorry condition, he makes them dream and hope for miracles; he makes them feel good about themselves.  For White Americans, he is a testament, evidence that America has evolved and is no longer as racially charged as some are wont to believe. For other groups and persons who call America home, it affirms the notion that “you can do and become whatever you desire.” For groups in the fringes, Obama is some sort of god to be worshipped; they see vision, they shriek and faint and sob blissfully in his presence.

But for some African-Americans, Senator Obama is a later day savior, a messiah sent by God to affirm his presence. For now, most people within the African-American society have “forgotten” Jesse Jackson, Andrew Young and other giants of the Black and Civil Rights struggles. If things go according to their expectation, Mr. Barack Obama may be second or third to the great and eternally venerated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X. For a man -- any man or woman -- within the African-American society to rise in such a manner and period of time is, in the estimation of many, unprecedented in the history of any group. To be a beacon, to be someone of substance does not come easily within the African-American community. You fight for it, you work for it, and you earn it

You don’t forget easily if you have ever been beaten, trampled upon, and denied your rights. These events open up a huge floodgate of mental anguish. For most, the physical and mental pain associated with the residual effect of the “white man’s” decadence and criminality is just too difficult to forget. But this once -- just this once -- most Black people at home and abroad are willing to let go if, amongst other things, Barack Obama wins his party nomination and then the general election. It is as if a Barack Obama presidency will resolve countless problems: give us Obama and other great things will follow. Most don’t care whether or not he might turn out to be a regrettable choice. That he is Black is all that matters.

In my opinion, and in the learned judgment of some Black and closeted Clintonites, that’s how things seem to be shaping up to. Or at least, that’s what one hears and feels. There are Blacks who talk and behave as though “it is our turn, the Black man’s turn to show we belong” to this enterprise called the United States of America . Through one man, and in one single candidacy, there are millions of Black people, at home and abroad, who want justice, who wants reparation; and they want the White man to correct hundred years of historical wrongs by electing Mr. Barack Obama. Wittingly or unwittingly, Obama has become the rallying cry for Black people; he has become the flag post, the symbol for Black struggles.

Personally, I have no such expectation; I do not harbor such hope or angst. I am beyond all that. I am not one to project my hopes and aspirations on him or anyone else. He cannot do for me what the system and the law does not allow me to do for myself. I have said this much to countless number of Africans, African-Americans and Afro-Caribbean who have chided me for my absolute and joyous support for Senator Hillary Clinton. I cannot remember a time, since I moved to the US , when my support and approval of a man or woman or an idea have brought me this much pain and anguish. The catcall, the derision, the pity-nods, and the vocal expression of surprise and exasperation that’s been directed at me are sometimes beyond words.

Most people seem to have forgotten that this is mere politics. For me at least, it is mere politics, a game: not something to hate others for, not something to resent my opponents for; and certainly not something to harm others or to die for. Whom I support or oppose should not be a source of worry. More than ninety percent of my friends and family members support Senator Obama. More than ninety percent of casual acquaintances, colleagues, and subordinates all support him; but not me. Not me! I cannot in good conscience support Senator Barack Obama for our party’s nomination.

I cannot in good conscience support him simply because he is Black. I cannot in good conscience support him simply because he is part-Kenyan. I cannot in good conscience support him because he is Africa-American. And I cannot in good conscience support him simply because “he is one of us…our own.” No! I am not hooked by his supposed oratorical ability. And neither am I taken by his fabled looks. None of the aforementioned are reasons -- good and convincing reasons -- for me to laud and support him. I am not anti-Obama; just that Hillary Clinton is my reasoned choice. I admire and respect Barack Obama, but I love and respect Hillary Clinton more.

Three times I have voted during presidential elections in this country ( Clinton , Gore, Kerry), three times I voted my conscience. Those times that I voted, I did so only because I believed in the candidates programs and worldview. I voted because of their varied and extensive experience and character and ability, and for where I thought they were taking the country. If my memory serves me right, I have also voted Independent and or Republican in other or same election. I have always voted my conscience. To vote for a candidate simply because he or she is Black is unconscionable. To vote for a candidate simply because she is a woman is also a dumb idea.

The United States of the last one hundred or so years is not a candy store. It is not a kiosk where people learn on the job as they go along. The presidency is not where you come to do apprentice work. You don’t intern at the Oval Office (which was one of the problems President George Bush faced when he came into office). The presidency demands and needs a steady and able hand: an experienced President who have “been there and done that” and who can navigate global landscapes -- assuring friends and partners around the world of our commitment and honesty of purpose.

The United States needs a President that can turn the economy around, grow it and bring back the happy days. We need a President that is known and knows where the mines are. We need a President that can work with our friends and partners around the world, and who is committed to addressing global concerns like HIV/AIDS, world hunger and poverty, immigration, environmental issues, and the role and place of governmental and non-governmental organizations. Above all else, the United States needs a President that will seriously and genuinely address the national security concerns of this great country.

We need change alright, but we need experienced and steady hands to effect change and bring about peace, security and prosperity. It is not enough to speak of change. Charming and poetic slogans are academic exercises. We need to solve our Social Security and health care debacles. We must also take care of our men and women in uniform -- most of whom are currently serving our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan and other perilous spots around the world. Because of these and other reasons, Senator Hillary Clinton is the best candidate within the Democratic and Republican Party field. She is better qualified to be the Commander-in-Chief, she is better qualified take us to the Promised Land.

Voting is not, and should never be about atonement. Furthermore, we must remember that (1) elections are not popularity contests, they are not about who can dazzle crowds and is capable of winning an Academy Award for best performance; (2) the Oval Office is not a place for interns, it calls for experienced hands; (3) our country needs a steady and experienced hand to manage and handle its affairs; and (4) in Hillary Clinton we have a graceful woman, a Senator who is eminently qualified to undo eighth years of Bushisms, re-chart a better course for our glorious country and fulfill some of the promises made by our Founding Fathers.

Senator Barack Obama claims to be an agent of agent. I do not doubt him. After all, he is a nice man, a great father, and a loving husband. In fact, he is a model citizen of the US and of the world. I applaud him for that. He gets medals for that. Senator Hilary Clinton is both a change agent and a steady and experienced hand. She also comes with a team full of vigor, vision, and foresight to tackle domestic and global concerns and challenges. As with her opponent, she is also a nice woman, a great mother, and a loving wife.

She too is a model citizen of the US and of the world. I applaud her for that. She also gets medals for that. But she deserves far more than a dozen medals; she deserves our support, our votes and the Presidency of the United States of America . Senator Hillary Clinton is the better candidate and deserves to be the 44^th President of the United States of America .

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Robot  Villager

# 1 I am not anti-Obama; just that Hillary Clinton is my babe ...Read the full article. Posted by Robot| 06.03.2008 00:15

truthsayer33  Villager

# 2 Why can't you support him because he is brilliant? That is the reason Oprah gave for her support. Hillary claims to be more experienced? At what? If she is now associating herself with her husband's tenure then she should be disqualified for having done 2 terms. Also where was she when Monica was running around in the Oval office in that dress. Posted by truthsayer33| 06.03.2008 06:54

eleniyan  Villager

# 3 Here I am thinking you are NOT gonna regurgitate the same reasons that have been beaten to death by anyone who cares to opine on their choice of HRC. But you woefully failed me. You alluded to experience, what exactly are HRC’s experiences? Her political tactic experience or skills rather from Watergate to Whitewater or what? Her children advocacy days, or her being ARKANSA’s first lady and eventually former first lady of the country?...what about her days as US Senator from New-York?...These are the experience you should have touted but you didn’t because you think these experiences are palpable enough for the world to see. But let me tell you maifren, they are not enough, at least not enough to be shouting yourself as more experience than a “supposed” novice that has shown tactical and right judgment on one of the most radioactive issue of our time (IRAQ) and another correct judgment on Alqueda in Pakistan. A supposed novice in the Senate that has shown a sharp ability to reach across isle and achieve something; a novice that basically share almost identical policies with you but have the oratory ability to galvanize people, and likeability to be able to get things done better than you. In shorter words, what I am telling you is, just as beautiful SPEECHES are not enough for this office, so is EXPERIENCE, and in HRC’s case, a not so clear experience. They both lack executive experience, but hey, it is not required for this position. Some of the great Presidents of this country lacked experience before clinching the White House. FDR did not have experience but he led this country almost outstandingly. LINCOLN lacked executive experience, and I do not need to tell you what came out of his Presidency. Even Theodore Roosevelt lacked depth experience, but guess what, the country turned out well under him. With all the experience with G.W Bush, we all know and can read what happened with domestic economy under his watch. DUBYA ***** surrounded himself with people of impeccable and distinguished experience, CHANEY, POWELL, WOLFOWITZ, RUMMSFELD, and ASHCROFT. We are reaping what they sow. James Buchanan, with all his resume before White House, turned out to be probably the third worst president after DUBYA and HARDING So my friend, Clinton’s supposed experience is technically elusive, and with depth analysis, cannot hold much water and obviously cannot be held supreme to OBAMA’s. And I believe if it came down to international front, OBAMA has better persuasive skill and judgment to negotiate with foreign powers and get things done. I have been dithering between these two since the inception of the campaign and would be satisfied to see any of them in the oval office. And to be honest with you, the only reason I love OBAMA is because of RACE. Unlike you I am not just looking at what is good in his presidency for me but for a lot of blacks and African Americans who have lost hope and believe that once you are black; it is only so long you can go in this country. His presidency foretells new determination and dream in young African Americans in all walks of life. With that said, I am a lover of HRC…I support her not because of her “supposed” experience but because of her PASSION. I have never seen someone so criticized right and left for so long and still standing keeping her focus on the goal. Her passion especially with Children blows my mind. And I am a little biased because I am a lover of strong and “go-getter” woman. Posted by eleniyan| 06.03.2008 07:43

Jiggy  JJC

# 4 You are entitiled to your own opinion. Who is there to say otherwise? I wish you good luck with the campaign. Posted by Jiggy| 06.03.2008 07:47

Auspicious  Villager

# 5 =Jiggy;4294994011>You are entitiled to your own opinion. Who is there to say otherwise? I wish you good luck with the campaign. Abi o! Thank you o'jare. It is worth mentioning though.. That the article is riddled with annoying stereotypes. Auspicious. Posted by Auspicious| 06.03.2008 08:07

olootu  Villager

# 6 You have my vote, just like Hillary Clinton. For God's known reason, something is just telling that it's not yet time for Obama. Posted by olootu| 06.03.2008 09:59

Papino  Villager

# 7 =olootu;4294994034>You have my vote, just like Hillary Clinton. For God's known reason, something is just telling that it's not yet time for Obama. Now that the "experience"kite has been shot down,"something"is now the reason why its not yet time for Obama.What exactly is that thing?:confused1 Posted by Papino| 06.03.2008 11:34

philipikita  Villager

# 8 =olootu;4294994034>You have my vote, just like Hillary Clinton. For God's known reason, something is just telling that it's not yet time for Obama. Olootu. you have my vote. Just state whom you like..."something must be telling" Obama supporters to like him too, "must be telling them" Hillary's "experiece" is a "fluke". Please let the person that will win, win. I don't care whom among them wins. But the arguments from both sides are just meant to pull the opponent down. None of the 3 Senators gunning to occupy white house has Presidential "experience". What's this talk about experience? they are all experienced Senators in their own right. What is this talk about "empty" oratory? is it easy to be an orator? Many great leaders were orators. Supporters of Hillary should tell her to work harder, organize better...But stop the fluke about Obama being inexperienced... Obama or Clinton, the GOP has hard enough messing the world...They should go... Posted by philipikita| 06.03.2008 12:01

bababoyz  Villager

# 9 I cannot in good conscience support him simply because he is Black. I cannot in good conscience support him simply because he is part-Kenyan. I cannot in good conscience support him because he is Africa-American. And I cannot in good conscience support him simply because “he is one of us…our own.” No! I am not hooked by his supposed oratorical ability. And neither am I taken by his fabled looks. None of the aforementioned are reasons -- good and convincing reasons -- for me to laud and support him. I am not anti-Obama; just that Hillary Clinton is my reasoned choice. I admire and respect Barack Obama, but I love and respect Hillary Clinton more. Exactly the premise of my decision to vote for Hillary Clinton, and good enough my vote counted. We cannot all sleep in the same place with our heads across same prototype. Posted by bababoyz| 06.03.2008 12:32

PAPIG  Villager

# 10 Eleniya has made my case and so would not ramble on. You do not classify yourself as being experienced simply because you are a spouse to a former president. Can Laura Bush now say she is experienced even if she goes on to become a senator? The answer is a resounding No! Does voting for Iraq war make you a candidate who will 'seriously address concerns of security', again the answer is No. George Bush has some experience as a former governor, see where he has driven the country to. The so called experienced Donald Rumsfeld had to be side stepped for the good of the country. I am not by any chance suggesting that Hillary Clinton is a poor candidate for the presidency, it is just that a better one has emerged in the form of Obama. Please do not forget that Obama's rise is primarily due the backing of the American people and not that of African- American. African Americans only joined the bandwaggon when the force of Obama campaign swept off the powerful Clintonian machinery! I must confess that i was initially Clintonian until the Obama force came along. He has what it takes to become the commander in chief and that is precisely the reason the Clintons are shaken. The truth is that if Obama has not appeared on the scene, Clinton would have strolled to the White house inspite of darts from the Republicans. Inspite of her recent win, may i suggest that she becomes Obama's running mate. And for the record, i am still a Clintonian but would vote Obama. Posted by PAPIG| 06.03.2008 13:54

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