Why I find myself supporting Sen. Clinton.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

First of all, my personal POV seems to be different from many, not only here, but in the non virtual world, as well.

While others clamor for a visionary leader, I clamor for someone to do the job well.

“We, the People” are supposed to be in charge. We are the ones tasked with selecting public servants, ones who will provide the best representation for our taxation.

We’ve been terrible, ineffectual bosses for decades. We now have, in OUR publicly subsidized house in DC, the worst employee ever.

So, I look at the two Senators running as two people who are interviewing for our position of highest ranking public servant.

I want someone who will recognize what needs done, explain to me how it will be accomplished and what I can do to support achieving the objective. And, who will keep me posted as things change or goals are adjusted.

And, in that regard, I prefer Sen. Clinton.

She has a list of tangible accomplishments. And, I must admit, as a nurse, I appreciate her in-depth understanding of the health care delivery systems, even above and beyond the unfettered greed of Big Pharma and Big Insurance.

Our health care system, even for those who have great coverage, is antiquated and dysfunctional. The process of people waiting to get sick before making an appearance at the doctor’s office or ER is providing merely reactive, rather than pro-active, care.

I have read and heard Sen. Clinton’s thoughts on focusing much more on prevention, and utilizing health care professionals to work on keeping people healthy, through a variety of means, in addition to covering everyone.

These efforts would include outreaching to people with chronic manageable health conditions, on a regular basis, providing lots of easily accessible and accurate information on health to the everyone, freeing up health care professionals to devote ALL their energy and efforts on health improvements, rather than struggling to meet some kind of "bottom line" for health care bean counters.

It’s also long overdue for nurses and physicians to begin making house calls (again) and providing in home care and support, something which is shown to be extremely beneficial for patients.

I don’t doubt that Sen. Obama has empathy for those who struggle with not only the health insurance industry or lack of health care coverage, all while often being seriously ill. And, his health care plan looks good on paper, in that it almost completely replicates many of Sen. Clinton’s proposals. However, he has not been immersed in the issue in the same manner, and for the length of time, as Sen. Clinton and I don’t see the passion to make those changes that I see with her.

Perhaps because I’m a nurse, this is an overarching and compelling issue for me, one which I feel is our most pressing domestic issue at the moment, or least on the same level as our economy. In fact, releasing citizens from concerns about their health care coverage, allowing them to leave an otherwise untenable job, as well as freeing up small businesses from shouldering the burden of the costs unilaterally, seems as if it could provide an actual catalyst to an improved economy.

And, I admire her. I admire her willingness to keep on pushing forward and weather the unbelievably cruel, crass and outright hateful things that are said about her on the public airways of this country. I admire her smarts and her ability to grasp complex issues and formulate a cogent plan.

Am I now a Hillbot or Hillaryite or whatever else is the current nom de jour of dismissive contempt? I hope that my support of her does not instantly translate, for some, as my being “against” Sen. Obama, because I’m not.

I like watching him speak and I have confidence that he would assemble an impressive group of advisors and actually listen to their recommendations. I also appreciate his academic wonkiness, which I find more appealing than his revival tent speeches.
When he speaks extemporaneously, one gets a glimpse of the very high level of intellect he possesses, a quality that’s essential in our top governmental executive.

If he’s the nominee, I will proud to support him. But, for this time and this place, I’m supporting Sen. Clinton for the top spot in my, our, government.

I imagine I’ll be flamed, which seems to be how those who support her are treated, but if she can take it, so can I.

Carry on and Happy Friday!

:patriot:

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said the Blue Cross effort was another "example of how insurance companies spend tens of billions of dollars a year figuring out how to avoid covering people with health insurance."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23151832/

[Fredda Weinberg]

1. k&r

[Independent-Voter]

2. Her campaign is indicative of her management abilities. She's a fucking trainwreck.

[rug]

4. Then make sure you vote Independent when she wins the nomination.

That'll show her.

[Independent-Voter]

21. I'll not only vote for someone other than HRC, I've got a check for my maximum legal campaign

contribution ready to cut. I cashed out my InTrade account on the election this morning, and Hillary's total incompetence netted me almost 5 figures for doing nothing more than watch her implode. She's a horrible, horrible candidate in all respects.

[rug]

35. Therefore you will vote against the Democratic nominee if it's her.

Make sure you post all about it here. You can buy a lot of granite with five figures.

[ronnykmarshall]

43. Suuuuuurrrre you did.

[Arkansas Granny]

7. Is this the only remark you can offer to thoughtful, well-written post?

:eyes:

[KittyWampus]

13. that "thoughtful, well written post" starts off by saying they want someone to do the job well

And Clinton's campaign didn't put resources in most states, blew threw how many millions, didn't have a Plan B, called caucus states and every other state that didn't vote for her irrelevant and in trying to push the Super Delegate crap is saying ALL VOTERS are irrelevant.

Then we get to this line:
"I want someone who will recognize what needs done, explain to me how it will be accomplished and what I can do to support achieving the objective. And, who will keep me posted as things change or goals are adjusted."

Hillary's camaign staff didn't tell her they were out of money and when Hillary loaned the campaign 5 million of her own money didn't tell her staff.

[mtnsnake]

11. She is yours, Limbaugh's, and McCain's worst fucking nightmare. That's what she is

Get lost

[Independent-Voter]

23. Sorry, but I'm no fan of those folks. Your delusion is showing.

I know it's crazy talk, but there are millions of us that that both parties are fucked. I generally lean left, but never vote straight ticket. I'll leave that for the lemmings.

[mtnsnake]

25. and your Right Wing attitude is showing. n/t

[ronnykmarshall]

44. No shit.

I think some pizza should be warmed up.

[golddigger]

29. No, your delusion is showing. You and the other independents that think like you are what

gave us 7 years of Bushit.

[elixir]

32. I think she's been able to change strategies that weren't working..better than not having plans.

[paulk]

33. so many newbies who are on this board just to trash

HRC.

It's interesting....

[goldcanyonaz]

3. Great to have you on board. Hillary is a true champion for the people.

:hug:

[zabet]

5. K and R

:bounce::patriot:HILLARY:patriot::bounce:

[Catchawave]

6. This is very helpful, thanks.

:hi:

[rjx]

8. What are her tangible accomplishments?

[Saturday]

9. Very thoughtful post.

I'd like to add that Obama health care allows some to opt out. Although it is said in a derogatory way by Obama supporters that Clinton wants to "mandate" and "garnishee wages" I think we must come to the conclusion that to get to universal health care the first step is to have EVERYONE insured. Because of this if Obama is elected I feel that even by the end of his first term we will STILL be without universal single payer health care. I support Hillary for that reason (among others).

[Cameron27]

15. I agree

there are several things that bother me about Obama, but I just don't trust him to fight for even limited universal health care, never mind pursuing single payer.

[Rock_Garden]

10. You make a good, reasoned argument, and I agree with you. K&R!

[DFW]

12. Campaigns are seldom indicative of a candidate's management abilities

A friend ran into Bob Dole in 1996, and Dole said he didn't even know
where he was going to be a day later. These people get others
to manage campaigns, and if they luck out, then they do well,
and if not, they don't. Howard Dean has done a great job managing
the DNC, but Joe Trippi didn't do a very good job at managing
Howard's presidential campaign. That reflected more on Trippi
than on Howard (just ask John Edwards).

How often has it been that the best candidate was not always the best
president (1952, 1956, 1980, 1984, 2000, 2004 as a few examples).
How Hillary's campaign has been conducted up to now is no indication
that she would be a bad president, any more than Obama's (so-far)
charmed campaign is an indication that he would be a good president.

The only thing I take as a given at this point is that either one
of them will be a lot better for the country than John McCain.

[KittyWampus]

16. The fact Hillary put Solis, who was unqualified but a crony, into that position and kept her there

for that long says volumes.

[DFW]

39. Bush had his crony there, too

Rove's qualifications were that he was an unscrupulous crook.
Most people don't do this for a living. I still think it's the
luck of the draw as to whether your campaign manager is good at
the job. Of course, if you have no morals whatsoever, like Rove,
then it doesn't matter--your only luck is whether or not you are
convicted of felonies committed within the statute of limitations.

[crispini]

27. Oh, totally disagree.

A candidate who puts all their energy in something so vital to their future should damn well better be concerned in their campaign, and have a hands-on involvement in strategy. To do otherwise is foolish.

[DFW]

40. I agree to a certain extent

But a candidate just doesn't have the time to do all the speeches, the
traveling, the little stuff that needs to be done, but can't all be done
by one person. You have to trust yourself to someone else and hope. Just
like most investors are not Warren Buffett, a politician is not a wedding
planner. You may make the wrong choice, but at some point it's a choice you
have to make. I think Hillary should have waited to choose someone who was as
smart or smarter than she was. Either she let personal loyalty take precedent,
or she couldn't find anyone who fulfilled the requirement. It wouldn't be the
first time that someone was brought down because they trusted someone who was
less clever than they were. Look at Bush. He couldn't tie his own two shoes,
and had about as much notion of what his policies were as a sea urchin has of
advanced avionics. He lucked out with his unscrupulous, but able, campaign manager.
Not that I'd welcome Obama or Hillary having anyone like Karl Rove around, but
both need someone whose skills are as good.

[William769]

14. K&R!

And welcome aboard! :hi:

[Cameron27]

17. K&R

Very well said!

[OzarkDem]

18. Obama's health care reform plan would be disaster

especially at a time when we can least afford one.

[rjx]

24. Hillary already failed at healthcare

And people want to give her a second chance lol

[Donnachaidh]

36. no -- Hillary's plan was shot DOWN by HMO's and Big Pharma.

The FAILURE was not realizing just how FAR the health industry would go to maintain the status quo. It would be nice if some of the bashers would back up their charges with some FACTS. :eyes:

[OzarkDem]

42. Actually she didn't

She put together a good plan the first time around. She was defeated by the insurance/health care/GOP lobbying campaign.

What was Obama doing back then? Still in college?

And what is his experience and record on health care reform? Nada, IIRC.

[BlackVelvet04]

19. K&R....

thank you for a thoughtful post.

[mtnsnake]

20. Another great post based on reality and hard work, as opposed to dreams and empty rhetoric

:thumbsup:

[rjx]

28. But its working isn't it?

And the majority of people like it. So can you blame him? Hillary would have done the same thing .... oh wait, she did steal Obama's change theme.

All the candidates search for their little catch phrases and both hillary and obama have found theirs. Change and hope vs strength and experience. blah blah

Obama is more than willing to talk about policies and does so all the time. But the majority of his people supporters would rather hear hope and change. Just like the majority of people on the other side want to hear about all her experience

[mtnsnake]

31. Yeah, it might work now, but it will be the kiss of death for him in a General Election

[liberalnurse]

22. Beautifully stated.

America Nursing Association agrees with you...I salute you! Keep up with the details on Hillary Clinton because the facts need reported daily.

[mkultra]

26. my thoughts on Clinton vs Obama

Ill try to keep my comments respectful and relevant.

First let me say that people spend a lot of time equivocating over the minutia of their varying qualities but i think that is a fruitless path. A lot of my opinion comes from a mix of my grasp of their stand and my feelings for them as a person. I suspect that this is true for many democrats as i feel that some republican polices make sense on the shell but are generally a mask for dishonesty or greed.


regarding Hillary:
I don't really feel that she has a great amount of experience in direct governmental leadership positions. She has been involved in many high value issues of importance but here own experience in this theater stops with here position in NY. In contrast to Obama, he doesn't have much more either, so for me, this is issue is a bit of a wash.

On Healthcare, I believe that this issue needs dire address, ive heard her opinion as well as his. The difference that seems to stand out the most is the mandatory nature of Clinton's plan. I'm personally, way above middle income and my wife and children are both native American. This means they receive free health care from their tribe whenever they need it. I personally can afford to see a doctor when i need to and carry only minimal emergency care insurance for bad circumstances. I do not want to be forced to pay for insurance that i do not need. Im willing to pay more in taxes to assist those who need healthcare but i do not support a mandatory solution.

Corporate and lobbyist money: I have heard many opinions on this but the information i feel comfortable with shows that obama gets 99% of his money from individuals while Clinton gets 90%. Thats really not much difference but it is a razor thin advantage.


On politics: I hate politics almost as much as i hate George bush. Pelosi's idea of trying to bring congress together was right on track. I know the republicans will sling mud, thats fine with me. I don't want to be a part of that myself. I feel that Obama has a better chance of convincing the middle's and the middle/right to listen to our ideas.

On electability: Clinton has very strong HARD support and very strong HARD against. These numbers, to me, point to a much harder ride for her in a GE.





Again, these are my opinions, nothing more. Thanks for bringing intelligent recourse to the table.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

30. And, thank you back.

I appreciate your reasoned response. :-)

on edit, and wowee on the recs, big surprise and thanks!

P.S. Her work on SCHIP is something I appreciate, for those would asked for more specifics.

[Donnachaidh]

34. I'd be happy with an adjustment of office hours

"It’s also long overdue for nurses and physicians to begin making house calls (again) and providing in home care and support, something which is shown to be extremely beneficial for patients."

I think it is shameful that working people have to lose time from their jobs to go to a doctor's office, because the office wants to keep banker's hours. It's frustrating and infuriating when large practices with multiple doctors cannot seem to work *with* their patients, and have hours that allow patients to come in for checkups AFTER they complete a work day.

Our original family doctor is in his 80's and STILL makes house calls! Sadly, we're in another state, and can't go to him. His office also has two nights that allows patients to be seen up till 9. Needless to say, he's been pretty much canonized by the community, because he STILL takes the time to think and DO something for the working class patients he has.

[AGirl]

37. k an d r

[bigtree]

38. kick

:kick:

[Anji]

41. Swift Boated!

Obama "swift boated" Clinton in that "racist comments" debacle. The Clinton were probably as stunned by this as Kerry was when it happened to him.

Why is it that the corporate media ignored Edwards, demonize Clinton and praise McCain & Obama? I beg you to think about that!
The corporate media has decided this nomination, and the lemming follow chanting slogans.

"Vote for number 6!"

[judaspriestess]

45. Excellent post

now you are officially a "Hillary Harpie"
:hi:

[emilyg]

46. k/r

[Umbram]

47. Thank you for listing your reasons.

I wouldn't be worried about being labeled anything by anyone.

You posted your rationale for choosing your candidate and stayed positive.

The ones that need to be labeled (on both sides) are the ones that:

1.) throw "I won't vote for -insert name here- no matter what" temper tantrums;

2.) spew nothing but negativity, especially attacking followers of either side;

3.) engage in false rage in every negative post about the opposing candidate while justifying the same or similar behavior from their candidate;

4.) lack the introspective ability to realize they are BIASED and this draw rediculous conclusions like "my candidate (or his/her followers) is all puppies and smiles while their candidate (or his/her followers) are demons from hell ruining our country!"

5.) think anyone that doesn't champion whatever particular cause/issue is most near and dear to them hates America, puppies, and democracy.

[golddigger]

48. K&R