If I Had a Do Over

As I mentioned in my post regarding my super Tuesday vote, I cast my vote in the primary for Hillary Clinton. After a lot of internal debate, I made my decision based entirely upon her position on health care. All of my immediate family has some sort of health condition which makes individual health insurance either impossible to obtain or prohibitively expensive. So, this issue carries enormous weight with me personally.

Since that time, there have been new developments in the course of the campaign which have greatly increased my respect for Barack Obama. The exposure of the outlandish statements by Barack Obama's former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, was a significant challenge. However, instead of immediately disowning Rev. Wright (as would have been politically expedient), Senator Obama acknowledged the differences between them but affirmed the relationship. This was admirable.

Later, when Jeremiah Wright made additional statements before the National Press Club in which he accused Senator Obama of saying whatever was needed for political reasons, Barack Obama adjusted to this new development with measured, but appropriate, distancing action. This demonstrates the ability to change course when necessary and to face reality. Both times I felt Barack Obama showed enormous strength and depth of character.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton told the blatantly untrue tale of running for cover to avoid sniper fire in Bosnia. She told this story not just once, but several times. It is difficult to believe that someone so normally in command of the facts would have made such a gaff unintentionally. This does not speak well of her character.

Senator John McCain suggested suspending the federal gasoline tax for the summer. Senator Clinton jumped on that bandwagon as well. Either they are both so ignorant they can't see what a useless gesture that would be, or they are political opportunists just looking to buy votes from a gullible electorate. To his credit, Senator Obama is calling this what it is, "a gimmick".

In spite of these developments, if we were having our primary today, instead of back in Feburary, I would still have let the health care issue decide my vote. Universal health care is that important to me. I would mark my ballot for Hillary Clinton, but I might have to hold my nose to do it.

That's Wade's two cents.

Wade Houston
May 12, 2008