I am a Democrat because of Socks the Cat.
Okay, there’s many other reasons than that, but that’s where it started. When you’re a seven-year-old kid with a black cat and the new President has a black cat too, that’s reason enough to support a political party.
As I grew up, the values I developed of fairness, compassion, equality and economic justice aligned with the Democratic Party, and I’ve stayed there since. I’ve volunteered for Democrats since age 16 and have worked on their campaigns for the last decade.
The reason I bring up this story is this: if Hillary Clinton wins election and re-election to the presidency, she will finish her second term two months shy of my 40th birthday. From the moment I first developed a hint of a political consciousness to the precipice of entering middle age will have been dominated by the Clinton family.
Is that a good thing or bad? For some, the Clintons’ longevity in American politics is enough to take a pass on another nominee named Clinton. There’s legitimate reasons to feel that way. New blood and fresh ideas are useful in any movement or industry.
And yet something feels off about that, and the entire end of this campaign in Iowa seems odd. It’s like we’re back to the same 2008 dichotomy once again. Judgement versus experience. Optimism versus pragmatism. Hope versus realism.
As I’ve spoken with people who are wavering in their candidate choice or leaning toward Bernie Sanders, I hear the same thing over and over again. Sanders makes them feel something. His message and candidacy gives them excitement. Sanders is inspiring and Clinton is not. Most importantly, they believe that a vote for Clinton is one for a cynical acceptance of the way things are.
I do not understand this.
Hillary Clinton is one of the most successful public servants in America. She has helped expand economic opportunity and rights at home, while improving America’s reputation abroad after the Bush administration. And yet people somehow see her record and promise as a president in a cynical manner.
My question to them is this:
What is not inspiring about a little boy getting the health care coverage he needs thanks to Clinton’s leadership on the Children’s Health Insurance Program? What is not moving about an Israeli family who’s alive today because the ceasefire Clinton negotiated stopped rockets from raining down on their house? What is not stirring about the women’s rights movements sparked around the world from Clinton’s 1995 Beijing speech?
If these things do not inspire you, perhaps you should reconsider why you are interested in politics in the first place.
I have spent the last decade working on campaigns. I lived for months away from my wife, went through long bouts of unemployment and debt waiting for the next gig, and drifted apart from old friends I never saw during my 80-hour work weeks. I didn’t do it so I could personally feel a part of something bigger, or to have fun waving signs at a rally. I did it so that my gay friends could still get married and so that kids wouldn’t be crammed 30 to a classroom because Republicans cut school funding.
And at the end of the day, the sacrifice has been more than worth it because I know my work made a little bit better the lives of so many of the people who I met in person on their doorstep.
Which leads me to Bernie Sanders.
I love the guy. I love nearly all of his message and policies, I love his screw-the-system personality and I especially love his campaign’s rejection of the failed consultant- and number-driven political tactics. If he wins the nomination I’ll happily go all-in to see him to victory and will really enjoy watching his operation remake how Democratic campaigns are run.
But I have my doubts. For one, whether it’s that wise to nominate a 74-year-old, self-described “Democratic Socialist” who’s spent the last three decades in D.C. The polls make his chances look good now, but that’s well before the other side spends a billion dollars scaring voters about “socialism” and his far-left policy proposals.
That being said, unlike some other Democrats, I truly believe he can win the general. I do think he’ll turn out a wave of new voters, and I think he’s already shown that he can bat away tough criticism with his blunt, honest speaking style.
What I worry most about, however, is what would happen after he’s elected.
Throughout his campaign Bernie Sanders has promised the moon. Free college tuition. $15/hour minimum wage. Single-payer health insurance. $1 trillion in spending for our cities.
Republicans will retain control of the House no matter what thanks to gerrymandered districts. And they will not pass those proposals. Sanders might get a little bit here and there, but my guess is they stall. And Republicans will try to shift the focus to any foreign policy missteps from a Commander-in-Chief who has shown little interest during this campaign in issues non-domestic.
And then what happens? This massive coalition Sanders has built of young people and those disenchanted in democracy who believed this time was really different will get depressed and discouraged. And they will not show up in the midterms in 2018, and Democrats will once again get obliterated on the state and local level.
It’s already happened. Obama drew from the same wells of youthful enthusiasm in 2008. Then his voters abandoned him in 2010 after his promise to remake politics stalled, and that was even after he signed the Affordable Care Act. Many states around the country experienced a net-rightward shift under Obama thanks to newly-captured Republican governors’ mansions and legislatures.
Why is this time different? Already Sanders has shown little to no interest in building up local Democratic parties to deepen and support his movement once in office. People think the optimism he’s produced will see his supporters through, but what he’s really tapped into is the feelings of cynicism. The type of cynicism that dismisses the real progress we have made because it didn’t happen fast enough or wasn’t 100% pure ideologically. The type of cynicism that thinks Hillary Clinton is evil and untrustworthy because they saw a meme on Facebook with flashy graphics. When Sanders’ promises fail to quickly come to pass in the White House, will these people be convinced that it’s just politics-as-usual again?
Some will dismiss my opinion here because I worked for Clinton as a field organizer in 2008. The smart question no one ever asked is why I didn’t want to work for her this time. The reason is because I wasn’t sold on another Clinton run at the beginning. I thought her campaign might make the same mistakes as last time and that the party needed new leadership to face new challenges and an evolving electorate.
I really like what I’ve seen from Martin O’Malley, and do think he would make an excellent president as well (and I hope his hard work results in a good showing on Monday night). And for a time I wondered if maybe Sanders would provide a new path forward.
But I’ve covered Clinton at countless events the past nine months, and saw up close her improve as a candidate as she took in Iowans’ stories and connected with their problems. It’s undeniable that she knows more in-depth details on every policy there is than pretty much any other politician or public servant. Most importantly, it’s clear she knows how to get things accomplished in these crazy political times. She’s still standing after decades of Republican attacks, and she’ll force them to the table once in office.
That’s what’s really important in this election: how we get progressive priorities accomplished.
To “Feel the Bern” is just that, to feel. Excitement can be fleeting. If you know Sanders can’t get all of his very idealistic policies passed through a Republican House, why contribute to false hope that will let so many down? Especially when the alternative is not a cynical acceptance of the status quo, but a commitment to fight and win and make progress on the issues we all care about.
True inspiration doesn’t come in chanting slogans, waving signs or enjoying a candidate’s soaring speech. Real inspiration happens in the real lives we change through progress born out of grueling, hard-won fights. I, for one, thought that’s why we’re all in this fight in the first place.
Hillary Clinton has been fighting for children, for women, for working families during my entire life. That is a feature of her candidacy, not a flaw. For all the trials and battles she’s been through, she’s still the one who can make a real difference.
I look forward to standing in Clinton’s corner on caucus night. I hope many of you will do the same.
by Pat Rynard
Posted 1/28/16
29 Comments on "Endorsement: Hillary Clinton, The Candidate Who Actually Inspires"
Well said, Patrick. Bravo.
So I’ve heard that Bernie won the twitter vote amongst iowastartingline members by something like 80%….Is this guy speaking for the entire organization and saying “screw democracy” or is he just making a personal endorsement?
Senator Bernie Sanders has all the qualities of a true leader including honesty, humility, energetic, authenticity, compassion, fairness, intelligence, experience, respectfulness, and he is passionate about helping every child succeed in this country, thus building a stronger and brighter USA for future generations. Bernie is democratic (by the people) socialist (for the people) and democratic socialists programs including public schools, the U.S. post office, the military, the public library, social security, our roads, utilities, national parks (which saved the buffalo) etc built this country! His medicare for all plan will save the average family $1200 and more per year. Check out Bernie’s budget. He will grow this economy. Research his record on you tube. He passed more amendments than any congress person in support of the people and was given the highest congressional award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. With Bernie as president, he will put an end to the “legal bribes and scams” going on in our government today. Save our democracy.Get involved, make telephone calls, pass out flyers, visit people,
go to berniesanders.com! Check out your state’s voting laws, get registered and ready to vote for Bernie Sanders! Bernie as an Independent won over 70% of the vote from both democrats and republicans in his home state. Vote smart! Vote Bernie!
Thank you Pat — I have to say, even though I’ve been for Hillary all along, your good opinion of her makes me feel really good about this choice. I love your blog.
This millennial is with Hillary. She has a realistic, forward-looking plan. Her opponents are starry-eyed dreamers without pragmatic plans for progress.
This week’s ABC News/Washington Post poll shows Hillary swamping Rubio, Cruz and Trump. Sanders loses to all three. Enough said.
I think you’re mistaken, Sanders beats all of them by a double-digit margin, Clinton loses to 2/3. Are you a $hillary that is paid or just an uninformed follower?
Hi Amanda; I like Bernie Sanders’ position about the ‘wealthy’ and his passionate delivery. But I ask you “What happens if He should become President,asks for Congress to pass legislation for his policies, and is swamped instead by opposing legislation he has to veto and law suits to fight against from the Republican Majority in Congress and Governments in red states? He has yet to say how He’ll deal with what’s sure to happen even if He bravely takes on them. The disappointment from the younger voters would give more power to Republicans who are deft at misconstruing facts.
Hillary Clinton has the knowledge of what can realistically be done in America respecting the freedom of Democracy and the stamina to follow through the accomplishments of President Obama.
Sorry, Amanda, Kirk is partially right. The brand new ABC/WaPo poll that came out on Wednesday, shows Hillary beating all three – Cruz, Rubio, and Trump. Bernie does beat Cruz and Rubio by smaller margins, but he loses to Trump.
These polls are pretty useless, but live by the sword; die by the sword. This poll proves false the #1 point Robert Reich was trying to make in his silly little video.
Maybe you need to inform yourself, btw. And “$hillary” makes you look petty and ignorant.
I saw the poll. It’s not really a poll, but more of a comparison between 4 years ago and now. 4 years is a long time, so much has changed.
Otherwise, the author is a Hillary supporter, so take that with a grain of salt when he tries to be unbiased.
She inspires me to go vote for Bernie Sanders in an attempt to start the transition from a corporate congress to one that has interests of citizens instead of money.
“Nothing inspires like stagnation” – Hillary Clinton
Outstanding assessment, Pat. Hillary Clinton will be a phenomenal president. And while I don’t take issue with Sen. Sanders, despite the glaring issues with his campaign staff and his inability to ignore reality, we also must point out there are numerous problems with his health care, minimum wage, and college tuition proposals, in addition to how it will be paid for and how it will be enacted through the federal legislative body.
Young people like Sanders because
he telling them he can give them
free college: This just a lie:
Young people dont’ know much about
what is really possible
Actually, Bernie tells them that WE can give them free college, if we just take our government back and put education ahead of profit.
I guess I’ll put you down as someone who doesn’t care about education.
Pat Rynard’s well versed endorsement essay is an elegant assessment of the Democratic candidates. Her political acumen is very impressive in evaluating the possibilities of choosing Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton. I hope people read her article and encourage her to write more. It is fortunate Americans like her are involved in explaining topics that will make huge differences in the country’s policy making for the coming years.
Pat Rynard’s well versed endorsement essay is an elegant assessment of the Democratic candidates. His political acumen is very impressive in evaluating the possibilities of choosing Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton. I hope people read his article and encourage him to write more. It is fortunate Americans like him are involved in explaining topics that will make huge differences in the country’s policy making for the coming years. Previously,I mistakenly labeled Pat a “She”, My apologies everyone.
“fairness, compassion, equality and economic justice” These are what Bernie stands for an lives. Meanwhile you’r girl goes running off to NYC to have fundraisers with wall-street billionaires, and sends her daughter to kiss their butts some more. Hillary just wants to be President, Bernie wants to make everyone’s lives better. You made a bad choice of who to endorse.
Very well said.She is the choice wr have to win the white house.please Dem I like Bernie Sandra but will not get anything done. Those evil doers will eat him alive don’t waste your vote on him it’s all hot air.
I think Hillary is uniquely qualified for the presidency. I also think she is the most polarizing figure in American history. Maybe I am too old for this politics stuff, but I have no desire to be knocking on doors for some local or state candidate when every news article is about grand juries and House hearings about emails and Benghazi (and I am leaving out the re-trial of Bill’s sins in the court of public opinion). I am certain we won’t get to talk about a 9 yr old getting health care. There aren’t enough Crossfit boxes in America to get democrats in good enough shape to carry Hillary’s baggage.
— Most importantly, it’s clear she knows how to get things accomplished in these crazy political times. She’s still standing after decades of Republican attacks, and she’ll force them to the table once in office.
That’s what’s really important in this election: how we get progressive priorities accomplished. —
Pat, please tell me which progressive proposals of Hillary Clinton’s will pass through a Republican House. Also, please tell me how she’ll “force them to the table”, to use your words.
I am all in for Hill-Dog!!!! I live in Denver and will be making phone calls this weekend to get out the vote on Monday. Sounds like there is enthusiasm for Hillary after all!
Bernie is ideas and challenge. Hillary is the same old line “change is too hard” so lets just keep up the usual. Obama had the opportunity to change and he blew it, mostly, because he stopped energizing his supporters. I think Bernie will keep bringing the fight back to the electorate.
I believe In #Hillaryclinton,she got the whole world in her hands thus got the experience to lead America.Am sure She will perform.She knows our enemies in and out.
Thank you for the article. I think you have summed up the primaries thus far very well. Time will tell if Clinton’s way forward using “logic” or Bernie’s way forward using “passion” will prevail.
I keep wondering this…if Bernie Sanders doesn’t win in Iowa by large margins (or every state by large margins) how does anyone expect him to get to DC and get any of his proposals passed. Where is the point along the primary process we can collectively say “those are great ideas but we as Democrats don’t think they will happen (nevermind trying to convince Republicans)”?
“The type of cynicism that thinks Hillary Clinton is evil and untrustworthy because they saw a meme on Facebook with flashy graphics.”
Wow, and they say Bernie supporters are condescending…I am undecided but it’s willfully obtuse to suggest that anyone who thinks Hillary Clinton is untrustworthy only thinks so because of a meme they saw on Facebook. I don’t want to go into Hillary-bashing at all but if you sincerely have no clue what objectively dishonest things she has done and said in the political arena, feel free to ask for elaboration.
Hillary Clinton is “still standing”, sure, but for what? Nothing that makes up for her supporting the war in Iraq, the keystone pipeline, or defending the big-money interests that are tearing our country apart. Bernie has large goals, yes, but all of the Hillary supporters act like the current congress can’t be changed. We vote for our congress for a reason, dash it all! Bernie is the only candidate rousing enough energy to carry us beyond this one campaign cycle and get some real change instituted in the House and Senate. If the Bern can carry on through our energy and political action into the midterm elections, this country is onto a brighter future. Hillary won’t do a darned thing to plug the holes in this sinking ship, only give a spot on the dinghy to those who pierced the hull. Bernie has released his plans time and again on how to establish publicly funded colleges and universities, a cost-effective and efficient single-player healthcare system, and has only ever fought throughout his entire lifetime for the good of women and men of every background and in every social and economic class. Feel the Bern, or allow this country to continue on its crash-course agenda.