Shut up Bill!! I want to hear from Hillary

When I think of Bill Clinton and his team of DLC pro-corporate hacks getting back into power - not just of this country, but of the Democratic party that we have been fighting so hard to reform - it just makes me seethe with anger.  I can't help it.  Mainly for that reason, I have been for either Edwards or Obama for several months now.  I am now supporting Obama because I love his campaign and I think he is our best chance to keep the Democratic Party from falling back under control of those hacks.

BUT.....  

There is a chance that Hillary Clinton could be our nominee.  A really good chance.  I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to post an angry comment that says:

I'll never vote for her in November!

But I know I will.  Of course I will.  After the last 7 years when we've all said we'd prefer a potted plant over the current pResident - and meant it!!! - how could I possibly turn down a chance to elect someone who is considerably better than a potted plant?  And though I can't imagine lifting a finger for HRC for any other reason than flicking the lever on election day, I imagine I'll get over my frustration and sadness and campaign for her too.  We have to get the White House into Democratic hands - no matter how poor a Democrat we think they may be.

However, how bad of a Democrat is Hillary?  There are things about her that piss me off.  She takes way too much money from corporate lobbyists.  That is probably the most painful thing about her to me and many here.  Because of this, it is hard to trust that she will do anything to make the kind of large-scale changes this country needs on health care, energy, corporate reform, etc.  Her positions on Iraq and Iran are dangerously hawkish - though part of me hopes she is merely pandering to voters who would unfairly deem her as soft on national security because she is a Democrat and a woman.  (Did you get that - I'm hoping she's just pandering to get elected!  What a crazy system we have.)

However, I want to believe very badly that Hillary is a better Democrat and would be a much better President than her husband.  The NYTimes editorial board endorsed Hillary today, which, as an Obama supporter, I find quite depressing, if not unexpected.  And while I think they offer some pretty simplistic even unfair criticisms of Edwards and Obama, they do offer a good case for Hillary.  I want to hear more about this Hillary.  I need to hear more about this Hillary.  If she does go on to win most of the states on SuperTuesday (as the polls now suggest), its a reality we may have to start getting used to.

And it would be a hell of a lot easier if her goddamned husband would shut the hell up.  If one thing comes out of this primary, it is that Bill Clinton has put the finishing touches on his legacy with many in the progressive community, including me, and it ain't good.  This South Carolina primary has been ugly.  And I don't like the fact that Hillary has remained quiet and let Bill Clinton do what he has done.  I want Hillary to step back out in front of this campaign and lead.  That starts with shutting her husband up and offering a positive vision for where she will lead this country and our party.  I'm not so sure she can do it.  But I'd like to see that campaign.  It would bring out the best in all of our candidates and make us stronger as a party heading into November.

Hillary, if you want to lead this country next year, then start by re-taking the lead of your campaign this year.  I think you are better than your campaign has shown and certainly better than your husband.  

I'm supporting Barack Obama because I think he would be the best leader for our country and party.  But Hillary could be a great leader too if she can separate herself from the past instead of trying to depend on it.