Oh, SNAP!

Did you see this?  It's only Robert Reich's very personal endorsement of Obama for the Democratic nomination.  It is not a sound bite from a campaign event nor even a promotion by the campaign, it's just an entry on his personal blog telling anyone who cares why he prefers Obama to Clinton.  In the aftermath of Wednesday's shameful debate it's understandable. 

I'm not saying he's right – he is, of course, I'm just not saying so – but I do have to wonder how a season that offers us two strong, historic candidates in what should be a slam-dunk election became so utterly dispiriting.  Why, when the momentum is so clearly on the side of progressive solutions did I actually have to hear the words, "Does [your pastor] love America as much as you do?"  After I finished ripping my ears off and poking out my eyes (but before I stopped vomiting), I got really depressed.  This is what we need to talk about after eight years of the most damaging administration since time immemorial?  This is where people who love this nation and have a real chance to change it for the better will go to win?  It was sick.  And so was I.  Noting that our Democratic gubernatorial candidates seem only ever so slightly less reprehensible these days did nothing to dispel yesterday's dysphoria. 

Still, press on and hope for the best we must, because there isn't necessarily light at the end of the tunnel.  If the Democrats manage to produce a candidate who has not been decimated by the primary season (are we already too late?) we could look forward to years of economic policies devised by a man who admits he doesn't understand the economy and foreign policy dreamed up by the same man, the man who doesn't seem clear on who exactly our enemies are.  Thank goodness for Bev's positivity pledge, better late than never.  I guess.