My Political Rant

Today Chelsea Clinton came to speak at the University of Utah on her mother's behalf. Usually Utah doesn't have a big role in the presidential primaries, since they are held after super Tuesday. This year, however, Utah Democrats will actually have a voice since the primaries are being held on super Tuesday. I'm excited that I will actually have a say in things, especially since my vote will pretty much not matter in the general election.

Before Chelsea started answering questions she stated it was her first time on stage speaking about her mother's campaign. Even though she was quite a low talker (a bit hard to hear), she did do an excellent job of answering questions as she is very knowledgeable about her mother's stances on views. It would have been nice to see more personality out of her, but I guess she was just bit nervous.

For many months now I have been a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton. I have watched most of the debates and have researched both her views and Barrack Obama's views extensively. Overall, Clinton and Obama have very similar viewpoints; but what sells me with Clinton is her wealth of experience. I do like Obama, and should he get the nomination I feel that I will be content... But with that said, I honestly don't understand the strong support that this new face has received lately. It seems to me that many people are simply jumping on a 'bandwagon'. In fact, in many of the primaries held thus far Clinton has received an overwhelming majority of the vote from long time registered Democrats; whereas Obama has received the majority of his vote from independents and people who have never voted before. Thus, the more 'experienced' voters are opting for the more experienced candidate. In my mind Obama has gained the vote from this new young crowd since he's a new 'hip' face that their celebrity/music idols are endorsing (in fact, many of my favorite bands such as Arcade Fire and Fiery Furnaces, to name a few, have openly endorsed Obama and bashed Clinton).

I have heard many people state that if Clinton gets the nomination she would likely not win the presidency because she is a polarizing figure in politics; and that Obama would likely stand a better chance. In my opinion, I think quite the opposite. Come general election time, when the Republicans start to lay on the heat on the Democratic nominee; who do you think is going to take the shots better? Clinton has been through this many times before... Yes, Clinton is a polarizing figure, yet there is nothing new that the Republicans can say about her. She faced incredible challenges and criticism throughout her career and running for office; she's been through this several times and ended up being successful! I have my doubts that Obama will be able to handle the big mean Republican attacking machine.

The past days Obama has received much attention from his endorsement from some of the Kennedy family. Where was all the attention when Clinton got endorsements from the New York Times or from the REST of the Kennedy family (which happened today)? I realize that people might be wanting a fresh face in politics; since we have been through the Bush-Clinton-Bush-potentially Clinton cycle. For me that is the wrong reasons to vote.

Everyone has their opinion, but this is mine. Experience for me trumps any endorsement from a rock band or talk show host or a 'like-ability' factor that many claim Obama to have (which frankly, I don't see).

In any case, I am proud that our country is open minded enough to have a female and an African American as the front runners of a political contest. I feel that is excellent... and even though I am strongly for Clinton, I will be proud and satisfied if Obama gets the nomination and wins the presidency. I feel he is a viable candidate, yet my head and my heart lies elsewhere.