It seems as though some Democrats are facing a crisis of conscience this voting season.
What at first glance seemed like a sure thing is rapidly turning into a neck and neck race between the two Democratic candidates.
This has lead to conflict within the party.
There are some liberals who are upset with President Obama because they feel that he was too moderate. He didn't go far enough; no public option in the Affordable Care Act, didn't close Guantanamo, didn't break up the big banks or send anyone on Wall Street to jail and he didn't talk about race enough.
They are dissolutioned and want a more radical candidate this time around.
Then there are those who look at what the president
has accomplished and believe that to push for those more radical policies would never have made it through congress and perhaps what
was passed would not have made it at all.
So on one hand "look what we have!" on the other "look what we didn't get!" Glass half full vs. glass half empty.
On one hand there is Bernie who is starting a what some would say is a much needed political revolution.
On the other hand you have Hillary with a vast and proven track record that shows emphatically that she will get the job done but maybe not quite as radically.
What is a poor liberal to do?
And that is where we get to the two dogs... in a very round about fashion.
You are looking for a dog.
There have been several break ins in the neighborhood so you want to get a dog that will let you know when someone is lurking around or trying to break in, got it?
Lets pretend Bernie is a Laberdoodle, happy, bouncy, barks happily when you come home and is a little more trendy. He barks at strangers but also barks at anyone else who might be in the vicinity....he's a great dog and has all the requirements you are looking for to some degree.
Lets say Hillary on the other hand is a Collie. Constant and faithful a bit more reserved and a little longer in the tooth. She's not as playful but stands her ground and barks when there is a stranger about or things go bump in the night but recognizes the difference between friends and foes. She also fills all of your requirements but she's just not as much fun, not as trendy.
So the question then becomes, which one would do the best job?
Younger voters seem enamored with the Sanders drum beat and that is perfectly understandable.
They are caught up in the momentum.
But when push comes to shove, will Bernie be able to deliver?
Is there any liberal out there who really doesn't think Obama would have loved to get a public option in the Affordable Care Act?
That he hasn't worked for seven years trying to close Guantanamo?
Just remember, you have to pick your battles in order to win the war.
And sometimes baby steps get you the farthest.
Get involved in the process but proceed with caution.
Revolutions are fine but they often do not end up the way you thought they would.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Noodle and crew
