Dear Hillary,
Now that the Democratic Convention and Obama’s nomination are all wrapped up, it’s time to acknowledge the achievements of perhaps the strongest fighter in the Democratic primaries. Weeks of watching Super Tuesday coverage and shouting, “You go, girl!” at the TV were not enough to save your campaign, but I am not bitter nor rethinking my allegiance to the Democratic Party. The truth is, Hilldog (may I call you that?), that your candidacy has only strengthened the party and proven to America, and to the world, that a woman president is possible in the near future.
At the risk of sounding schmaltzy, I would like to thank you for your contributions to the Democratic Party and America as a U.S. Senator. Your relentless push for quality health care for all Americans, begun during your time as First Lady, will certainly be met with open arms by the Obama administration and a (hopefully) Democratic Congress. Your commitment to women’s rights, especially the right to choose, is one for which all women, regardless of political persuasion or moral compass, should be thankful. Your work in the Senate will undoubtedly continue, and I hope to see you become Senate Majority Leader under an Obama administration. A partnership like that would end the gridlock that currently plagues Washington.
Hillary, I am amazed by how classy you have remained throughout your campaign, and up to this very day. Despite the media’s evident bias against you, despite calls for you to quit your campaign, you continued on because it was your right and your duty to be a voice for 18 million Americans (and at least one more who couldn’t vote due to age. How I wish I had a fake I.D.). Sexism was an obstacle, but you handled it with grace; it is unfortunate that you were attacked whether you were seen as being “too masculine” or “too soft,” but you kept your head up high through it all.
You accepted defeat with dignity and a smile, inspiring your many supporters to choose Obama as their candidate in November. Your speech at the Democratic Convention was nothing short of perfect. You put the party’s (and the nation’s) interests ahead of your own ambition, and every American politician should look to you as a shining example of a great stateswoman.
Although I supported you in the primaries, I throw my full support to Obama to clinch the election in November. But we can’t discount the contributions you have made to our nation, and the hope you have instilled in millions of women from coast to coast. You deserve nothing less than a thank-you from every American who now benefits from your public service. Women, especially, have a reason to thank you for your exemplary achievements; the glass ceiling now has 18 million cracks in it and many more on the way.
Sincerely,
Marisa
