I was dismayed to find that the Los Angeles Times endorsed Barack Obama. However, it should not be a surprise ““ it is part of a familiar pattern of how women are treated. A capable woman gains experience and credentials only to find that a young hot”“shot male comes along and gets the job. And here is the Los Angeles Times admitting that on most issues the two candidates “are a hairsbreadth apart” and then endorsing Obama. A woman has to be more than twice as experienced and charismatic to be credible.
I agree that Hillary Clinton’s vote to authorize Bush to use force in Iraq if needed was a very unfortunate decision on her part. However, based on the information provided by the administration ““ and based on the more thoughtful approach to foreign affairs taken by the first George Bush ““ there was some reason to believe that force would only be used as a last resort. After all, no one in Congress knew President George W. Bush very well at that time, and few believed he would abuse their trust.
It is laudable Barack Obama had the conviction and foresight to oppose this tragic and costly war from the beginning. However, this is only one issue among many and should not be allowed to stand alone. I also feel very uneasy about Obama’s repeated insistence on being “right” from day one. This has a chilling and familiar ring ““ since the current president has throughout his term been obsessively sure that he is right. No matter what the facts show or what seasoned advisers recommend, Bush goes ahead with what he deems right ignoring all other options or opinions.
I certainly do not believe that Obama would fall into this simple-minded insistence on being right about everything. However, I do find it ironic that Obama, the candidate who claims to have the copyright on change, so frequently brings up his Iraq vote made five years ago. Hillary Clinton’s more reasoned response is to go beyond the past with all its terrible consequences and find the best possible solution to bring the troops home.
Finally, the myth that Hillary would somehow be more divisive than Obama has absolutely no truth to it. As senator she has reached across the aisle several times to work with Republicans.
Hillary Clinton is a woman who can bring the leadership, dynamism and healing so badly needed in this country. She has shown courage as well as perseverance, and has proven her character by her compassion and her ability to forgive and move forward. She is one of the most remarkable leaders of her generation and deserves to be president.
Maack is a professor in the Department of Information Studies.