This is a very hard letter for me to write, so please bear with me.
I’d like to ask you, with all due respect and humility, to step down as a Democratic Candidate for President of the United States.
Please understand this is not because I believe you can not or should not lead this nation. Please understand that I find you qualified, capable, and worthy. Please also understand I want nothing more than to see a female as the leader of the free world. I would be pleased and honored if you were that female.
However I am finding, right or wrong, many citizens of this country seem to react to you on an emotional level. Emotional, not practical. They can’t seem to see your record. They can’t seem to see your policy. They just hear or read “Hillary” and venom or praise spews.
I thought that with your candidacy, would come reason. I thought that you would be able to get a fair shake by main stream media, by voters, by sexists, and by soccer moms. I thought over time people would begin to see that you really are an effective politician.
I was wrong.
Tonight, I’m typing as I watch you speak in El Paso, Texas. I’m sad. There really is no other way to put it-I’m sad.
I truly believed you would be the best person for the job, and I had this nagging thought in the back of my mind that is now at the forefront. The thought that drove me on Super Tuesday to Vote for Senator Obama and the thought that is the driving force as I write tonight: Senator Hillary Clinton divides this country.
It’s not fair. It’s not right. And under just about ANY other circumstance I would go to the mat for you. However we are a wounded and deeply divided nation. We are a nation at war. We are a nation at odds with each-other. It’s ugly. I thought you could get people past it. I really did.
When I told myself it was gender that got people going, I refrained from asking and wanting you to step aside. Simply on principle, I wanted to see you run and win because they said it couldn’t be done. Because it was my belief, this was all about being a girl.
It’s not, and I was wrong.
I firmly believe while the gender issue has given you a handicap I hope we all one day overcome, it is NOT the reason people have a gut reaction to you or your campaign or your legacy.
Enter the Senator from Illinois, and what I think could be your true legacy. If you were to step aside now, shockingly early and shockingly un-Hilllary-like, you could galvanize an entire nation behind your party. If you were to throw your weight, and your tremendous political clout behind Senator Obama you could still change the world and make your mark in a way no one would expect and everyone would admire.
I don’t want to see you throw in the towel because the fight is too hard or the mountain too tall. I am asking you to throw it in because history is on the line. It is not the history either of us expected, however it is an equally important, momentous, earthshaking change in this country we sorely need.
Do something no one would ever expect. Do something extraordinary. Do something that changes politics as usual and changes history.
I could have never predicted having to chose between what my husband called “the lesser of two goods, not the lesser of two evils” when it came time to cast my vote.
It was agonizing.
But in the end, with no major policy difference and valid reasons on BOTH sides, I had to go with the candidate who I thought could best bring our nation back together. Who could cross party lines and gender lines and racial lines.
I wanted it to be you, but it’s not. For some reason you still get people very riled up, and not in the good way.
There is no way around it-it sucks. But after 7 years of nothing but fighting and head shaking and feeling like we’re living in two Americas, I can’t do it again. Not even if my team is in office.
I really hate asking you to do this, but I want you to please step down and let this nation heal.
We’ve been too angry for too long and your history and your name brings a suitcase of anger to the White House front door.
With the full weight of the Clinton name, behind the scenes, your true legacy could be written. With the full weight of the Clinton know-how you could help orchestrate the next chapter in American history where an African-American leads our nation.
It is this time in history your nation needs you.
As nation’s go, ours has never been one to do things the way we predict. Who could have seen when we finally get our first, legitimate, female front runner we’d see our first, legitimate front runner of color?
Our nation and it’s people need you to do what is best for this country. We need you to be true to what you say on the stump and bring us back together.
If you firmly believe that there is still time for you to change the hearts and minds of those rude and stubborn Americans who are voting with their gut when they see “Hillary” on the ballot-then please, prove me wrong. I’ll be at the Democratic National Convention come August and I’ll hold up my Hillary sign loud and proud and fall in line.
But I think you’ve tried. You tried with everything you had to overcome that Clinton-emotional reaction. Here we are, moving into Texas and Ohio and Pennsylvania-and it’s not you winning over hearts and minds, it’s the Senator from Illinois.
Let’s end the division in this country now. Right now. Let’s start with the Democratic Party early and provide a united front against the GOP months ahead of schedule.
Let’s take back this country for the people, with you playing a much different role than you envisioned.
Make history. Make us one. Step down now.
Sincerely,
Erin Kotecki Vest
voter, mother, woman, feminist, writer, dreamer, and Hillary fan
*edited on Valentine’s Day* want to yell at me in person over this letter? Sign up to webchat with me on ooVoo Friday, Feb. 15th from 930am PST to 1130am PST. Hell, I’ll even throw in more time just to take your call
I know this was painful to write, and even more to think. In my view, the very best place for Hillary Clinton is as Senate Majority Leader. Think of what could be accomplished with Obama as President and Clinton leading the Senate. Seriously.
Wow. I predict the Trib will be on the phone again wanting to reprint.
I see the vitriolic reactions to Sen. Clinton, and I just don’t get it. But it’s definitely there, the visceral, negative way people respond to anything she says or does.
It’s painful to say it out loud, but you’re right. It would be awful to have one more general election in which people voted not *in favor* of the best candidate, but *against* the candidate they most despise.
It’s time for Hillary to step down.
Wow, Erin, you nailed it.
I don’t want more of the same stupid backbiting either, and I’m afraid that’s what we’ll get. Thanks for laying it all out.
This is pretty much exactly why I voted for Obama today. It is sad, but most of the country just can’t get past it.
Exactly, spot-on what I’ve been saying (not nearly so well) for the past week. The very people Hillary Clinton cares about are torn in this exact way. This perfectly presented post should become a petition.
Hi Erin,
I think you make reasonable and compelling arguments, and yet I am NOT ready to agree. I am not ready for her to step down, and I am not ready to say that’s the best thing for the country.
I am deeply, deeply spiteful of the Republican Party, and so perhaps this is clouding my judgment. But I do not believe that Hillary is dividing the nation; I do not believe she would divide it any further than it has already been divided by this shameful Administration.
The divide is there.
I am tired of the Democrats having to take responsibility for “crossing the aisle,” for leading the charge on “bipartisanship” (which to date has meant the Republicans bending on nothing and the Dems caving on critical legislation), and for “healing” the nation.
It’s not our (the Dems’) responsibility to compromise. Obama is popular, but backing him is, I believe, taking the path of least resistance. And we have been taking the path of least resistance for 8 years, and look where it’s gotten us.
No, I’m done with that. I want to fight back.
And no one puts up a fight like Hillary.
You make some really good points. I guess I just see Obama just as important and viable as Clinton and she seems to make the division worse and he seems to make it better.
wow. you brought me to tears. you put into words the feelings i’ve had and been unable to articulate. i *do* hope someone picks this up — it’s too good to leave behind in blogland. i’ll be watching for it.
I have to agree with you. This is one of the major reasons why I chose to vote for Obama instead of Clinton. The emotional response to her in this country is too divisive and we’ve lived with division longer than 7 years. It goes back to Bill’s term in office.
She can’t bring this country together. There is too much negative history and emotion associated with her.
It’s unfortunate. I really hope she gets the message Erin. We need her to do exactly what you suggest. It could mean so much.
absolutely well written and perfect sentiments. i love her, and i agree.
Hi Again Erin,
I can’t argue when you state it as plainly as that (and I really wish I could).
My partner offers: “The flip side of that is that we know ALL there is to know about Hillary — there’s no secret dirty laundry yet to air — and They haven’t even scratched the surface on Barack.”
Which is something to chew on.
On the other hand, he voted for Obama. 🙂
you gave me chills. you are so eloquent, and you put the problems of this country so clearly.
It’s sad, but a lot of what I feel as well. I asked my BIL why people were so so against her, and he mostly talked about Bill, but didn’t seem phased when I said it’s not Bill running. This was from a Dallas guy, but seems to represent a lot of the country sadly enough.
How ironic that Barack Obama turns out to be the primary beneficiary of the never-ending right-wing hate campaign against Hillary Clinton.
And as we have seen on the campaign trail, he is happy to use this to his advantage by continually reminding us of Hillary Clinton’s “baggage.” How cynical, when he should be condemning it.
And how sad that many of Hillary’s own natural supporters are likely to be the ones who finally allow the Republican hate campaign to destroy her.
When you voted for Obama, I hope you recognized the irony.
last night i couldn’t fall asleep. i just sat there trying to think of the best way to get this sentiment across.
so, thanks. you just saved me a bunch of time. i’m just going to make some copies and hand them out to people when they ask me what i think. much easier.
You think Hillary promotes emotional responses from voters? What about Obama? He’s floating on the goodwill of emotional response.
This is so sad and very well said. How upsetting that there is finally a competent woman in the running and yet she is hated by so many (and why? Because of her husband? Simply because she’s a woman? The reason is a mystery to me.) At least you have what I think looks like a reasonable alternative in Obama.
Wow… you said everything I have been thinking but have been unable to put in words. Thank you.
Beautifully said. I hate to admit it, but every word is true.
Excellent and compelling post. It would be an amazingly historic move if she did step down. The power behind such a move would propel this country forward like no other.
It would be huge for her to do such a thing.
Powerful post.
Wow! This is perfect. This is exactly what so many of us have been saying (only worded far more eloquently). Thanks so much.
I was beginning to like Hillary, but it’s not just emotions that lead me away from her. It is her policy. I don’t agree with her plan for health care, I don’t agree with her claims to speak for the children who’s voices aren’t heard (you know what I mean, I’m just not going there today). And yes, I don’t trust her motives.
I’m tired of being made to feel sorry for Hillary Clinton. I’m sure the bad rep she’s getting is partly because of who she’s married to. Yes, it gets people riled up. But how can we fault people for those reactions?
It upsets me to see that she’s suffering for the mistakes her husband made, but she didn’t exactly prompt him to tell the truth and come clean, either. It seems like covering up scandal was more important to the Clintons and I don’t blame Americans for being leery.
History precedes her and while it’s unfair, it’s also the reality we, even Hillary, need to face.
Great letter Erin. Although it would be an easy ride to the nomination if Hillary stepped down, the nominating process makes one stronger, a sense the person is tested. This can only help Barack. Your letter punctuates an underlying sentiment of a growing number of those moviing Obama’s way. As the process plays out as I suspect, he will be a stronger candidate against McCain in the fall as a result of this tough fight with Clinton.
“Senator Hillary Clinton divides this country.”
You are so right on with that statement. She’s not the right one for the job. I’m with you. Step-down and endorse the one that is the right one.
Great letter. Great post.
I know how hard it was to write this. But it is well written and well said.
I’m right beside you on this. And it’s gut wrenching.
I can somewhat understand where you are at on this. Being in Canada, we get bits and pieces of the nominees and it is all tailored, of course, to how the networks think you should vote.
Here’s the deal, from my Canadian perspective. Hillary or Barack. Who cares? Right party, right person, not George W. Bush. You’re in the clear my American friends… let’s hope so, anyway.
Beautifully written and sadly, very true. I wish I understood why so many people react to her the way they do, but we need to move on. I hope she comes to the same conclusion as you.
Amen. There are so many people who would walk across broken glass to stop Hillary from being president… also, am I the only one who finds it creepy to have two families running the country for decades?
It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in, even if your actions are at odds with what is considered good and popular. I don’t think it’s noble to ditch support of Hillary because of the relentless right-wing and media sexist attacks. You know, Hillary may have a giant target on her back, but Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer and even Condoleeza Rice would get the same kind of hazing. This is *not* the time to bow to pressure and abandon Hillary’s candidacy because she is taking heat based on her gender. Imagine if no one sat in at lunchcounters during the Civil Rights movement because they could not stand the heat of criticism.
And quite frankly, Obama scares me as a lightweight demagogue. He may not intend to be a demagogue, but his emphasis on charisma over substance in his television appearances makes me shiver. History is filled with charismatic politicians promising vague platitudes – change, what kind of change? – who rise to power on the strength of the mob only to become corrupted by the need to keep the mob happy, or to lose control of the mob.
Oh, wow. That’s IT, you know. That’s why I have been feeling so SAD about Hillary lately. People just seem to froth at the mouth about her, one way or the other. As much as I was starting to think I’d love to see her as President, now I’m thinking we might be much better off, and her legacy could be much more enduring, as a power behind the throne. It’s a very odd feeling, having this decision to make.
Thank you. I hope she listens.
fucking brilliant. thank you for articulating what is happening to us all. I had an out of body experience as I voted for Obama. The following link is my post about my vote. It didn’t go down as I thought it would. I’m going to forward this post of yours to so many people right now……….
http://notthatidontlovemykids.blogspot.com/2008/01/i-worked-pole-i-mean-poll.html
Beautifully written, thank you for sharing your views on this. It is refreshing to read someone who actually puts thought into who they are voting for and why.
I’m still a Hillary gal. I will be voting for her in the Texas primary on March 3. I think she is qualified, tough, experienced, & very knowledgable about policy. I’m not ready for her to take her ball and go home.
It reminds me of when Al Gore gave up his fight to win the 2000 presidential election to keep the country from being divided. Look how that turned out.
THANKS, I agree and could not have said it better…
Ron Paul 2008
“I want nothing more than to see a female as the leader of the free world.”
What kind of misandric crap is this? If anybody said “I want nothing more than to see a male as the leader of the free world” s/he would be immediately denounced as a sexist bigot, but as long as you pine for the elimination of testicles everything is hunky dory? What kind of sexist agenda are you pushing? “Nothing in the world can be right until a woman calls all the shots.” Yes. This is exactly what the world needs to further advance the concepts of equality.
MY, OH MY…….so well-written, so compelling, so poignant, and so true. I admire your thoughtfulness and your sober focus on the truth. Thank you so much. I would proudly vote for either of them in November, but many of my Independent and Republican friends would not. Only Barack is stimulating an American collective response, no matter the party affiliation. Eventually, the truth rises above the rhetoric. Your rhetoric is so damn truthful…thanks for your courage!
For all of you struggling with this issue, please take a moment to read the following link
http://www.womensmediacenter.com/ex/020108.html to understand why it is so important for Hillary to not give up!
This is exactly how I have felt for a long time. I want to see a woman become president. I crave it. However, not this woman. It would be a very selfless thing she did for the country if she would step down. Heroic even. I’d think SO much more of her as a person if she did. She needs to think of us, not herself. Unfortunately, she seems to think that being president is what’s best for us. I fear that it’s not possible to convince her otherwise.
It saddens me that your words will fall on deaf ears.
Here’s scenario I’m VERY scared of. Obama gets more pledged delegates than Hillary, but she wins enough super delegates to give her the nomination. That will cause widespread protests. The American people will not be pleased that their choice was not nominated.
Al Gore won the popular vote in 2000. I am afraid that we are going to get the shaft again.
My fingers are crossed.
Wow. Well said. I know it was hard to write, but woman, you nailed exactly how so many of us feel. Time to find someone to unite this broken country. I don’t think Hillary Clinton can do that. She is a divider. For whatever reason, she does divide this nation. I want the UNITED States of America again. Not the split we have lived with for so long.
Great post, Erin.