Hillary Clinton for President

As a life long progressive I feel the Bern.  But I also imagine the searing pain of a GOP victory.  Every four years presidential candidates stampede supporters to the polls with the claim that this is the seminal election of our lifetime.  Since most of us live more than 4 years it is seldom true. But 2016 matters.

Defeating ISIS and addressing income inequality are important.  But no more crucial than the domestic and international issues of past elections.  The primacy of this election rests on the nature and power of the opposition.  This is not your father's Republican party.  Without changing political positions, Kasich has moved from the right, to the left, wing of the party.  All the republican moderates could fit on the head of a pin and have enough room left over for a marching band.  This GOP is anti-science, xenophobic and jingoistic.  Republican tax plans and proposed budget cuts would take income inequality to 3rd world levels.

Well channeled resources have placed Republicans in control of a near record number of states.  With that power they have chipped away at women's health rights and minority voting rights.  Only a democratic lead justice department has moderated some of the excesses.

With control of a majority of states during the last reapportionment, the GOP locked in control of the House even though in each election Democratic candidates receive more votes in the aggregate.  The GOP Senate majority will be sustained if a winning Republican presidential candidate has coat tails.

The Supreme Court is conservative.  Over the next two presidential terms there will most likely be two vacancies.  If we lose the presidential election, the court will become ultraconservative.  Republicans will control all of the levers of government.

More than ever, electability matters.  A self described democratic socialist will not win over independents.  Bernie does not excite blacks or hispanics.  Progressive fervor, and a small increase in student voting, will not carry the day.  If we want to win, we need Hillary.

Experience matters.  Bill and Barack have been exceptional presidents.  But each had a rocky first year.  Eight years as first lady means Hillary can avoid freshman pitfalls.  She knows how the White House works.  She understands Congress through her time in the Senate.  No candidate in modern times has had a better grasp of foreign affairs.  She has policy depth, and even deeper empathy.  She cares.  So should we.