Values--This is the difference between Hillary and Barack

The policies of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are "similar." The New York Times Editors say:

On the major issues, there is no real gulf separating the two. They promise an end to the war in Iraq, more equitable taxation, more effective government spending, more concern for social issues, a restoration of civil liberties and an end to the politics of division of George W. Bush and Karl Rove.

What separates these two candidates? George Lakeoff identifies "values," not issues, as the major differences between these two candidates. Caroline Kennedy knew they held similar policy positions. She decided that Barack Obama's is the candidate with the ethics and integrity that inspire her:

Most of us would prefer to base our voting decision on policy differences. However, the candidates' goals are similar. They have all laid out detailed plans on everything from strengthening our middle class to investing in early childhood education. So qualities of leadership, character and judgment play a larger role than usual.

I want a president who understands that his responsibility is to articulate a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds himself, and those around him, to the highest ethical standards; who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved.

George Lakeoff sees a striking difference between these candidates:

The difference is striking. To the editors of the New York Times, the quality of leadership seems not to be an "issue." The ability to unite the country is not an "issue." What Obama calls the empathy deficit -- attunement to the experience and needs of real people -- is not an "issue." Honesty is not an "issue." Trust is not an "issue." Moral judgment is not an "issue." Values are not "issues." Adherence to democratic ideals -- rather than political positioning, triangulation, and incrementalism -- are not "issues." Inspiration, a call to a higher purpose, and a transcendence of interest-based politics are not "issues."

Many in the Democratic base have left the Clinton camp and headed for the Obama camp due to the "old and dirty politics" the Clinton campaign has resorted to.

Senator Leahy states, "He [Bill Clinton] is not helping anyone, and certainly not helping the Democratic Party.

Columnist Maureen Dowd writes:

“It’s odd that the first woman with a shot at becoming president is so openly dependent on her husband to drag her over the finish line. She handed over South Carolina to him, knowing that her support here is largely derivative.

According to the Nation's columnist Nicholas von Hoffman:

By the time Hillary and Bill have finished with Obama the real man may be unrecognizable to voters in Iowa or any place else … If he can wipe enough of the Clintonian slime off himself, Obama may be able to come out from under and explain to the world that sometimes less experience is more and better. (The Nation)

Senator Kerry states:

I think you had an abuse of the truth … I mean, being an ex-president does not give you license to abuse the truth, and I think that over the last few days it’s been over the top.” (On National Journal radio)

Ted Kennedy: “With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion.”

The truly great presidents are gifted with the ability to inspire us and they have the values and authenticity that is needed so we will heed their call.

Hillary Clinton does not have the values necessary to inspire us. She will distort the truth....and the latest outcry from Hillary is that she offered her hand to Obama and he shunned her. But, Hillary, truly an authentic corporate girl, is so "nice" stating, that her hand is still reaching out to Obama. And the corporate media is playing Hillary's song. Hillary will lie, distort the truth, play dirty politics, do anything to become president. The fact that Hillary will take any cheap shot she can is a major reason I am running away from her.

If Hillary Clinton will lie to "win" the presidency how can we trust her to tell us the truth if she actually becomes president?

Due to Hillary's lack of values and authenticity I do not want her to be this country's first example of a woman president. I will end up more disappointed in Hillary Clinton than I have ever been with Nancy Pelosi's poor leadership in the House.

No one has has the audacity (yet) to define Hillary Clinton as a "uniter." She has surely been successful at dividing her own party....how much will she harden the divide that already exists in our country? Hillary is described as "competent" and "smart." This campaign is showing that she lacks the values I hold important--honesty, integrity, and authenticity. After encountering Hillary on tv I often am left with the feeling of "Who the "heck" is Hillary Clinton and who does she think she's fooling?"

Out with the old divisiveness...it's time for the best person to step into the office....and if we are so lucky to have a candidate who has the potential greatness to inspire and lead us as Kennedy and Reagan possessed...then we are truly blessed to have that person running for office this year. I believe in my heart that person is Barack Obama.

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