Super Stars

The Clintons have risen to their best selves this week. Tonight Bill Clinton brought to the podium his signature wit and intellect, and an unequivocal endorsement of Barack Obama's campaign for change. And Hillary Clinton, the woman who came within an inch of the nomination, handled herself with integrity and dignity. During last night's historic speech, and this afternoon's symbolic releasing of her delegates during roll call, Hillary gave us all a life lesson in how to rise above defeat, to embrace a bigger picture, and how to get beyond selfish impulse for the benefit of the many. She acknowledged a simple truth that really was obvious the whole time: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama stand for the same things. If we look beyond the personality clashes it is clear that to support Hillary is to support Barack.

Alcoholics anonymous has a slogan for this concept--principles before personalities. In AA's Big Book, there is a section of chapter five called the promises: "...we will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away, our whole attitude and outlook on life will change. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness". In a parallel universe, the promises might speak to the lifting of animosities between Clinton and Obama supporters. There is a certain freedom in ending this struggle, in the letting go of hard feelings, of embracing a united front. And happiness too. To watch Hillary enthusiastically throw her full support and delegate count to Obama during the roll call today, was to feel...happy. For fanning the fires of discord, I am as guilty as the next guy (J. David). It was ugly, it got a bit out of hand, and so it has been difficult to muster enthusiasm for our presumptive nominee. The feud has been bitter, but by the grace of Bill and Hillary Clinton, the feud, I believe has ended... and not a minute too soon.