BILLARY CLINTON

I have been pretty moderate in my stance and support of the democratic candidates. All except for Edwards who looked me square in the face and told me my civil liberties were a struggle for him to accept. (see blog: Sunday, August 12, 2007) But I have been caught up in all the mudslinging as of yet and I am very nervous about the next few months.

As a Gay Californian I watched our 2006 gubernatorial race dissolve into chaos with Phil Angelides at the throat of Steve Westly. What happened in the end? Angelides won the highly publicized democratic nomination but left Ahnold (who had an approval rating in the 20% range) with a sweeping victory. The dems who cared about the budget crisis, the borrowed and unpaid educational dollars and Schwarzenegger's vetoing of LGBT marriage rights stayed home. The conservatives came out in droves against the caustic Angelides and we were left with the "Meines Führer" of California.

It was a shame and broke me a little as a Californian. To have to listen to that clipped Austrian accent for another four years and see my civil liberties vetoed away time and time again was heartbreaking.

When the democratic pandering began I was hopeful that we had numerous shining stars leading us to victory and change in 2008! I could see all the tax breaks to the wealthy being repealed. I could see the money taken away from Veterans being returned. I could see the denied access to Federal Student Loans being granted. I could see the unfreezing of the Ryan White Care Act funds back to LGBT Centers and HIV/AIDS testing sites.

Then something happened. Barack Obama's momentum stormed Iowa leaving his two rivals in the dust. That's when everything fell apart for the democratic party as far as I'm concerned. There had been a few barbed exchanges but with Hillary backed against the wall of defeat she and Bill came out swinging.

I don't understand it. The Clinton camp has been riding on the coattails of the Obama's message of "change" for months but has brought this primary season back to some of the most heightened and caustic diatribes since the Karl-Rovian election of 2000. This IS just politics as usual for the Clintons and I fear Obama is going to be swallowed whole by it.

The debate in South Carolina tonight was about all I could take of the bickering. I found myself siding with John Edwards for the first time since his deplorable comments to me. (see early blog for details)

CLICK FOR CNN DEBATE SNIPIT

Time and time again Hillary leaped off topic to point out faults in Obama's campaign. The majority of the debate was Hillary launching false or misguided allegations and Barack having to respond--Often times having to respond to both Hillary's and Bill's allegations. I also don't understand how President Clinton (who has been practically silent during the two term destruction of our country from this conniving administration) decides to use his airtime to bash Barack. it's beneath the Presidency and I'd like to think it's beneath Bill Clinton...sadly, I am beginning to doubt that.

The debate truly showed how different these two candidates are. Clinton is dividing our party and going for the partisans that have historically been the majority of our primary voters. Obama, on the other hand, shows a very different and inclusive strategy — he repeatedly said tonight he can forge consensus, and will work with Republicans.

I for one need a Democrat in office who will stop this bickering and stalemate in Washington and bring back intelligent debate. Obama can do this. I need a Democrat who is about ideas not about pointing fingers at fellow politicians. Obama can do this. I need a Democrat in office that is about inspiring a nation not dividing us into parties or subgroups. Obama CAN do this.

What makes me nervous is Clinton's strategy of pandering to the partisans. This has shown itself to be a winning strategy time and again. What I hope is that after eight years with one of the most partisan presidents in history, even partisan Democrats want a uniting president like Barack Obama.

I ask each of you who is looking for change to get out and VOTE! Not just in November but it is VITAL you vote in your primaries as well. Let's turn the page on decades of divisiveness and inspire our nation and each other once again.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE!!!

Hey people, the last day to register to vote for the Feb. 5 election is tomorrow, Jan. 22. Register to vote now and make your voice heard! It’s easy, just fill out a form from any post office, sign it and mail it in today. If you have changed addresses, changed names, or want to change political parties, you must re-register. The form must be postmarked today.

With busy and often unpredictable schedules, voting-by-mail is the most convenient way to ensure that your voice is heard on Election Day. Any U.S. citizen can register to vote-by-mail, giving you weeks to take your time to complete your ballot and mail it in anytime on or before Election Day. Just pick up a voter registration from local post office today, check box 11, and become a permanent vote-by-mail voter.

The last day to register to vote for the Feb. 5 election is tomorrow, Jan. 22, so register to vote now and make a difference by helping deliver CHANGE by voting on Feb. 5!