She Writes Letters

Dear (check all that apply): Upper/Middle Class, Political Geeks, Journalists, Liberals, Blogosphere:

There are less than three weeks left until the convention primary voting ends.*

Why the desparate push for Clinton to drop out? Is it going to make a difference in the next twenty days? What will her abdication accomplish?

You cry about the irreparable damage to the party. What damage is being done? I see record voter turnout -- in many cases higher turnout in the Democratic primary than the 2004 Presidential race -- record numbers in fundraising for both candidates; incredible enthusiasm on the part of supporters for both candidates; an actual sense of purpose and direction in the party as a whole, and an actual backbone!

We are accomplishing so many things. Our Democratic leaders are actually pushing forth an agenda that means something to the people of the country. And even with the albatross that is the Republican party, we are seeing actual progress and accomplishment. Over the last four and a half months, we have been arguing over matters of policy both foreign and domestic, learning from each other, and finding a voice together, boldly speaking out against the policy of the last seven years that has lead us to where we are today. And the people are hearing us!

Both candidates have run historic campaigns, the closest to the White House any woman or any person of color has ever come. People are turning out in droves to support the both of them, and the level of excitement inspires, well, hope. We are doing good things! And even the quibbles between the two only lead us forward, helping us to stake out a firm position, to strengthen the one who will lead the country to a better place.

Where is the damage to the party? Are we not accomplishing incredible things? Are not the people happier with both the two remaining Democratic candidates than they have been in decades?

In three weeks, when we decide on one leader, will we be damaged?

In just less than six months, when the people of America vote for their President -- may the best person win -- will we be damaged?

Does anyone honestly believe that one month from now, two, three, four, five, or even that sixth, that our case will be so damaged as to be irreparable, and that it will be Clinton's fault?

If our strong, true, and persuasive case for smarter public policy is rejected by the people, who will have been the one to damage it? Will it have been the left, or will it have been the right?

We have six months now to work together. Even now, in the midst of this damaging primary, both candidates are helping define their opposition -- John McCain -- as "more of the same." Even now, independent groups are leveling attacks on the presumptive Republican nominee.

And six months, in the past, has been derided as a campaign that takes too long!

We have plenty of time, my friends. Won't you let us all voice our preferences at the booth, and then join us at the convention, where we will decide together on which excellent candidate will lead us both to victory?

I will be there. I hope you will join me.

Yours,

Amanda

* Thanks hn in comments for correction.