The new Time poll this am shows that Obama beats McCain 48-41, while McCain and Hiliary tie, 46-46. It makes the point that independents break for McCain when he is matched against Hiliary, but they go for Obama when the match up is Obama v. McCain. This has always been the crux of my argument for supporting Obama. (There are other arguments to be sure, but this is the one that makes the case to me.)
Link:
TPM story
This is not identity politics for me. I am a professional woman (not a "young" college-age student). I am not black. However, my husband is and thus my children are mixed-race, could-not-pass-as-white. So I could identify with both candidates on an emotional level. But that is not how I choose. I think both Hilary and Obama are substantive candidates. Actually, no question that Hiliary would be amazing at maneuvering the levers of government, etc. (Although, I have disagreed with some of her campaign tactics in the past month.) I think Barack is visionary enough to put together a leadership of this country that would also be very effective. So while there are qualititative differences, I think they would both be very good, very effective leaders.
But I also live in a red state. And I know just how much people despise Hilliary. It is rediculous, and somewhat unfounded, but true. Many would line up to vote for WHOMEVER against her. Furthermore, Obama appeals to republicans in my community whom I never suspected would even consider a democrat. The issue is electibility. Hiliary cannot win it against McCain, and if she could, it will be such a divided electorate, that there will be more gridlock than change in the years to come. I also think that down-ticket democrats in some of the purple states could be hurt by her on the top of the ticket. I am a democrat and very motivated to see an end to republican destruction of our country. The Time Poll this am should be the start of loud talking points about why the democrats should nominate Obama to be the democratic candidate.