Hillary: Determination vs. Defiance
By Gordon E. Finley (06/02/08)
This is a quick, brief, and open letter to all remaining Democratic Voters, Delegates, Super Delegates and indeed to the Democratic Party itself as it gathers yet again in a circle to set up a final firing squad to select a Presidential Nominee.
As I look over the political landscape of this campaign, I am absolutely astonished how resolutely and rapidly the Democratic Party -- given the historically low ratings of the current Republican President and all members of Congress -- had a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain political advantage and then blew it. While a determination to win not only is an asset but also a political necessity (from memory it took Richard Nixon three tries before he finally made it) – oppositional-defiance combined with a willingness to win at all costs, including references to political assassinations, is a despicable and destructive character fault in a candidate.
As all citizens ponder their votes, I would urge one final consideration. As a nation, do we want a President who, when awakened by the red telephone in the middle of the night, can resolve crises with intelligence, character, and courage – or – do we want a President who, when setting foot on foreign soil, can’t tell the difference between incoming flowers and incoming enemy fire.
Gordon E. Finley
Gordon E. Finley, Ph.D. is Professor of Psychology at Florida International University.
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