Obama or Clinton?

Most of you know me, you know I was firmly planted behind John Edwards, you know I still support John Edwards, and you probably know, as of this minute, I plan on voting for John Edwards in the WI primary.

What you probably don't know is that I don't want to.  I want to cast a vote that matters, a vote that will help my candidate, a vote that will ensure I am part of the process.  A process that I love and believe strongly in.

Well, this diary is going to tell you why I plan on voting for John, and how you can change that, if you so desire.

In my house, friendship, trust, and support is not given lightly or quickly.  Not to relatives, friends, co-workers, or politicians.  It must be earned and that doesn't happen overnight.  But once given, the bonds of loyalty kick in, and we will stick through thick, thin, and the middle.  We are not fair-weather friends, family, or supporters.

My father, Mr. Semper Fi himself, taught us that there is nothing more valuable we can give to another human being than loyalty.  And that lesson sunk in so well it is now part of our DNA.  

So giving up on John Edwards goes against every fiber of my being.  While he was still in the race, there was no way I would have NOT voted for him, no matter what the polls or numbers said.

But John is no longer in the race.  He has chosen to not endorse at this point, and my gut tells me there are a few reasons for this, not all of them favorable to the remaining candidates.

But then, I also have another personality trait to contend with.  I have made my living working with horses.  Ten times my weight with power and muscle I can only dream about.  My gut instinct has played a huge part in keeping my limbs attached, my bones unbroken, and my life continuing.  The few times I discounted what my gut was telling me about a horse, I paid for it in blood.  Consequently, my gut feelings are usually listened to, for my own welfare.

So, where does that bring me?  I have a negative gut feeling about Obama.  I don't like reaching out to Republicans - they will stab us in the heart and laugh walking away.  They've done it time after time after time, and to think otherwise is beyond naive, into the realm of idiocy.

Then we have the healthcare plan of Obama.  And it's not just his plan, which I have serious reservations about- it's the fact he just doesn't seem passionate about healthcare, it doesn't seem to matter to him.  This is my number one issue, and how do I vote for someone who doesn't give a damn about it?

Now we come to Hillary.  My gut tells me she's the only fighter left in this campaign, and I do believe we need a fighter right now.   I do believe she will do her very best to pass a healthcare plan.  I like her, as a person.   I think she's a great Democrat, a good woman, and smarter than smart.  However, Hillary has votes that concern me greatly:  Kyl-Lieberman for one.  And I am very worried about the general election against McCain.

Now, I'd appreciate comments addressing my specific concerns regarding each candidate.  Don't bother bringing up Iraq - I firmly believe each of them will get our troops home.  Don't bother bringing up Bill, as he's not running.  

Address my concerns with facts or passionate opinion, and we'll see what we see.