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A Closing Argument For Dodd |
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This post is part of the candidate series on MyDD. I am not affiliated with the Dodd campaign in any way.
Chris Dodd has his closing argument on why Iowans should vote for him tonight, and I have mine.
The differences between most of the Democratic candidates this cycle are important, but small. In aggregate, the presidentials believe in getting out of Iraq, enacting universal health care, alleviating global warming, and rolling back the excesses and abuses of the Bush administration in various ways. Most voters must look beyond policy to rhetoric choose a candidate. That’s where some real differences lie.
For example, if you think the most important problem facing our country is the bitterness of partisan politics, Chris Dodd might not be your candidate. If you think the most important problem is the gap between the rich and the poor, Dodd again might not be your candidate. However, if you believe in the primacy of the rule of law, and the importance of acting on those beliefs, then Chris Dodd is your candidate.
The most important problem in our country, in my opinion, is Bush’s shredding of the Constitution. With signing statements, warrantless wiretapping, and the suspension of habeas corpus, among others, George Bush has reduced the bedrock philosophy guiding our nation to rubble. Chris Dodd is the candidate who will restore these founding principles because he is already working to restore them now.
Chris Dodd’s fight against telecom immunity is only the latest in a twenty year history of fighting for these values. He stands up for what America is all about - fair laws, equal rights, people power - and he has the experience to get things done.
I fully understand why most Americans support other candidates. As I said above, the differences are slight, but important. However, as someone who writes about politics on a daily basis, I understand that there is more to creating change in America than simply voting for a President every four years. Chris Dodd’s actions for change in the present are worth supporting, because someone so involved in getting things done right now could accomplish truly amazing things with a seat on the Oval Office.
If you can see that supporting this kind of strong action, even coupled to a long shot candidate, is vitally important, you have my deepest respect.
That said, I also understand the realities of the “morning after Iowa.” Dodd has built an amazing ground force in Iowa, and his online outreach has been some of the best this cycle. Yet, it is entirely possible that Chris Dodd will not be given a ticket to New Hampshire or to further primary races. Whatever happens, I am confident Dodd will continue fighting for the Constitution and the rule of law.
I just want to give a quick thank you to Jerome for allowing me to give my views on Chris Dodd to the MyDD community. It has been a pleasure getting to know everyone here.
Now, on to the caucus! May the best man or woman win!
(cross posted at MyDD)
