Get Over It Already

One thing was apparent during the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton shared a lot in common. As a matter of fact, as the primary schedule moved forward and Obama pulled ahead, the chief obstacle for Clinton was trying to differentiate herself from Obama, on policy any distinction that would turn the tide, hard to come by. The similarities so striking, most debates turned into quibbling over details, a discussion of the fine print. Only when one compared Obama to McCain or Clinton to McCain, could you determine real, substantial differences in policy. With that objective truth clearly evident, I must say, I find it amazing to see so many former Clinton supporters unable to get over their personal bitterness.

The latest CNN poll shows a deadheat, but the real story is the following:

Sixty-six percent of Clinton supporters -- registered Democrats who want Clinton as the nominee -- are now backing Obama. That's down from 75 percent in the end of June. Twenty-seven percent of them now say they'll support McCain, up from 16 percent in late June.

"The number of Clinton Democrats who say they would vote for McCain has gone up 11 points since June, enough to account for most, although not all, of the support McCain has gained in that time," Holland said.

It is truly remarkable, that John McCain, the man vilified by the right-wing in his party, has been able to rally his troops, while the Democrats, in the best position in years, can't seem to GET OVER IT ALREADY. Remember all the attacks against McCain, whether Limbaugh, Delay, Santorum, Coulter and countless other wingnuts, the supposed base of the Republican Party? All that acrimony has essentially evaporated, and a strange twist of fate, it is now Democratic division that threatens to hand the Republicans the White House.

Obama didn't pick Hillary. Boo hoo. Is it really surprising, that a man who wants to put forth his own agenda doesn't want a meddling former President and his ambitious wife at his side? Political powerhouses aside, the fact Obama looked elsewhere is of no surprise to anyone who has an ounce of perspective. Besides, is that real the point, are people Hillary Democrats or Democrats? Every primary season is divisive, for both parties, and yet, consistently the former foes find a way to unite, because the stakes are high.

Is Obama a better candidate that Clinton? If I had my dithers, I'd probably lean slightly to Clinton, all things considered. But, that's not the point, is it? Obama's the nominee, and everyone can take solace in the fact that he represents the Clinton perspective in overriding fashion. Compare the policies, compare the rhetoric, compare the chasm with the Republicans. It's an easy call for Democrats, and yet a full third seem willing to hold a grudge.

In fairness, McCain is attractive to some Democrats, always has been, always will be, so this reality inflates the "bitter" numbers. However, that doesn't explain the huge defection contingent, and it really is strange to see how many have lost sight of the big picture. Isn't it time to move on?