I used to be an Independent. The 2000 election taught me better. Now I’m a Democrat and, you will see, Obama supporter. I’m watching our party turn on itself. Please consider these points of logic in your swift resolution of this problem.

1. Which candidate has demonstrated leadership abilities by running an efficient, profitable campaign, and which has struggled against debt and turnover? This should be a fair indication for the future.

2. The "Republican attack machine" was able to smear an American veteran; neither of our candidates will be immune. But one of them reacts to attacks more calmly under pressure.

3. Just because Democrat H wins a state against Democrat O does NOT mean that Democrat O can’t win it against a Republican. Especially when the margins were small.

4. Whose supporters are more likely to stick around and vote for any Democrat, come November? The answer would be, long-time Democrats. But first time-voters and cross-over Independents and Republicans who are voting for a candidate over a party must be retained. This primary season’s voter involvement and record registration is magic. Do we really want to stifle that?

5. Don’t confuse legitimate outrage with "hard feelings" or "pouting." Pundits say, "No matter who gets the nomination, there will be hard feelings." True, as always. But if superdelegates choose Obama, they name the already established winner. If they choose Clinton, they disenfranchise that established winner. This would result not in "hard feelings" but righteous outrage.

6. Who has done the party more damage? One candidate has implied that even McCain is a better choice than the other, has implied her opponent has not passed some imaginary threshhold, has used pages from the Republican playbook. The other has run a relatively clean campaign, to the point that he gets accused of "not fighting back." He knows what he is doing--he is protecting the party. And finally....

7. What do we really want the Democratic party to be about? Listen to Obama and to Clinton. Notice how often Obama uses "we" instead of "I," treating Americans as adults who have a hand in our own country rather than children waiting for a fairy god-president to solve our woes. Notice how often Clinton uses "I" as if she plans to extend the emperial presidency. Keep in mind the checks and balances of our founding fathers, and NOTICE. Please.

Consider all this, and then tell me -- whom should the Democratic leadership back, in ending our current chaos, and how soon can you do it? The earlier endorsers will get the most attention. Once the avalanche of support begins, you will just be part of the deluge.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Yvonne Jocks
Novelist, College Teacher, Texas County Delegate