Hillary Clinton needs to let up

The last major democratic debate in California showed us the nicest side of both the democratic candidates. The face of showed unrivaled amicability between the candidates. There was even speculation that when all is said and done they might share the ticket. But then Obama started to close the gap. He won more states than Hillary on Super Tuesday. He won primaries and caucuses in the next ten states.

Hillary Clinton has gone into panic mode. She dipped deep into her own pockets to finance her own campaign. She fired her campaign manager. She launched attacks against Obama accusing him of plagarism, accusing his words of not having substance. She has insisted she is the "only one" who can beat John McCain in November. She has continually bragged about her "experience." If she is to defeat the odds and win the nomination, she will need a new tune. McCain certainly has her there.

For all her intelligence and experience there are a few things that Senator Clinton does not seem to understand. She has not learned to face setbacks with grace. Whoever is elected in November is going to face setbacks. They will need to communicate. They will need to listen. They will need to compromise. Over and over she has indicated that she is the only one who can do this job. Many Americans disagree. Many Democrats disagree, which was why they voted for Obama.

I am specifically offended by her insistance that Obama's campaign is based solely on words, that there is no substance behind them. Like many who support Obama, I look at the experiences behind what has motivated Obama to convey his message.

His life has been diverse, and not always easy, but he has overcome obstacles with hard work, intelligence, and ingenuity. He has hands on experience with the poor. Hillary Clinton's influence in getting Health Care to be taken seriously as an issue was impressive, but Michelle Obama's career in Health Care would surely be available as a resource to her husband. Obama's experiences are far different than Clinton's, but they are still worthy of consideration and respect. My choice as an American citizen to respect those experiences, as well as Obama's words deserves respect. By dismissing them she not only disrespects her opponent, but she disrespects me and the millions of Obama supporters she will need to convert into her camp if she does manage to secure the nomination.

It would be a tough sell. Humility is not her strong suit. Many would not come. Fot the sake of the party she needs to let up on Obama, focus on why she believes she is good for the country. She needs to respect the people of America, even if we sometimes disagree with her. If she does that there is a much bigger chance that we will return the favor.