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[bigtree]

87. in the general election, it's either the republican or the Democrat, unless there's some maverick

. . . independent bid that blows everyone's socks off. I'm sorry, I just can't see that happening. It's going to be a choice between a McCain or an Obama; a Romney against our Democrat. That's the reality.

The ideal of our party structure is to organize around those issues we manage to agree on, and, hopefully work toward the resolution of the rest. That's the rationale for supporting advancing candidates under our Democratic banner who we may well disagree with on some issues. That's the rationale for voting for a Democratic presidency.

Our Democratic platform remains the most effective vehicle available for elevating our ideals and initiatives to the point where they can be considered, and hopefully, agreed on. I imagine that, if I was born in the days of Lincoln, I'd likely be a republican railing against the notion and practice of State's rights, be-damned any other issue which contradicted that.

We choose the best coalition because it's a challenge in our political system to advance one ideal or the other to fruition and perpetuity. We are challenged to unite -- even as we hold our separate interests, needs, and expectations.

That's why I'm a Democrat. That's why I support a Democratic presidency. It is the most effective vehicle available that has the potential for elevating my own particular concerns into action or law.