[W]e also have a good idea what a Clinton presidency would look like. The restoration of the Clintons to the White House would trigger a new wave of all-out political warfare. That is not all Bill and Hillary’s fault -- but it exists, whomever you blame, and cannot be ignored. Hillary Clinton doesn’t pretend that it won’t happen; she simply vows to persevere, in the hope that her side can win. Indeed, the Clintons’ joint career in public life seems oriented toward securing victory and personal vindication.
Sen. Obama’s campaign is an argument for a more unifying style of leadership. In a time of great partisanship, he is careful to talk about winning over independents and even Republicans. He is harsh on the failures of the current administration -- and most of that critique well-deserved. But he doesn’t use his considerable rhetorical gifts to demonize Republicans. He’s not neglecting his core values; he defends his progressive vision with vigorous integrity. But for him, American unity -- transcending party -- is a core value in itself.
From all the reader comments on blogs and news articles that I spend an unhealthy amount of time reading, it's very clear that a lot of the Democrats who want to fight (and, in some cases, "dance on the graves of Republicans") are for Hillary, and the people who want unity are for Barack. Why there is even a moment's argument about which path is better is absolutely beyond me.
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