Recent polls have stated that 60% or so of those watching the Democratic primaries are delighted with the candidates. The past few years have witnessed the Democrats putting the strongest contender (rather than the best person) on the ballot, and in this climate of change, ideas may actually be important. (i.e., we get to vote FOR someone rather than AGAINST someone else.)

I love the primaries (in both parties) because the candidate’s haven’t homogenized their platforms yet. Stump speeches haven’t had their rough edges polished. Policies are bold and innovative, and candidates are still figuring out how to water them down to appeal to mixed bedfellows, such as autoworkers and environmentalists. Because the campaign analysts haven’t had much time to oversurvey and focus group every little idea, it’s still unknown as to what cocktail of vision and suibstance are going to sell. As we travel closer to the spigot that is the Democractic primary, we’ll see more co-opting and borrowing. 

The Economist had a great article on Hillary’s candidacy. I once waited 4 hours in the rain to meet Hillary when she was touring with her book It Takes a Village to Raise a Child. I realize that many consider her a polarizing figure, and I have never understood why. It seems to be mostly personal dislike. Is it because of her husband? Is it because she’s opinionated? Or too curt and not smiley enough? I could understand opposing her based on policies, but I don’t understand how people HATE her.

Regardless, public opinion is split and the Economist correctly points out that Hillary may be more effective and mending rifts abroad than at home.