"Thots & Thoughts" is a column in which musings on dating, sex, race, religion, and politics all come together—from a bird's-eye view.
For much of the campaign and leading up to the Democratic National Convention, last night's historic moment was often categorized almost like an afterthought, which has a lot to do with Hillary Clinton's nomination appearing inevitable. Bernie Sanders ran a surprisingly strong insurgent campaign, but it became clear several months ago that he would be unable to defeat Clinton the way Barack Obama did eight years ago.
Even if it seemed unsurprising, history did happen last night, and we were immediately reminded why it took so long for the moment to manifest. Clinton is not touted for her oratory skills nor is she much of a campaigner. Hillary herself has attested to this, noting earlier in the year, "I am not a natural politician, in case you haven't noticed, like my husband or President Obama." No, but very little of that has to do with her smile volume and the sound of her voice, which was depicted in sexist terms such as “shrill,” “screaming,” and “sharp.”
Crooked Hillary Clinton made up facts about me, and "forgot" to mention the many problems of our country, in her very average scream!
I’m not entirely sure what an “average scream” means and I doubt Trump could explain it his damn self. What I can imagine, though, is that it is no surprise to many women that Hillary Clinton has spent decades of her life working, planning, compromising, and sacrificing to win this nomination only to end up facing off with a stupid, unqualified man for the job.
It is a testament to the unfair role gender continues to play in our society.
Nonetheless, it is a struggle among many my age and color to be excited about a Hillary Clinton presidency. That lack of enthusiasm is in many ways justified. There have already been countlessarticles written about the Clintons and the damage they’ve done to the Black community. Others have argued that the Hillary Clinton of 2016 will be better than the Bill Clinton of the '90s, though those have routinely gotten nothing more than a “K” in response.
If you listened to Hillary's speech last night, one cannot deny that she is far more progressive in tone than she’s ever been. Well, on domestic policy anyway. She continues to frighten me with her hawkish outlook on global politics, but with respect to domestic policy, there is a noticeable change in tone and language—and we owe Bernie Sanders and his movement for that.
Should Hillary win, I am hopeful but still unsure that she will make good on those promises. Whatever the case, I am not voting for the village idiot for president. Trump is a shining example of just how far one can go with no other virtues than being white, male, straight, and rich. Virtues he would use to become president and likely turn America into one big ass flea market largely patronized by Russians.
Trump is a shining example of just how far one can go with no other virtues than being white, male, straight, and rich.
That fear was clearly not enough to stop some of the Bernie-or-bust protesters from trying to spoil Hillary’s moment last night. During their heckling, I wished those disgruntled sore losers opted to sip some chill chased with a cup of shut up and let history happen in peace. This moment was not about them, or, frankly, about any of us ambivalent about the nominee.
There’s been a lot of focus on what a Hillary presidency would mean to older woman, but as the uncle of a seven-year-old girl already showing an interest in politics, I do relish in what last night (and what might be in November) means to her. Last fall, my niece put on a pantsuit and dressed like Hillary Clinton for a class project; she liked the idea of being whom she wanted to be the next president.
It is typically easier than not to nestle under the comfort of cynicism, but even if Hillary does not move me personally, I revel in her ability to instill the belief in my niece that one day, she can reach her level of success. I understand the limitations of symbolism, but I will never discount its overall impact.
The image of Hillary in that stunning white suit, accepting the Democratic nomination, is a moment that will live with people of every age and gender for the rest of their lives. Just as the image of Barack Obama accepting the Democratic nomination lives with me. I am more of a “Girl, I Guess I’m With Her” kind of Hillary voter, but last night, I do know she made lots of little girls—including one I love very much—feel limitless in their aspirations.
I can go back to judging her as I see fit today, tomorrow, and the days after, but on yesterday, I’m thankful for what she accomplished. Imperfect candidate or not, this country is better because of last night.
