I support the Democratic Party

These days, it seems like it's not ok to support BOTH Hillary and Obama. But if you're a Democrat, you should because remember, the point is to beat the Republicans in the general election. Both candidates would be great in the White House, and their policies are pretty much the same. I have made a choice between them. I want Hillary to win the nomination. That said, I like Obama too, admit that he may be more electable (since he doesn't face the unfair and unfortunate hatred that Hillary does, and yes, life isn't fair), and would support him as well. I'm wondering if it will it be possible for the Democratic Party to rally around the nominee regardless of who it is.

I understand that this is a competition between the two of them, but I agree with Paul Krugman that this whole process has become overly bitter and hateful. Krugman has identified a source of all of the animosity: Hillary has been subjected to "Clinton rules." (see column). As he explains in the column,

What’s particularly saddening is the way many Obama supporters seem happy with the application of “Clinton rules” — the term a number of observers use for the way pundits and some news organizations treat any action or statement by the Clintons, no matter how innocuous, as proof of evil intent.

Don't get me wrong. In general, I like low blows - they are funny, satisfying, and easy. They are a significant part of my friends' and my humor (one friend likes to keep a list of the best ones). So, I understand the temptation, and I admit to having engaged in them myself (despite liking both candidates!). But, I think it's best if we stop doing it within our own party.

I also found it interesting that Krugman thinks Obama's campaign is close to becoming a "cult of personality." I was just thinking the same thing last week - going a step further, it seems like supporting Obama is a religious endeavor. Perhaps this is another reason why it's Obama or nothing for some people.

My point is I like both candidates and would support both of them. And for the sake of our party, I hope that others will do the same when inevitably, Hillary or Obama loses the nomination.

Update 2/19 - A couple of Times articles of late have been discussing further the cult of personality and "civil religion" of Obama's campaign and diagnosing people with "Obama Comedown Syndrome," withdrawal from the drug hope offered by The Chosen One. I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking it's all slightly bizarre (of course, that's because I find religion bizarre).