January 21, 2008
In the wake of the Iowa caucuses you managed to pinpoint the sentiments
of the American people better than any TV pundit.
Together with Senator
Obama, you were able to beat the entrenched Clinton machine and send
the signal that change was on the way. As you said that night, "the
status quo lost, and change won."
Later your remarks were even more astute when you were asked if you were surprised by the results in Iowa:
I actually am not that surprised. People were looking
for something different—looking for change. I mean, Senator Clinton in
many is the status quo, and people are tired of the status quo. And, as
is well known, she was and has much organization and money—[but] she
still finished third! I think what that is—is a very powerful
indication of a wave for change in this country, and I think what
happens now is we go to New Hampshire and other states where the voters
are going to have to decide who—between myself and Senator Obama—can
best bring about change.
You were right then, and you have been vindicated by the results of all
the democratic contests to date. In Iowa, you and Senator Obama
received 68% of the vote to only 29% for Senator Clinton. In New
Hampshire, you and Senator Obama received 54% of the vote compared to
only 39% for Senator Clinton. Only in Nevada could Clinton eke out a
narrow victory with 51% of the vote compared to the 49% who supported
either you or Senator Obama. The message is clear. The American people
are demanding change.
However, a strange and troubling development is taking place. While the
American people's cries for change could not be clearer, the current
dynamics of the race for the Democratic Nomination are now biased for
Senator Clinton. The simple truth is that you and Senator Obama are
splitting the votes of the vast majority of Democrats and thereby
allowing Senator Clinton to claim a small plurality. Her plurality
means that while the majority of people are clamoring for change, their
hopes and dreams appear doomed to failure. Thus, Senator Clinton will
use her thin plurality to win the Democratic nomination—and once again
the American people will be deprived of the opportunity to vote for
real change.
Faced with that prospect, we implore you to reconsider your decision to
continue your bold fight for the Democratic nomination. While your
fight has been noble, we all must face reality: John, it is a simple
fact that you will not be the Democratic nominee for President this
year.
Traditionally, the Democratic National Convention provides the platform
where competing Democratic candidates lay aside their differences and
unite behind the nominee. But, this year waiting until the Denver
convention will not work. The forces for change must unite before the Denver convention in order to guarantee that the status quo does not remain entrenched.
Therefore, it has become crystal clear by the results of the primaries
—Senator Obama has bested you on every occasion—that the time has come
for you to suspend your presidential campaign and endorse him.
Your endorsement of Barack Obama will unite all of us seeking positive,
meaningful and necessary change. When we are united, we will be too
strong to fail, and you will be hailed as the architect of change.
Sincerely,
Michael Carmichael & Rev. Harold Pulley
 |
American Politics 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
