Democratic Unity (tm) has been a big phrase in the last month. As Barack Obama marched closer to clinching the delegate count, many in the media, and amongst us, wondered if Clinton supporters would change their allegiance to Obama and if Obama supporters would be forgiving in allowing their former rivals to join them in the campaign.
Good news: It's already happening on the home front.
Since the Democratic campaigns of both Senators began, the Blanco household has been divided.
Mamma Blanco, 35, supported Hillary Rodham Clinton. Her reasoning was that "it's time for a woman to take charge," and Hillary was the one to do it. Mamma attended Hillary bootcamps and signed up to do phone calls in the leadup to the Colorado Caucuses.
Pappa Blanco, 31, supported Barack Obama. His reasoning was that after hearing him on the Al Franken show for a long time, here was a man who could bring sides together. He's black and white. He's Christian, but not Evangelical. He's lived on the mainland, and off it. He's a Senator, but not over exposed to Washington. He welcomes everyone, of every belief.
For several months it's been tense. When we attended the caucus, we had the awkward situation of having Mamma (with baby) standing on the Hillary side of the room while Pappa stood on the Obama side. Obama won that day, but Pappa managed to secure a spot sleeping in the bed rather than the couch.
As months have gone by, and the likelihood of a Madame President slipped, tensions were high. But I am pleased to report that Mamma has accepted the Obama nomination and she is an official supporter.
You can't have fought a year for Hillary, and her policies and positions, and then abandon ship over hurt feelings. We're all Democrats, and I understand that pain. Remember Lamont vs. Lieberman? The Lieberman supporters were hurt, voted him anyway, and look what they got.
There will be a woman President someday. Hillary proved it can happen. She didn't get it this time, but hold your head up. Obama ran a campaign that will be admired and copied for years to come -- and he's the Democrat.
Four years of McCain won't make you feel better for your loss. Join the Blancos in their unity. Shake hands with your rivals. Take a little break...
And let's fight as ONE.