Bush-Clinton Fatigue Inspires Obama Hopefuls in Tipton

While Cedar County farmers were out bringing in this year’s harvest, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama rolled into Tipton to discuss his rural policy agenda, “Real Leadership for Rural America.” Those who gathered at the Cedar County Fairgrounds, however, were more interested in hearing about the Illinois senator’s “real leadership” than the issues facing rural Americans. Most were drawn to the event with the hope that Obama can deliver on his promise to put an end to partisan politics.
Given its footnote in political folklore for being the only county in the nation where George Bush and Al Gore had tied in the 2000 election, Cedar County seemed a perfect place to bring the issue of divisive politics to the forefront. (Note: After an “official canvas” reviewing the final absentee ballots as well as votes that had been challenged, the tie was eventually broken days later with Al Gore winning by two votes.) The end-of-divisive-politics tone was established early with Barbara Cary’s introduction of Obama. Cary, a social studies teacher at Tipton High School, took the stage and explained why she was pushing for Obama. “I changed parties to caucus for Obama, because I’m tired of all the partisan politics.”

Obama took the stage and delivered his standard stump speech to more than 250 Cedar County residents who packed into the Matthews building on the fairgrounds’ site. While stating his case for why he should receive the nomination over his Democratic rivals, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards, Obama pitched his ability to get people who think differently to work together. “I have experience bridging the current division together in our society, and this is something I’m uniquely qualified to do.”

While most of Obama’s speech illustrated how he would offer a new face to politics that will repair all the damage left behind in the Bush administration’s wake, the focus shifted to Clinton during the question-and-answer session. Clara Oleson, a longtime Democratic activist of Cedar County, said, “I’m a 65-year-old retired female, and this year’s presidential election is revolutionary for women, because we have a viable female candidate running. Why should I vote for you and not Hillary?”

Obama was quick to indicate the reasons he cited earlier in his speech before beginning his response on a diplomatic note. “Hillary Clinton is a very capable person. She’s smart, tough, she cares about Democratic values, and she will try and advance them.”

To differentiate himself from his rival, Obama proceeded to answer the question. “But I also think what is needed in America is what she does not have. We need to bring the country together, because we can’t get things done with the kind of politics we now have,” Obama said.

“You can’t run a strategy that listens to the polls and only tinkers around the edges. This `50 + 1′ strategy of appealing to the middle will not advance major changes or reforms in Washington. You cannot pass major health-care reform with a slim majority,” Obama said. “With me, you’re taking a risk, whereas Hillary is a known commodity. With Hillary, we know what we are going to get, and if you want small change or a conventional approach to some of the biggest problems we face, then vote for Hillary. Don’t get me wrong here; Hillary’s conventional views are vastly different than those of George Bush, but not enough to repair the damage that has been done all over the world.”

Obama’s sentiments about divisive, appealing-to-the-middle politics were echoed by the Tipton locals who came to hear him speak searching for a new beginning in politics. Oleson said she was supporting Obama because of his judgment and leadership abilities. “He’s our best hope to get away from divisive, partisan politics,” Oleson said. “Besides, I’ve had a large dose of Clinton fatigue.”

The Clinton fatigue must have been contagious, for some of the Tipton residents felt the same way about a Clinton nomination and were drawn to Obama, who, for them, symbolizes a refreshing new face in politics. “I caucused for Edwards in 2004, and though I still like Edwards, I’m more drawn to Obama this time around,” said Shane Boeve, an elementary-school principal who lives in Tipton. “Obama’s character persuaded me to support him. We need somebody we can trust and follow, and I think Obama is the best choice.”

“Although I’m still a big supporter of Bill Clinton, I don’t feel the same way toward Hillary,” Boeve added. “In fact, she’s at the very bottom of my list, and I can’t see how she’s leading in the polls. I haven’t met anyone who is supporting her, but I keep hearing she’s leading by significant margins. Who are these people supporting her, and where are they?”

Tipton resident Troy Peters, who recently returned to college to get his teaching degree, shared Boeve’s sentiments. “Obama brings a fresh face to politics, and we need this to help turn around the divisive nature of D.C. politics,” Peters said. “I see Obama as somebody who can reach across the aisle and build consensus, unlike Hillary, who brings a great deal of ’90s baggage to the table that will only serve to polarize both parties. I realize most of this isn’t her fault, but regardless, the baggage is still there. I’m not ready for another four, or worse, eight years of polarizing politics that will divide the country even further. The past seven years have taught us firsthand what this can do to our country.”