Don't you want someone SMART?

My friend recently ask me the above question and my answer is stated below: (sorry for any typos -- I wrote in haste)

I agree that we need someone SMART. We also need someone who understand the Constitution and not afraid to change the status quo. Obama taught Constitutional Law. The last 8 years, we've had an administration who has been trying to destroy our Constitution and everything it stands for. We need someone who can uphold what it actually means. If we do, our country will improve and other countries will see that we follow our own laws rather than try to eliminate them.

We also need someone who is not too close to the special interest. The Clintons have been around too long for things to change. Politicians are politicians....they will not give up the chance to gain more power. If obtaining more power means conceding to special interest, they will eventually cave.

You also have to think about the general election. The primary is not just for you to vote for someone you like. You have to think about the strategy and how you can win the general election. If you think about it, Hilary is too divisive as a figure. Don't get me wrong, I like her stances on most issues. However, half of the country still hates the Clintons, especially Hilary. She will be seen as partisan a figure as Bush. Republicans will never want to work with her on any issues. If they don't work with her, she will never get things done when she's in office and we will have the same political environment we've had for the past 8 years.

If she is the democratic nominee, she will likely have to go up against either McCain or Romney. McCain is seen by the general public as a "straight talker" and someone who is rather moderate. He would easily win the republican votes in the general election and win a large portion of the independent voters. This will be too difficult for Clinton to overcome. If Romney is the nominee, he will destroy her just because he is a ruthless man who will do anything to win an election. He will come across as a strong business man who can fix the economy and portray Hilary as a radical Liberal (which I don't think she is). This country does not want a radical liberal. They want someone who can unify the country regardless of what party they are. Hilary just can't offer that right now.

As for Obama, if he wins the democratic nomination, he will be able to get a large portion of the religious voters because he is religious. If Romney is the nominee for the Republicans, some religious voters may vote for Obama rather than Romney because this country may not be ready for Romney's religious background. Religion is a bigger issue in this country than most believe. If McCain is the nominee, Obama will hopefully out debate him and he will not be seen as such a partisan figure as Hilary. This will neutralize the fact that McCain is seen as moderate and Obama will be able to win more independent voters than Hilary would be able to.

Finally, do you really want the same partisan political atmosphere we've had since Bush has been in office? We really do need someone who can bring both sides (Dems and Reps) to the table.