Where is my Barack tee shirt? I thought to myself this week as I watched history being made on CNN. Where's my My Mama's for Obama baby onesie? Where's my Obama for Change potholder? My Barack & Roll boxer shorts?
Where's my Obama is My Homeboy trucker cap?
It's not like me not to wear my heart - or my candidate - on my sleeve, as my junk drawer scattered with worn Wes Clark, Al Gore, and John Kerry memorabilia would indicate. Deep in my closet somewhere, I even have the Hillary silkscreen tee that I proudly purchased at Marc Jacobs in my perkier-boobed days during her Senate run in New York. I think it's a size negative 12.
But last week I pulled the lever for Obama. So why no Hanes Beefy T with his likeness on the chest? I had to think hard.
Looking back at my political memorabilia, my buttons were as much a vote for the candidates as a vote for "not the other guy." My support of John Kerry may have been lukewarm at best - though God help me, I would have killed to have Theresa up there as First Lady - but my support for Not Bush was fierce and strong and unwavering.
And suddenly it became clear to me.
I may have pulled for Obama, but I'm not prepared to say "Not Hillary." I burst into tears when I saw a woman's name up to the right of the squeaky old lever in the voting booth last Tuesday. I still have some conflicted feelings for not having supported her. (Yes, I'm supposed to be bigger and cooler and smarter than that, but I guess I'm not.) And if indeed she's the candidate, I'll campaign for her like nobody's business.
But until then, I'm perfectly content to join the 70% of Democrats who agree that we've got two fine choices this year. And until one of them is the nominee, I think I'll keep my wardrobe slogan-free.
-Liz's very first Momcrat's post
Welcome! It's so great to have you over here!
Posted by: PunditMom | February 13, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Very well said! I feel EXACTLY the same way about casting my vote "NOT FOR THE OTHER GUY." This election is different. We actually have some candidates I WANT to vote for, a man who actually inspires Americans and wow there's a woman too! *pinching myself*
Posted by: Random Chick | February 13, 2008 at 11:26 AM
You've captured exactly the reason there is no Obama bumper sticker on my car--John Edwards' is on my car and shall remain there, but I can't quite commit to an Obama sticker...just yet. It's also the reason why, while I did put an Obama sign in my yard because my neighbor gave me one, it's right next to John Edwards' sign which isn't going anywhere either. While Hillary was never a top choice of mine, I'm not willing to "commit" by wearing or displaying just Obama gear. I hope that both she and John Edwards find a way into Obama's administration (me being a + thinker). But a MOMocrats shirt? I'd wear that. Which reminds me...
Posted by: Stefania/CityMama | February 13, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Welcome, Liz! So happy you are joining us. Like Stefania, I still have the Edwards sticker. I think it says something about who I am as a voter and what I believe.
Fadiddle.com has "I *heart* my MOMocrat" shirts that you can special order for your little ones. My son wears his proudly.
Posted by: Glennia | February 13, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Welcome Liz! I have been thinking the same thing - but there are some cute Obama shirts out there. Check here: http://www.superobama.com/shop.cgi/womenshirts.
I was thinking that that shirt I really want to wear is - "I heart Universal Health Care!" or " I heart health care that actually pays for the things I need!"
Posted by: xiaolinmama | February 13, 2008 at 11:58 AM
i've been in this same place. in just the last week or so i've noticed my excitement when Obama wins a primary. then i let it settle, and realize, it's where i'm leaning.
Posted by: jen | February 13, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I remember being in charge of making "Vote for Jimmy Carter" buttons in 6th grade. Then again, I wore bi-centennial socks that year, too ;o) Nice post, Liz.
Posted by: Liz | February 13, 2008 at 12:04 PM
My sister once said of Garry Trudeau that he understands everything. I'm beginning to feel that way about you. When there's a wealth of quality (when's the last time we had that?) there's also a painful choice to make. You said it all. What a great post!
Posted by: Cynthia Samuels | February 13, 2008 at 01:31 PM
And I actually had posted on this same topic at PunditMom's Spin Cycle last week!
The only political sticker I've ever put on a car was the "no W" sticker!
Posted by: PunditMom | February 13, 2008 at 02:20 PM
PunditMom - I still have a W=not my president sticker, all wilty and pathetic in the rear window.
And Xiaolin mama, if you're looking for a great Obama tee for the kiddos, check out lowercasetee.com
Posted by: mom101 | February 13, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Very good point you have there. I've come over from Mom101 and plan to look around here a bit. My kids have made me a bit more political too.
Posted by: My Kids' Mom | February 13, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Welcome, Liz. It's so great to read you here!
You just summed up my feelings too. I voted for Obama but I could support Hillary too. What a horrible choice to have, right? (-:
Posted by: Lawyer Mama | February 13, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Seriously. I've been dreaming about having a woman for president for as long as I can remember. Sigh.
Posted by: Lauren | February 16, 2008 at 06:47 PM
My desire for NOT BUSH is still so vehemently strong that I'll get behind whoever it may be. My heart follows Obama around like a lovestruck puppy, but Hillary will make my heart sing to the heap of burning bras if she's chosen!
The simple fact that I'm not 'meh' about our choices is so beautiful. I'll truly *want* and support him/her when the day comes. And not because he/she isn't the better of two evils.
Posted by: Renée | February 17, 2008 at 07:41 AM
So perfectly said, seriously! I felt the same way. I pulled the lever for Hillary but I wasn't anti Obama. When I pulled the lever for Kerry I was SO ANTI BUSH, still am.
I can't say that I've totally made a choice. We need change. We need one of them. I do lean more towards Hillary because of her experience but if Obama takes Edwards as his running mate, I may go Barack and never go back!
Posted by: Alison | February 17, 2008 at 06:04 PM
I feel the same way. Couldn't have been said better. Each time I go to purchase an Obama shirt I think of Edwards and my heart twinges. I hope he is Obama's running mate and then I'll go forth and purchase bumper stickers, tiny t's, onesies and more!
Posted by: Vicky | February 18, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Great post. Today I was so upset to see Hillary dissing Obama for plaigarizing. Because I very strongly support Hillary and I feel she's the best choice, but what if Obama gets the nomination - what greater good does anyone bashing his character serve at this point? I'm just annoyed. If he gets the nomination, he will be awesome and I'll hope he wins, we all need to be careful who we're criticizing in these early periods -- in the end we'll stand together most likely.
Posted by: MommyWithAttitude | February 18, 2008 at 09:30 PM
hey ppl
Posted by: lilly | August 21, 2009 at 07:02 AM
omg guys....i have enough money for a ipod touch and im gonna get one but my mom sais not TODAY!!! BUt I really want it now!!! What should I do???
Posted by: lilly | August 21, 2009 at 07:04 AM