It all boils down to who you like. No one actually concerns themselves with the details of real issues. Read the above responses to see exactly what I mean. When it comes to this "polarizing" issue about Hillary..... I am truly saddened. For it was the Republicans that built this myth in the early 90's, this blitzkrieg of negative attention for which they are so adept. How many people still think that Kerry was not a hero in Viet Nam due to the swift boat ads? As an independent or Democrat, are you so naive as to fall into that well devised trap? Why is it so easy to deceive the American public? Because it is so easy to hate... that's why. All you need do is direct it and those in the conservative religious movement are excellent orchestrators.
Both candidates advocate health insurance provided by privately held corporations. Under their plans the government will NOT be running health care. I actually favor a single payer system provided by the government. "Oh," you say, "that will never work". Do you actually believe the Republican PR campaign they've been feeding you all these years? Medicare runs with a 6% overhead and VA runs with a 2% overhead. Private insurance companies run at 33% overhead with hundreds of millions going to the top executives. You tell me... where is the money going? Healthier citizens? Nope. It's going into someones pocket as profit.... and not even taxed under the Bush tax cuts.
I'm reminded of that line in the movie "Paint Your Wagon". A Morman man came riding into the gold mining town with his two wives. The sex starved miners demanded that he auction off one of his wives to the highest bidder. The miners felt it wasn't fair for him to have two wives and every one else had none. The most attractive woman agreed. The husband, mulled the thought of a financial stimulus package around in his head and asked her "Why Sarah, you don't know what you'll get!" She responded with "Well, I know what I've had."
I'm not rooting for change just for change sake. But I am saying that what we have is completely broken and it does not work. Both candidates support propping up this current system. However, some regulation is in order under their plans which I do agree is the next best step. Both will require companies to provide plans which will insure every one even if they have serious pre-existing conditions.
The biggest difference between the two is that Clinton will mandate that everyone carry insurance. Under Obama's plan, people will be able to choose whether they will purchase insurance or not.
I've had a very difficult time deciding between Obama and Hillary. Obama is a natural leader. He is inspiring and a great orator. Hillary has a lifetime of public service. Both are members of great minority ranks. Last night in Obama's speech he started talking about issues for which I am passionate. He openly advocated equal rights for ALL people. He proposed help for college students in trade for their commitment to provide public service like time in the Peace Corp or serving as aids in nursing homes. It was at that moment he won me over. Now.... if he can get on board with rebuilding our infrastructure instead of giving wealth through tax cuts.... I'll be devoted.
Cindi