Dear Senator Clinton and Senator Obama:
I write today as a concerned member of the Democratic Party and an uncommitted
super
delegate.
I appreciated the manner in which you both conducted your campaigns during
the early
primary process. It was a manner that respected the other and tried
to highlight policy
differences without resorting to destructive smear campaigns.
In the
lead up to the March 4th primaries, the tone of both campaigns shifted
and the
civility that I had appreciated disappeared. The long term goal of
beating the Republican
nominee took a back seat to the short term goal of proving one's
viability by tearing down
the other Democratic candidate. We lost sight of the general election,
we lost sight of the
true opponent and if we continue to be shortsighted, I fear we will
lose in November.
The heated rhetoric between both campaigns has continued to intensify
as we head into
the Pennsylvania primary. While you trade barbs, McCain is uniting
the Republican Party
around his thinly disguised right wing agenda. In the next six weeks,
McCain can sit
back, amass his war chest, concentrate his base and delight as you
deconstruct each other.
I propose that you not allow him that luxury. You both claim to be better
suited than the
other to take on the so-called Straight-Talk Express, so prove it.
Run the next six weeks
of your campaign against McCain, not against the other Democrat. Go
after McCain for
his policy positions, not the other Democrat for theirs. Allow the
Democratic voters to
believe in a campaign that can provide a new direction for this country
and stop McCain
from continuing the failed policies of the Bush Administration. In
the end, it is the
candidate who can take the fight to McCain and win that deserves my
support and, most
importantly, the support of the Democratic Party.
Both of your campaigns have been built on the fundamental idea that
if elected, you will
bring about change. Let's change the way we are doing business in this
primary election.
In the last few months, you have been running for the Democratic nomination.
In the
next six weeks, I urge you start running for President.
Sincerely,
PETER A. DEFAZIO
Member of Congress
