Let me start by acknowledging that in the last open cycle for Democrats in 2007-8 I posted a diary in which I accused one candidate of having become morally disqualified for the high office being sought. I am aware of that. I am no longer of that mindset, so if you want to bring that up yet again know that I have not forgotten it, and I will address it in this posting.
I have watched the back and forth in this primary season, having been very involved in the last two cycles — in 2003-4 I was very involved in the Dean campaign until it cratered, including going up to NH to volunteer for him over Thanksgiving Weekend. In 2007-08 I first supported people who did not run (Feingold and Gore) and then in order Vilsack, Edwards, and Obama, in each case with decreasing amounts of involvement.
I have announced my support of Clinton for this cycle, although I have no active involvement in her campaign.
And yet in light of some of the charges and counter chargers about character on all sides of the political divides (note the plural — there are those within the two major parties as well as those between the parties), and given my life experience with politicians — which goes far beyond the presidential campaigns aforementioned - I thought I would weigh in a bit on the question of politicians and moral character.
This is a personal viewpoint, and I share experiences not to brag about whom I know (although someone who has been politically active since his teens, is now in his 70th year, and lives near Washington DC will know a fair number of people), but rather to reflect on what I have observed over the years.
Please note, because of some of my participation in events in Virginia and because of people I knew through Haverford College, and because of my mother's activities when I was a teenager, I know people whose political affiliation would make them unwelcome here.
Let me also end this preface by noting that I will touch briefly on a number of people, but will then talk specifically about several politicians I have seen up close over a number of years, those being Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, Don Beyer, Frank O’Leary, Bob Edgar, and most of all Tom Vilsack.
Keep reading only if you are interested in seeing what I have to say, although I cannot stop you if all you are doing is looking for ammunition with which to bash either the people I discuss or me. Have at it.
