I know the rules say no calling out other diarists, but I think it's about time we stood up as a group and acknowledged the efforts of one person, in particular-- Alegre.
There's nothing more noble than laying your heart on the line for a candidate you believe in, and working yourself to the bone for them day after day. There's nothing more painful than absorbing a never-ending stream of verbal abuse from the supporters of your candidate's opponents.
It takes real courage, leadership, and leather-tough skin to take all that and keep going, staying positive and upbeat no matter what the circumstances.
Most of us have experienced the crushing angst of watching our favorite candidate come up short in the final tally. For me, it was first Al Gore, then Howard Dean, then John Edwards, and now Hillary Clinton. I can't ever seem to win-- but that's another story for a different day.
On a personal level, it isn't winning that's important. It's working as hard as you possibly can for what you believe in, standing up to the powers that be, and looking out for the interests of those who are less fortunate or less capable than you. That's what defines our humanity.
No matter what the headlines were each day, I knew that I could come here and be re-inspired by Alegre's diaries. I could get my daily dose of optimistic energy, in a sea full of negativity.
To me, Alegre is a shining example of what is still good in American politics.
And for that, I salute her.
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