Tomorrow Senator Clinton will speak at a rally here in Washington D.C. I will be there. Amidst all the speculation going on now with regard to what will happen at that rally, nobody - nobody - other than Senator Clinton really can know what she will say. For my own part, therefore, I am exercising patience, not reacting before there is anything to which to react. But that is relatively easy for me because I recognize Senator Clinton for the talented, mature adult that she so clearly is. Therefore, I will respect whatever course she decides to adopt with regard to how she approaches her own political career at this rather delicate moment. Now, for me at least, this is the crucial difference between somebody like Senator Clinton and somebody like Senator Obama. I have yet to be convinced by him that he deserves my respect; and I cannot vote for somebody I do not not respect. Senator Clinton earned a lot of people's respect over the course of this primary season, including respect from some who never expected to give it to her. She did it the hard and honest way: by speaking to as many people as possible, regardless of the obstacles, to persuade them that she deserved the job of being the President of the United States. Not many folks from the current Democratic Party establishment stepped up to help her make her case. And Senator Clinton did not need that, perhaps understanding that true leadership requires one to make one's own case. Today a friend, a veteran, received this message from Wesley Clark:

From: Wes Clark Subject: Unite Behind Barack Obama

Dear _____, There has never been a more important election in my lifetime — with a war waging, gas prices at record highs, our health care in crisis, and our nation’s standing around the world severely diminished. I spent the last year traveling across the country talking to great Americans in Iowa, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas, South Dakota, Indiana and many other places. They all agree on one thing: This country needs new leadership, and it’s time for change. Many of you in the Clark community answered the call. Some of you worked tirelessly for Senator Clinton while others poured hours into Senator Obama’s campaign. You did this because you were willing to sacrifice your time and energy to bring the change we so desperately need. I can’t thank you enough for all you have done. Now I am asking you to come together and make sure Barack Obama is our next president. This is a critical mission. Hillary Clinton ran an amazing race. She inspired millions. Our party is a better party because of her campaign, and our nation is a better nation because of her service. She is and will always be a friend whom I admire. I congratulate Senator Barack Obama on securing the nomination. His historic campaign has touched lives and his message has moved people in every corner of America. I believe he is not only ready for the challenge but will be a great President. It’s time our party comes together to stand behind Senator Obama as we move forward in this election season. I look forward to doing everything I can to help Senator Obama’s campaign. While I respect John McCain’s service, I know exactly what he stands for — Bush’s third term. America is a great nation, and our people deserve more. We need Barack Obama to be our next president. Sincerely, Wes Clark Wes Clark's voice is just another in the chorus demanding that people cast their ballots for Senator Obama. But you cannot demand people's votes, you have to earn them. And at the end of the day you have to earn them for yourself. So far, Senator Obama does not seem to have cottoned on to this critical point. He may think that by declaring himself the nominee and turning his attention to John McCain he is indeed making the case to voters that he deserves their votes. This is folly. Should Senator Obama become the Democratic nominee at the Democratic National Convention, he simply cannot beat John McCain without first convincing Clinton Democrats that we should vote for him. This is going to be a very tough job, but then again so is being President of the United States. The only person who can earn the votes he will need if wants to beat John McCain is Senator Obama. That is, if Senator Obama does in fact become the Democratic Party's nominee. That too is another matter on which we are waiting.