Keller @ Large: The Good News About Clinton And Trump
BOSTON (CBS) - Sorry, Bernie Sanders fans - it's over. Hillary Clinton has won more votes, more pledged delegates, and more super delegates than Sanders. And barring some monolithic, extremely unlikely turn of events - like Clinton being led away in handcuffs by FBI agents - it's going to be Clinton vs. Trump on your ballot in November, along with the minor-party candidates.
When people collar me on the street to talk politics, it's usually a common refrain - is this the best we can do?
So before we dive into what's sure to be one of the nastiest, ugliest campaigns in American history, I have wracked my brain to come up with positive things to say about the two major-party nominees.
Donald Trump is a man who has made a lot of money in some of the most competitive, heavily-regulated corners of our economy. Add in a proven ability to charm people into seeing things his way, and the skills he offers are not at all inconsistent with what's needed to navigate the Washington, D.C. morass.
Plus, Trump won the nomination because he correctly identified and persuasively spoke to the issues that worry many working-class people - illegal immigration and the damage done by economic globalization foremost among them.
Hillary Clinton will not need on-the-job training. She understands how Congress works, and knows foreign leaders and how they think. She is persistent and tough, two qualities the presidency demands. And like Trump, there can be no serious doubt that she loves our country.
Those may be among the last positive words you hear about these two until Election Day. Let's pray they are the attributes they will live up to if elected.