From Hillary's viewpoint

" ‘If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.’

“And, even in the darkest moments, that is what Americans have done. We have found the faith to keep going.”

As she evoked Harriet Tubman’s rescue of slaves escaping to freedom along the Underground Railroad, it was clear to me that Hillary Rodham Clinton had just described her public life before and during her run for the presidency.

In her address last night to Democrats gathered in Denver, Senator Clinton, with these words, evoked for me so many memories of a pack of media mad dogs at her heels.

Incredulously, the rabid right was joined in the pursuit by Simon Legrees of the left.

No matter what her critics dished out, she maintained her dignity. And, she never let me down.

In my inbox this morning:

Dear B. J.,

Standing on that stage tonight in front of 20,000 Democrats unified behind Senator Obama, I saw a bright future for America. I saw millions of people across the country working as one to elect the next Democratic President. I saw a new President and a new Congress giving a voice to the voiceless. I saw America, the land of endless potential, regaining its role as a leader in the world.

I couldn't be prouder of our party, of our nominee, and of all the work you and I have done together over the course of this campaign on behalf of the American people.

I knew that as I stood in front of that podium, I wasn't alone. I had you, and everyone who has supported me, standing right up there with me. And that means the world to me.

Thank you again for everything you've done. Now, let's get to work helping elect Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and all of our great Democratic candidates!

Sincerely,

Hillary

Many times as a blogger I attempted to extol the merits of this great American only to be met with comments such as:

“Now, for some fun, the next time you see Mrs. Clinton prancing around a stage, wireless microphone in hand, turn down the sound and begin to sing ‘The hills are alive. . .’ "

At the outset of the Democratic primaries, I wrote that my support of Hillary had nothing to do with gender or race, but was a decision made after many years of following this amazing woman’s life choices.

Last night as she exited the convention stage, Hillary passed through a room full of Obama staffers who rose in unison and gave her a standing ovation.

Obama supporters want Hillary’s faithful to come into his camp. I hope, in turn, they will come to realize this woman has something neither money nor votes can buy – class.