Why Democrats should hate that Republicans love Hillary

Here's an interesting article from RealClearPolitics: Republicans for Hillary. Your reaction to it might depend upon how strongly you agree or disagree with the following two statements:

When choosing a candidate in a primary, one should consider whether they can beat the other party's nominee in the general election.

-- or --

The only thing that matters when choosing a candidate in a primary is their stand on the issues--electability be damned.

I think I used to fall in the latter camp, until Nader's boneheaded move that cost the Democrats the 2000 election. (To those who voted their conscience and heart with Nader, I'd ask how you feel about the Iraq war. Do you think we'd be in Iraq had Gore won?) I personally find it difficult not to cast some blame upon the Nader voters for wasting a vote and helping Bush to get elected.

So I now find myself in the pragmatic camp, which is not something I'm particularly proud of. Nonetheless, since I want a Democratic president, I am going to consider who can win come November.

With that in mind, enjoy Republicans for Hillary. The article contends the Republicans "have wanted her to win because they think she's the weakest potential Democratic nominee." "She has the kind of negative ratings candidates usually have only after the battering of a general-election campaign, not before." The article quotes a Republican strategist who states, "It'll be hard as hell to run against Obama."

I know conservatives who'd consider Obama, and I know liberals who say they may not be able to pull the lever next to the name "Clinton." (Lever?!? Man, am I old school.) I feel I ought to consider that as I make my own selection.

My state's primary isn't today, but when it comes later this month, my mind is set.