Acting Enthusiastic -- The Path to Unity for Hillary, Barack, and the Democrats

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS
by Christine Bowman

A political wise man once suggested that, as Democrats we fall in love, whereas Republicans fall in line.* This year Democrats sure did fall in love in the primaries, and now, for the general, we will need to make like Republicans, who have won 7 out of the last 10 presidential races (that was in Hillary's remarks today). We'll need to fall in line, whether we really feel like it or not.

It reminds me of a "feel-good" poster a friend of mine had up on her bookshelf years ago. It said, "Act enthusiastic, and you'll be enthusiastic." In other words, fake it if you must.

^{(Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)}
Oddly, those motivational self-help words stuck with me, and they have helped carry me through some adverse situations. I think they could be coming in to play now for Hillary Clinton and her many devoted supporters. It may be handy advice, too, for anyone who gets depressed when Obama picks his VP and it's not the one you hoped.

Hillary is acting enthusiastic now.

Sure, there was much to regret or dislike during the unexpectedly long and drawn out and fierce Democratic primary. Each of us who cared about it can think of at least a few things the "other" candidate did that seemed offensive and unforgivable. Their supporters and surrogates were even more insufferable. Mean. Unfair. Insensitive. Short-sighted. We Democrats suffered immensely at one another's hands.

But here the two of them are. Sharing a stage in "Unity" and acting enthusiastic about each other. And chances seem good that, by August or, certainly, November, they may actually be enthusiastic.

The funny thing is, in terms of psychology, acting does lead to changed feelings. When we change our behavior, like what we say about another person, or by acting polite and friendly in their presence, our own feelings and emotions also begin to change. It's a cognitive/behavioral principle that therapists exploit every day to help their unhappy or dysfunctional clients get better.

With this year's candidates, many of us really did fall hard in love. But we didn't all love the same candidate. It may take time to unite behind the guy who is left standing, but it's the healthy thing for the party to do.

Hillary is leading the way now, and for that we should all have some enthusiasm. Even if it requires a little acting at first.

In Unity, N.H., Clinton and Obama Set New Tone (NY Times)

*Quote ascribed to Bill Clinton.

A BUZZFLASH NEWS ANALYSIS

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