Why I decided to go out on a limb for Hillary Clinton in Madison, Wisconsin

“When I consider what’s in their hearts, I think both Clinton and Sanders come out on the side of the angels; but when I compare their achievements in the past decades, the choice is clear. This is not the time in history for a ‘protest vote.’”

—Rolling Stone, endorsing Hillary Clinton for president

It’s hard being a Hillary Clinton supporter in Madison, Wisconsin. It’s not because I don’t believe she’s the best candidate to be president — it’s because of the climate of misinformation and downright nastiness I’ve seen directed at Hillary.

A lot of my friends “feel the Bern.” For the last several months, my Facebook page has been inundated with their posts of Sanders support — and sometimes, outrageous assaults on Hillary’s integrity. At first, as I saw the momentum build among the Sanders supporters, I appreciated their passion and enthusiasm. And I decided not to engage or argue with them. After all, I’m a progressive Democrat who appreciates Bernie Sanders — he’s just not my choice for president.

But as we’ve gotten closer to the primary here in Wisconsin on Tuesday, I decided I had to be as active and vocal on social media for Hillary as I’ve seen Bernie’s supporters be for him. This election is too important to not get in the discussion.

While it was hard to put myself at odds with people I love and respect, it isn’t hard to be on the side of what is best for the country. The thought of a skilled diplomatic mind in the White House with a resume of proven accomplishments makes it very easy to line up with Hillary. She has the experience, the track record, and the integrity to be the first woman president.

And yes, that matters. As the father of a 9-year-old mixed race daughter, it matters greatly. Hillary has been a fighter for families, women, minorities, and children for 30 years — from her early work at the Children’s Defense Fund to her dedication to advancing the rights of women, girls, and LGBT people around the world as Secretary of State. Her record on these issues matters to me. And it matters to my girl, and every girl in this country. You want to do something for girls in America? How about sending a brilliant, qualified woman to the White House — one who will fight for them every day?

This presidential election is not hypothetical or abstract. It will have very real consequences. As an American, I’m concerned about the Supreme Court. The next President could appoint more than one new justice, and we need a Democrat making those appointments.

As a Wisconsinite, I cannot sit by and allow our country to go the direction Wisconsin has gone under Governor Walker. With a Republican president, it surely would.

To the Bernie Sanders supporters out there: I’m fascinated and inspired by what you and your candidate have accomplished. And I hope that, should Hillary be fortunate enough to win the nomination, you will join her supporters across the country and enthusiastically cast your vote for her. There is too much on the line for people of color, the LGBT community, women, and our country to throw away your vote — or worse, vote for someone like Donald Trump to hasten the revolution. “Bernie or Bust” would be just that for our country: a bust.

And to the silent Hillary Clinton supporters in progressive places like Madison (and everywhere else, for that matter) afraid to state your opinion because of the potential backlash: You’re not alone. Now is the time for us all to be brave. Be loud. Be proud. This election is too important to not weigh in.

A candidate like this may not come around again in my lifetime. And I’m with her, Hillary Rodham Clinton, for all those reasons.

P.S. If you live in Wisconsin, don’t forget to vote this Tuesday, April 5th!