“Inslee has shown Democrats and the nation what true commitment, character, smarts and reality actually looks like. “ - coznaffect (DKos member)

Last night I watched Jay Inslee, in real time, announce that he was withdrawing from the presidential race on The Rachel Maddow Show. If you didn’t get a chance to hear his announcement and answers to her questions, you are probably missing the best parts.

Inslee is wise and humble enough to understand that he won’t be president but also recognizes that he indeed “moved the needle” of awareness, substantially bringing increased focus to the issues surrounding climate change. That’s quite an accomplishment.

Even before Rachel asked if the Governor favored any particular candidate, Inslee stated that he would make himself available to any and all of them, that his plans are open. He wants the team to win. He reiterated the point again when asked who he supports or won’t support, and then moved on.

Inslee is willing and wants to be part of the team. And we need him on the team, whoever the eventual nominee is. I hope we / the media don’t try to make it all about which one person he will endorse. That’s missing the main point of his gift.

His gift is for the country.

This is how we win.

It’s a marathon.

We win by sticking together as a team.