Even though it’s not yet 2008, politicians have begun to announce their respective candidacies for the presidency. It’s still quite early in the race; at this point we have no way of knowing who will join the race, who will bow out, what skeletons will emerge from which closets… and we certainly have no way of knowing just who the Democratic nominee will be. However, ever since the 2004 Democratic Convention, when I watched Barack Obama’s keynote speech (and found myself wishing that he – not Kerry – were the Democratic nominee), I’ve been hoping that he’d run in 2008. With Obama’s recent announcement that he is indeed throwing his hat into the ring for 2008, I’ve decided to support him.
Now, as much as I was blown away by his keynote speech at the convention (you can watch it here, or you can download it for free from i-tunes), I’m not going to back a candidate solely on the basis of his oratory skill. (If nothing else, Reagan was an exceptional speaker, and we all know that I never would have voted for the man. You know, had I not been all of two and six when he was running.) I did some research into the Democratic Big 3: Obama, Hillary and John Edwards. They all have very similar records/views when it comes to the issues I care about, specifically things like Roe v. Wade, contraception, stem cell research, etc. HOWEVER: Both Edwards and Hillary both gave into Bush’s obviously bullshit request to authorize the invasion of Iraq. That makes Obama the only candidate of the three who is untainted by the choice to send our troops into the desert. Granted, Obama wasn’t a Senator at the time, although he says that he wouldn’t have voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq. Of course, he has the benefit of making this statement after the fact, knowing what we know now. I was vehemently opposed to the invasion of Iraq back before this whole mess began, and I would like to think that there’s a politician or two out there who share my views. I would like to believe that Obama would be one of them.
Another thing I like about Obama is his Christianity and his willingness to court the Christian vote is an asset. Now, coming from me, this probably sounds mighty strange, as I am not religious whatsoever. However, as much as I would love it if the world would suddenly decide to share my point of view in this matter, I acknowledge that will never happen. Americans are a pretty religious bunch. Too long have the Republicans courted the religious vote, portraying the Democratic Party as a bunch of godless heathens, hell bent on destroying America. I think it’s about time the Democrats stopped shying away from religion; doing so simply allows Karl Rove, et al, to swoop in and snag Republican votes. (Somebody PLEASE remind the Religious Right that “turning the other cheek” is really not the same as bombing the shit out of one’s enemies.) However, even though Obama is a committed Christian, he also believes strongly in the separation of Church and State. Best of both worlds.
So those are some of the reasons why I’m supporting Barack Obama. But can he win? I don’t know. I hope so, but I just don’t know. I wonder if America is ready for a “black” candidate. (I put that in quotes because, as my father pointed out, if his mother is white and his father is black, isn’t he just as much a “white” candidate as a black one? But let’s face it, most people are going to take one look at this fellow’s skin color and label him “black.”) I myself am not so sure that America is ready for Obama, just as I’m not too sure that America is ready for Hillary either. Strategically, a vote for Edwards would be safer, but I very much prefer Obama over Edwards. I’ve talked about this electability issue with Nick before. His idea is that as long as the Democrats don’t waste too much time and money campaigning in the South, and instead focus on more “winnable” states, both Obama and Hillary stand a chance. I am not so sure either that the Democrats would essentially give up the South, or that the rest of America contains fewer bigots than the South.
This week’s discussion: What are your thoughts on Obama, Hillary and Edwards? Obama’s Christianity? The likelihood of a female or a person of color being elected President of the United States?
Now, as much as I was blown away by his keynote speech at the convention (you can watch it here, or you can download it for free from i-tunes), I’m not going to back a candidate solely on the basis of his oratory skill. (If nothing else, Reagan was an exceptional speaker, and we all know that I never would have voted for the man. You know, had I not been all of two and six when he was running.) I did some research into the Democratic Big 3: Obama, Hillary and John Edwards. They all have very similar records/views when it comes to the issues I care about, specifically things like Roe v. Wade, contraception, stem cell research, etc. HOWEVER: Both Edwards and Hillary both gave into Bush’s obviously bullshit request to authorize the invasion of Iraq. That makes Obama the only candidate of the three who is untainted by the choice to send our troops into the desert. Granted, Obama wasn’t a Senator at the time, although he says that he wouldn’t have voted to authorize the use of force in Iraq. Of course, he has the benefit of making this statement after the fact, knowing what we know now. I was vehemently opposed to the invasion of Iraq back before this whole mess began, and I would like to think that there’s a politician or two out there who share my views. I would like to believe that Obama would be one of them.
Another thing I like about Obama is his Christianity and his willingness to court the Christian vote is an asset. Now, coming from me, this probably sounds mighty strange, as I am not religious whatsoever. However, as much as I would love it if the world would suddenly decide to share my point of view in this matter, I acknowledge that will never happen. Americans are a pretty religious bunch. Too long have the Republicans courted the religious vote, portraying the Democratic Party as a bunch of godless heathens, hell bent on destroying America. I think it’s about time the Democrats stopped shying away from religion; doing so simply allows Karl Rove, et al, to swoop in and snag Republican votes. (Somebody PLEASE remind the Religious Right that “turning the other cheek” is really not the same as bombing the shit out of one’s enemies.) However, even though Obama is a committed Christian, he also believes strongly in the separation of Church and State. Best of both worlds.
So those are some of the reasons why I’m supporting Barack Obama. But can he win? I don’t know. I hope so, but I just don’t know. I wonder if America is ready for a “black” candidate. (I put that in quotes because, as my father pointed out, if his mother is white and his father is black, isn’t he just as much a “white” candidate as a black one? But let’s face it, most people are going to take one look at this fellow’s skin color and label him “black.”) I myself am not so sure that America is ready for Obama, just as I’m not too sure that America is ready for Hillary either. Strategically, a vote for Edwards would be safer, but I very much prefer Obama over Edwards. I’ve talked about this electability issue with Nick before. His idea is that as long as the Democrats don’t waste too much time and money campaigning in the South, and instead focus on more “winnable” states, both Obama and Hillary stand a chance. I am not so sure either that the Democrats would essentially give up the South, or that the rest of America contains fewer bigots than the South.
This week’s discussion: What are your thoughts on Obama, Hillary and Edwards? Obama’s Christianity? The likelihood of a female or a person of color being elected President of the United States?
9 comments:
Good topic, and I have a bit to say, that I will save for my turn to post so I have something to write about. A few quick things:
I was not completely sold on Obama, because I thought he might be too "triangulating" and his very in-your-face Christianity was a little off-putting to me (I was afraid he'd turn into Harold Ford); however, I am not very excited about any of the other candidates, and I was leaning towards Edwards. However, after seeing some interviews in the past week, and then watching his big campaign announcement this weekend, I have now found my candidate. I also believe he has the best ideas, and he is the one who is really getting out in front of the Middle East issue. (My only caveat is that if Gore should enter the race, I'd likely head in his direction.)
The race issue is multi-faceted. On the one hand, it is extremely disheartening to think that it is such an issue; to me, the race thing matters not one way or another. But it seems to matter to some other people, or, maybe it doesn't matter but it seems to spark some very awkward dialogue. And I also keep hearing that people are excited about Obama *because* he is black. While I'd welcome that more than I'd welcome people disliking him for his race, it is a sort of reverse racism- in other words, white people supporting Obama because they want to feel good or absolve themselves of some sort of white guilt, or black people supporting Obama first and foremost because he is black. The same happens with Hillary and women. I even experienced a little of this when I made a comment that I think it would be a good thing to have more women in power, and to have a woman president.
I'd also have to say how impressed I was with his campaign announcement on Saturday. I'm one who is a bit of a politcal junkie, and watching the amount of political shows and pundits and reading dozens of blogs per day has of course jaded me a bit when it comes to politics. But Obama's speech reached that bit of idealism and sparked some inspiration in me that is usually very buried, and definintely reminded me of why I am insterested in devoting my career to government. The reason I've been such a fan of the TV show The West Wing is because of Aaron Sorkin's sort of valentine to public service, where the ideals are lofty and the people, while not always right, are trying very hard to govern and do what is best for people, and Sorkin's stirring dialogue and speeches have served as a sort of fantasty world for me as why I am interested in government and what kind of people involved in government, from elected officials to their staffs, I would most like to see. Obama is one of the first candidates I've seen to really exemplify that real life craving that, apparently, so many people have. And he is obviously not just a stuffed shirt or simply a gifted orator, as I was afraid at first, but has some policy meat on his bones. I think he'd go all the way. He's definintely the most gifted candidate in the field. I'd place Obama at top- though Hillary still technically leads in polls (though I'd like to see the bump Obama got after his announcement), people ALL know Hillary. Obama is getting more and more well known, and the more he campaigns, the higher he will go in the polls.
Wow, so I said a lot when I was meaning to say a little.
I would hate to see anyone vote against Obama or Hillary because they are not capable of winning due to their race/sex. While I understand the fear, I think that realistically it will not matter. Think about the type of person who wouldn't vote for a black person or a woman. Typically, this person wouldn't vote for a democrat anyways. They may feel even more strongly about a black person/woman, but the end result would be the same for Edwards, IMO.
I am tied between Obama and Hillary. While I lean towards Hillary, Obama is much more charismatic; but I don't think that's enough (as he himself admitted on 60 minutes). I will have to hear a lot more from both Hillary and Obama before deciding. I can't imagine voting for Edwards, but maybe I just don't know enough about him. Don't get me wrong, I would happily vote for Edwards in the general election over most republicans...McCain being a possible exception.
Also, Obama rhymes with Lee Adama, which is a point in his favor.
Melissa
I disagree in the idea that Obama is simply charismatic. I thought that same thing myself, with only two years in the US Senate, and I was afraid he would just be a good orator and not good with policy. Having done some reasearch, I find that Obama is extremely good with policy and has some fantastic policy ideas (a little Google-ing is all it takes if anyone is interested in Obama's policy ideas and such). He is also the only top-tiered candidate (placing Obama, Hillary and Edwards in the top tier) to come out strong against the war- not only was he against it from the beginning, which Hillary and Edwards can't claim, but he eschewed the non-binding resolution crap in favor of proposing an actual resolution calling for bringing an end to the war. While the political reality is that, with a razor thin majority in the Senate, there's no chance of this legislation passing, Obama will get on record strongly opposing the war, which is obviously popular with the majority of the American people, and he could force other people in the Senate to have to vote for or against this resolution, which could be used against them politically. And yes, he's an amazing orator, but look at what we've had for more than six years. The experience thing is a BS meme put forward by the GOP and "concern pundits," who fail to mention that our current president has zero experience, policy ideas, or speaking skills.
Hillary is too triangulating (meaning she panders too much and takes very little principles stands on things, and also that she tries to be all things to all people, which will not work). Her stance on her war vote is one case in point of her triangulating. Edwards has great ideas and is also charismatic. I think any of the three top tiered candidates would make great presidents, and I'd have no problem voting Hillary or Edwards. I just think Obama is the best candidate out there at this point.
As far as McCain...ugh. Don't get me started. He's a total serial liar, for starters. This idea of him as the "maverick" that comes from his 2000 campaign is total garbage at this point. He's running to the Right as fast as he can. He's pretty disgusting, has extremely conservative stances on issues, and is totally pandering to the extreme right wing. He's also glaringly wrong on the war: a while back, he spouted how Bush should send 20,000+ troops into Iraq, that there wasn't enough troops- he obviously thought Bush wouldn't do this, as Bush had asserted in 2005-2006 that he wouldn't up the troop levels; suddenly, McCain got called on his BS when Bush decided to send in 20,000+ troops. Now McCain is trying to claim that all along he wanted way more than 20,000+ to do the job- he seems to not realize we have things like the internets and TV and whatnot. Recently I also saw him on something (C-Span probably) where in the same conversation, he said that we should'nt place a time limit on Bush's surge plan to work, and then later to say that we should be able to see if it works in 6 months. He also has worked to advance that repulsive assertion that Democrats are helping the terrorists, and any discussion of Middle East and War policy helps the terrorists (an assertion that even the military leaders have said is total unadulterated crap- man I'm tired of being called a friend of terrorists!) He's full of shit. (I could provide some links to stuff if I have to, but I don't have access to it now.)
The GOP field is terrible. I'm reading articles and blogs left and right about how Republicans and the Right are lamenting their choices for 2008. The Dem field, in contrast, is electrifying, and there are the three very strong top-tiered contenders, with some rumblings about Gore entering the race, which would be huge. Right now, I'm with Jane, that I am with Obama, and I think he can certainly win. I tend to shy away from hype, but it seems that the hype surrounding Obama exists for a reason. And contrary to some beliefs, he has some good policy ideas. If Obama should not win the nomination, I would have no problem voting for Hillary or Edwards (and Obama would certainly become the VP nominee- Edwards has made it pretty clear that he doesn't want to run for VP again). I'm very excited about the 08 cycle (much, much more than I was about 04, at least after Dean got out of the race).
Wow, lots of typos in that comment. I'm at work and typing fast; I'm really not that dumb or incoherent usually.
Obama's speeches make me so hopeful for the future that I get teary-eyed, and I love him a little more every time I hear him speak. The funny thing is that the speech that made me decide months ago that he was my candidate was one where he talked about his faith and religion. This was his "Call to Renewal Keynote Address." Here's the link: http://obama.senate.gov/speech/060628-call_to_renewal_keynote_address/index.html. Now, I'm about as atheist as it gets, but I really respect Obama's religious views. He has faith, but seems aware of the limitations of religion and doesn't use his beliefs to persecute others. Also, he talks as if he has a real respect for those of us with other beliefs.
Also, like Nick I was very impressed by his speech announcing his candidacy. You can find that one here: http://www.barackobama.com/. Quote: "For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it." What I love about this quote (although you have to listen to the rest of the speech to really get the full effect) is that is tells me that Obama has the same nagging feeling I have had for a long time that something is seriously wrong in this country and that we are in real trouble if we don't make some changes right away. When I hear other politicians talk I get the impression that they are trying to fool me into thinking I should ignore that feeling, ignore my intuition, and just keep doing what most Americans have been doing for far too long. Like they are saying, "we need change," but what they really mean is, "keep buying things and watching tv, you’ll be fine…we'll take care of everything else..." It thrills me to finally here someone call for something more.
Oh, and on the race issue...I like to think Obama might change a few people's views about race...but maybe I've been living out of the South for too long.
Anyway, this comment is way too long and a little crazy. Take my advice everyone, go listen to his speeches and fall in love with Barack Obama like I have.
Nick's last comment about McCain made me think of one more point. I get the distinct impression that Obama is consistent in expressing his views because what he says is based on what he actually believes as opposed to what he thinks people would like to hear, which is what almost every other fucking politician does all the fucking time.
Laurie, I agree with your comment about Obama with respect to "other politicians," McCain being mentioned. I would also submit that Hillary does the same thing very often; she doesn't take strong positions on issues because she wants to tell people what she thinks they want to hear. Bill Clinton used to do the same thing- it used to be called "triangulation." While I'll always remain skeptical about any politician, Obama included, he does seem to take more principled positions, and has some policy knowledge and, maybe most importantly, some real insight into real human beings and real human needs and wants- certainly more so than other candidates. Edwards is similar in that regard. Hillary is the most experienced, having been in the White House before, and being pretty well established as a policy "wonk." We've got a good field. Obama is clearly the best at the moment.
Oh, one other thing, I was impressed by Obama's ability to handle attacks by the Right. The whole "madrassa" thing was a huge embarrassment to the Right and things like Fox News and Insight Magazine, and his response to the ridculous Austrailian PM who claimed that "terrorists would be praying for an Obama win" was immediate and biting. Obama seems extremely capable and quick on his feet, and I don't see him being easily swift-boated like Kerry in 04.
I think race is an issue in some respecs; in Salon.com, a left-leaning internet magazine, a major article used the word "uppity" to refer to Obama (it was removed, but people obviously caught it)- that word is pretty racially loaded with regards to African-Americans. And the conversations on shows like This Week and by fellow candidate Biden have been...awkward, to put it most generuosly. Let's hope this can, as Laurie suggests, change some people's minds about race issues, and let's hope that it completely humiliates the other types who still have racist leanings (such as the people who suggest things such as Obama's church being "too black" and him possibly being "militant" like a Black Panther or something.)
Laurie, will you marry me?
Yes I will, Jane.
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