Obama for President

[Onlooker]

On a purely ideological scale, I would probably support Edwards because of his powerful and direct anti-corporate stands. On an emotional level, I would support Clinton, because the Clinton's fended off the most vicious Republican attacks, and they were victims of terrible cruelty by the right wing and the media. But, in the end, I want a Democrat to be president because Justice Stevens is ancient, a national health care system is critical, our world standing is a disaster, and the economic inequities in our society under Bush are among the worst in history.

So far, Obama has demonstrated what Clinton, Gore, and Kerry could not: he can put together a dynamic campaign that brings in a lot of new people, attracts independents, and generates political excitement. He has demonstrated a level of competence that more seasoned candidates have not. He has a steady vision, and has not changed course or style during the campaign. He does not come across as being packaged by campaign managers and advertising firms.

I know that Obama is not as liberal as Edwards; at times I find him humorless, condescending, and overbearing; but he can be inspiring and his overall message within the context of mainstream Democratic views is pretty progressive. In addition, he will owe his victory, not to the corporate side of the party, but to young people who want change, to minorities, and to many people of all ages who are now daring to enter the political process for the first time.

To win the presidency, you have to put together a coalition. Obama appears to be doing that. The others, for all their strengths, are relying on older political models (labor, traditional primary voters, traditional liberals, etc.) and are simply not pulling new people into the party. They are not generating the kind of excitement that is spilling over to Independents and demoralizing the Republicans.

Obama will be attacked for his inexperience, changes in positions over the years, failing to vote on some issues, and few mistakes during his career, but he operates on a higher plain -- a grand vision that promises to bring the country together. That promise, whether he succeeds or not, is idealistic, and gives me hope for better nation where people who have been excluded from the political process find their voice.