Why I support Barack Obama for President

I was asked recently why I support Barack Obama.

The overarching reason is because he is exactly what this country desperately needs right now. The details of my support have evolved through time and the full set of reasons are too numerous to get into, but here are a few thoughts.

It started on a certain November night in 2004. I had gone into election season complacently. I mean, who in their right mind would vote for Bush for a second term? I was feeling pretty confident that Kerry would win, despite the GOP smear campaign. I convinced one friend who had planned to vote green to vote for Kerry instead, and I did my civic duty and voted. And that was it. I felt I had done enough, and sat down in front of the tv to await results. I have never been so devasted and angry.

As an aside, the news jumped to a celebratory victory party in Illinois and mentioned that 'this' was the one bright spot of the night for the Democrats. That some "African American with a funny name had just won the Senate seat and we should all keep an eye on this up and comer". Uh huh. Whatever. A senate seat in Illinois when the world has just ended? I did, however, notice that funny name in a book store just a few days later and bought and read Dreams From My Father.

Cut to Iowa in the very beginning of 2008. I had really liked the large and competent pool of democratic contenders and had yet to make up my mind on who to support. What I heard that night was a speech so inspirational it gave me goose bumps, gave me pride in America that I hadn't felt in 2 decades, gave me hope for this country. It was the sound of something I had forgotten existed. I immediately googled Obama, found his website, and read and read and read.

Here was a candidate with vision, someone with moral clarity and keen intelligence who saw to the heart of the root causes of the big problems our country is facing. Here was a man who understood the ties every policy has with every other, who can see the whole picture, and who was not interested in short-sighted and near-sighted campaign promises (or current administration policy agenda), but has a whole, long-term, and sweeping plan that will work towards improving our economy, and national security, and the health of the planet simultaneously. Here was a man who promised great change at some expense, but will in the long run make the US stronger and better and healthier and a true world leader once again.

This candidate had a policy platform with very, very few points I disagreed with. This candidate also had exactly the qualities one needs in a leader. He is well spoken, intelligent, has integrity, courage, wisdom, pragmatism, and vision. He also has an ability to inspire and motivate an American public to work towards making the big changes we desperately must make in order to survive and thrive and prosper in this new economy. Like any good boss, he motivates us to work harder through inspiration and by setting example. He makes us feel hopeful about our future again.

So, here we have, in a single candidate, both a true leader and a critical plan to dig our country out of the grave we have been lowered into. He is exactly what our country needs, exactly at a time when our country is in crisis and when we are in desperate need for a real leader. We cannot afford to be complacent this year.

Obama says, 'Work with me and Together we will change America'. This can, once again, be government of, by, and for the people.... but only if We, the People, get to work.

Other supporter stories

Volunteer Laura in St. Louis diary link

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Gems from the blogs:

Anne Rector of Indianapolis, Indiana

... says the first time she saw Barack at the 2004 convention, she thought, "This is Everyman. He is Kansan and he is Kenyan; he is African and he is Anglo-American; he is common sense and he is eloquence; he is dynamic and he is down to earth."

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Obama placed that "3:00 AM Call" ....... | Report to Admin

By Sans Doute 1 minute ago (Updated 1 minute ago)

Obama has said time and time again that he can't do this alone. He can't solve the massive problems the Bush Administration has created by himself.... that is going to take ALL OF US!

So, instead of the President getting that "middle of the night call," HE SENT ONE OUT TO US, AND WE WERE ALL READY TO TAKE THAT CALL !!!

All over the country tonight, that call was going out to probably millions of people.

ARE WE READY TO FIGHT TO GET OUR COUNTRY BACK ON TRACK AGAIN?

ARE WE READY TO FIGHT TO WIN IN NOVEMBER??

He called. We answered!

GAME ON!!!!!!!!

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An Open Letter To All... | Report to Admin

By Terry from Rome, NY Today at 12:42 am EDT (Updated Today at 12:42 am EDT)

Since 1980, the Republicans have controlled the White House 20 out of 28 years.

During that time, I've…

Picketed as my union was busted, because of Reagan's wink and nod.

Smirked when the scabs lost the jobs they stole.

Shook my head in disbelief as those jobs headed overseas.

Moaned as my husband lost his government one, as the military base closed.

Watched my town die a slow painful death, one job at a time.

And

I am still waiting for the tax cuts for the rich to trickle down.

I stand helpless as my country's infrastructure deteriorates one brick at a time.

I lower my head in shame when I pass an inner city school and think of the privileges my own kids had in going to the suburban one.

I gasp as the gas pump meter climbs beyond my budget for fuel, and eats into the one for food.

I ponder where we could've been if only we had weaned ourselves from oil years ago.

I cringe when another billion is added to the national debt.

I cry when a name is added to the death count from the Iraqi black hole.

I am angry when I think of the lie that created that hole.

I shudder at what bin Laden is planning for our next déjà vu.

I talk to my daughter long distance, she's chasing the "American Dream" that's no longer possible in her home state.

But most of all,

I am terrified about of what kind of world I'm leaving my grandkids!

Now,

I watch a John McCain Ad and wonder why in the heck would I want another 4 years of RED?

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By Benjamin Vos, Nashville 51 minutes ago (Updated 51 minutes ago)

I'm a Bush voter in 2000. I'll be brief. Here are 10 reasons why I left the Republican Party:

1. Torturing innocent detainees.
2. Killing hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians.
3. No WMD in Iraq.
4. No Al Qaeda in Iraq - until we invaded.
5. Soaring budget deficits
6. Still no solutions to energy independence
7. Still haven't caught Osama bin Laden
8. Afghanistan and Pakistan are getting worse, and we lost focus
9. I don't think we need to start another Cold War with Russia
10. Because I have children, and I want them to grow up in a better world than the one they were born into.

Here are 10 reasons why I support Barack Obama:

1. He is smart - extremely smart
2. He is competent
3. He's a leader who listens
4. I really really like his economic policy - because the rich-poor imbalance has gotten out of control and trickle-down isn't working
5. He'll responsibly end the occupation of Iraq.
6. He'll focus attention on restoring alliances, stopping Al Qaeda where they are actually operating (in Afghanistan and Pakistan), and following international law.
7. Because I want a president who actually understands Constitutional law. Obama taught it.
8. His community organizer work proves that he's a public servant. That's what America needs.
9. Because I believe in MLK's dream - and Obama's character is top notch
10. Because we can't afford another day of Republican leadership in the White House.

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By Miss Mary Today at 12:50 am EDT

I worked this out on a previous thread, and would like to share again, if you'll tolerate the effort.

After all the episodes of dissent hammered out here on the blog I now believe that Senator Obama is making, forcing, insisting that all Americans work together.

He is not satisfied in leading only progressives, he is willing to lead conservatives, too. And he is not satisfied to watch us live in our own convenient corners of the world.

He will not allow us to politely avoid each other, and watch us scream at each other when our paths haphazardly cross.

He is showing us that we can live and work more effectively together to repair what threatens our country.

What's so sad . . . is that Senator Obama wants us to be unified more than we want for ourselves.

We like our labels. They feel good, and we know what to do with them. We know who we can invite to dinner, and who to exclude. We know what neighborhoods have more of our kind in them, and we avoid those that don't. We know what a Democrat is "supposed" to believe and what he isn't.

In order for Senator Obama's campaign to succeed we are going to have to get used to talking and working with folks with labels we have typically avoided.

And I think the neatest secret to be told, is that Senator Obama believes that we can do it.

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By Kristin in Oregon Today at 1:26 am EDT

Thank you for reposting that.

I agree. With Barack, there is a spot for everyone at the table.

Who better than Barack Obama to lead this country? yep, there's nobody like him.

I got up this morning, and felt really good about having donated what I could in June. And for having attended an event on Saturday.

But then I listened to Barack speak about patriotism, and I know I haven't done enough. My skin is not in the game like some of those who have gone before.

So I'm thinking that I should step it up. Not just read, but write on this blog and others. Not just donate, but make a consistent commitment of my time. I have lots of convictions, but I think I take my country for granted.

I want to thank all of you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and advice and expertise and enthusiasm and recipes on this blog. I have learned that I am part of a huge community of thoughtful people who are as crazy about Barack & Michelle as I am.

If it were not for you, I would still have my convictions in a hat box under my bed.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I have really grown fond of this, my Obama Family, and you are making a difference in how i participate and contribute to this campaign.

We are truly in the midst of inspiring people and standing behind a unique candidate.

'night, Kristin

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By Military Mama for Obama; Va. voter 37 minutes ago (Updated 37 minutes ago)

First, Let me say that I have voted early in the state of Va. I hope my vote turns that state a deep shade of blue. This weekend I was in Florida, I of course was wearing my Obama TShirt. I was sitting across from a lady who was wearing a button that said 'dog lovers for Obama'. This was crazy to me because I am a 29 year old black female and she was a white lady who looked at least 80. I didn't think Obama got support from that group. She looked at me and winked and I smiled. It is so wonderful to see Obama supporters in all shades, ages, religions. This election is not about race but about getting us as AMERICANS to a better place. Thanks for listening.

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By Holly Who has outgrown her stocking cap but not her determination Eugene 11 minutes ago (Updated 11 minutes ago)

Wonderful story!

I had one of those special moments today too. I was canvassing my neighborhood today in Eugene, Oregon, in a state that had a long history of trying to discourage African-Americans from settling here, including (until the 60s) laws against selling property to AAs. We have a pretty small AA population.

Went by one household of AA family with my clipboard and Hope T-shirt. The two younger women assured me of four votes for Obama in the household, and I checked this off, asked if they could volunteer (no, probably not, have small children to care for) and then, preparing to move on, said my standard, "Thank you for your support."

There was a pause, and one of the women held my eyes for a moment and then said, meaningfully, thank YOU for your support.

We both knew that she meant this at a different level, one African-American woman living in an overwhelmingly white town, thanking a 50-something white woman who is pounding the pavement for Obama.

We are bringing out the best in one another, unlike that other campaign....

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An Awesome eleven year old young man!

By Beth from Albany Oregon 33 minutes ago (Updated 33 minutes ago)

It was busy at first when all of the volunteers were coming in to gather packets, sign in, get trained, etc. Some people had brought one of their children and I though this was great. But there was one young man that I had thought went with his father canvassing, but later I saw him on the telephone.

He had pages of a phone banking list and was calling people! He worked non-stop for about 3 hours. He completed the tally sheet and gave it to me. Since I no longer have the ability to figure out ages of boys because of my son looking like he is 10 when he is 15 and this young man was about his size, I asked him his age and he said 11 years.

I was so amazed that this young guy who can’t not vote in this election, nor will he be old enough to vote in the next election felt that he needed to anything he could to help get Obama elected. I could stop thanking him and telling him he desvered an award for all of his efforts.

I am so amazed that our young citizens, very young are so concerned and so informed about the condition of our Country that they/he are standing up and saying, Not this time, Not again, Not again in my lifetime!

As far as I am concerned, this young man affirmed why I am doing and working and supporting every effort available to me, for our children’s and this young man’s future! I wonder if he realizes his contributions to this historic campaign will have such a great impact on his future and the future of all Americans.

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By Carnacki in West Virginia, Nov 3

Today I had my best day canvassing ever. I arrived early at Martinsburg's Campaign for Change office. I'd been busy doing drop lit and strictly focused on local races for the best part of this week and had missed the latest West Virginia poll.

I admit it was a kick in the gut. After a strong sense of feeling like the race was tightening here - Barack Obama's national campaign chairman had just said there was a "razor's" difference between the two candidates in their polls, to see a poll showing Obama 12 points down was tough. Especially after going by 320 houses (I should keep count) the day before. We've hit that stage here at the campaign where those of us who have been doing it week after week and many (not me) day after day for months are bone weary. Reading that poll was a gut check moment. I'd done my best, I could go home and rest and spend a beautiful autumnal day raking leaves and watching football - something I haven't done this year. I looked at the poll's internals. There it was inside. On the exit polling of the early voting Obama 50, McCain 49. In West Virginia.

And then I knew. No matter what happens come election day, today we were winning. No matter what comes election day, we had done our part. This state was supposed to be McCain's and he had put just one person here. And the hard-working, incredibly dedicated staff and volunteers of the West Virginia Campaign for Change had pushed and prodded and fought and made the poll numbers so tight that McCain and the Republican National Committee had to scramble and pour resources into this state to hold on to it.

Those are resources that McCain doesn't have to send to Virginia or Pennsylvania or Ohio or North Carolina or Georgia or Arizona.

...You know, sometimes when you're on your fourth hour of nonstop up and down streets, up the sidewalk and up the porch stairs to the door, back down and up the street and up the next set of stairs and back down you sometimes wonder if it's worth it.

It is.

...One of the last houses I did today had an older man in front painting it. He was a lifelong Republican, he told me. But he pointed to my Obama button and said he had voted for my candidate and a straight Democratic ticket for the first time in his life.

"We need change," he said.

...I don't know if we're going to win West Virginia.... But I do know this. We won today.

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