(The "other Mike" has been with us from the beginning (user #21), and has consistently brought class and depth to the writing here, so even though I'm bummed he didn't choose my man Dodd, I'm going to front page this (with apologies for putting part of it below the fold). - promoted by Dean Barker)
I have decided to vote for Barack Obama on January 8th. It has not been a simple decision for me as anyone who has read my navel gazing diaries on BlueHampshire over the past few months can attest to.
I was close to choosing Dennis Kucinich. He truly represents change and I feel single payer is the true meaning of "Universal" and the best answer to our health care woes. Perhaps as I get older and wiser I will be more comfortable for voting for such a long shot. Right now my ego is still stuck on winning.
I was close to choosing John Edwards. His passion is inspirational to me. Most of the hard core Dean supporters I worked with in 2004 have gone for Edwards and that gave me a lot to think about. I appreciate the amount of work he has done since 2004 advocating for the poor. I will gladly join the NH Edwardians to help John get elected should he come out on top of this crazy ride.
Friends and colleagues are valued Hillary Clinton endorsers and among her best advocates in the state. Their support and belief in Hillary had me thinking long and hard about my decision. I can't quite explain it, but in the end I've decided she's not my Primary "Brand". |
On some levels my choice for Obama has been there all along. Looking back on some of my Howard Dean writing I found this:
Aside from a run for student council in the eighth grade, I have never been involved in politics but that all changed after hearing the "What I want to know" speech Howard made nearly a year ago. Those of us under “a certain age" had never heard oratory so powerful, it literally moved me to tears.
As most folks know by now Obama has "The Voice". Like many others I remember watching The DNC Speech on television 4 years ago. I tuned in to hear Howard Dean and was blown away by this guy Barack Obama. I was recording it, and remember replaying it for my wife and saying "This guy will be President some day." I just did not realize it could happen so soon.
A couple of his lines near the beginning of his speech struck me hard:
In a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success.
In a generous America you do not have to be rich to achieve your potential.
Those two lines neatly sum up 80% of a domestic agenda. Here was someone of my generation speaking like one of The Greats, he was speaking of the promise of America and imploring us to live up to that dream. Had I been listening to my heart, the choice would have manifested itself much earlier.
Here are a couple of other things that have influenced my decision:
- Talking 'bout my generation: It may be ageism, but the fact that Barack is of my generation, just 7 years my senior, is appealing. Like me he has young children, what a refreshing perspective that will be in the White House. It has been too long since elementary aged kids have roamed the halls of the People's House. His Presidency will be a wonderful fresh start for the next generation of America's history.
- Scary Smart: The people he has surrounded himself with and is getting advice from are impressive and shows his confidence with himself and the things he values. These folks are what I call “Scary Smart” (a positive term.) if there is any cosmic justice in the universe they will all have important parts or input in an Obama Administration (maybe even a Supreme Court nomination):
- Robert Reich: "If there’s anyone in the race whose history shows unique courage and character, it's Barack Obama".
- Laurence Tribe- Obama... has given him the most sense of "hope and possibility" from a candidate since he supported John F. Kennedy '40 in 1960.
- Laurence Lessig: After the debacle that is the last 7 years, the duty is upon the Democrats to be something different. I've been wildly critical of their sameness… I would give my left arm to be able to celebrate their difference. This man, Mr. Obama, would be that difference. He has as much support as I can give.
- Other Endorsements: Certainly not a driving factor for me, but a fine group of NH folks to be associated with:
- Technology Plan: Obama's Technology plan is impressive and shows he understands the power of good technology in Government. He "gets it" because the plan is not just technology (routers, wireless spectrum and like) but about communication and making government more open and transparent. If they can find the right CTO, and it will not be easy, it could really "flip the funnel" on information regarding how Government is run. Sunlight is the best disinfectant they say.
- Intangibles: I sort of mentioned this above, but one of the things I have come to realize and hope others do as well, is that there is no right answer for everyone, just a right answer for you. If this were scientific we could take a bunch of measurements, define multivariate position rubrics and scientifically choose the best candidate. Although it might be easier, fortunately it does not work that way. People decide based on the innate qualities that appeal to them and they feel best serve the country at the given time. For me Obama has the right attributes for this time in our history.
Based upon the fact the the NH Primary is only a couple of weeks away and that recent events have created a nearly palpable change in momentum here in NH, I understand my endorsement is no “Profile in Courage". None the less I wanted to diary my decision and share it with you. Best of luck in making the decision that is right for you! |
