But spending two months looking closely at comparisons of Obama and Clinton have led me to believe (and to start a website demonstrating) that Obama is a great candidate on working people's issues. After law school, he became a community organizer, working with the poor in South Chicago. He advocates for a living wage, and fought hard to preserve the right to join a union. His healthcare plan is practical - and I believe he can get it done.
More than that, Obama is right: we need a new kind of politics in America. We've become enormously partisan, quick to attack our opposition and assume the worst about those who disagree with us. As someone who has worked in politics, I'm guilty. And even now, it's hard to resist. But the best first step is to point out the problem, and try to resist the urge to get dragged into that type of politics - even when its coming from a former President. Obama's support from across the political spectrum is impressive and points to an ability to actually make this change.
Finally, and importantly - Obama inspires people. Clinton has been quick to disparage this idea, as have I in the past, but its important - particularly now. America has suffered from eight years of terrible leadership. The country is divided, not united - the world looks at our leadership with scorn - people feel increasingly cynical about the positive role government can play. We need someone who can bring America together and make it proud. We need someone willing to build partnerships with the rest of the world and the other end of the political spectrum. We need, at a moment of enormous challenge, to feel like there's someone we can believe in to get the job done. That person isn't George Bush. It isn't Hillary Clinton. It isn't John McCain. It's Barack Obama.
Just my thoughts. I try to be deliberate about my political choices. And, in this case, I've given it a lot of thought. If my articulating them helps you make up your mind, good. And if you disagree, feel free to let me know.
-fin-