A True Statesman
I have been sitting on the fence between John Edwards and Barak Obama for a few weeks now, and was fortunate enough to see Senator Obama in Manchester tonight. It was especially exciting for me because I have tried three or four times to attend a candidate event and have been unable to find child care at the last minute. I am so incredibly impressed with the rally tonight--and I am doubly excited to have found a candidate whom I can support wholeheartedly--and not just because he/she is the lesser of evils.
John Edwards lost me a little bit in the last weeks when he threatened to revoke health care for Congress if they didn't pass universal health care for all Americans. I really dislike that kind of sensational rhetoric, and if we are going to adapt as a country to a new health care system, we need stronger leadership than hot-headed sound bites.
How long has it been that we have an opportunity to vote for a true statesman. rather than just the best out of a group of politicians? In my lifetime, I have never been inspired at a political event. Senator Obama struck me as an orator rather than a stump speaker. His platform fits with what is important to me as a voter. The fact that he voted against the war, and that he is a true public servant, is a breath of fresh air in this election.
Before I went to the rally, my eye was on who could best beat whoever won the Republican nominee. That was the most important issue to me, sadly. I came away from this event eager to hear more from Senator Obama, and invigorated.
Very Well Said!Submitted by blenson on Mon, 12/10/2007 - 15:20.
I also attended the event in Manchester last night. I have to say that I have been having a bit of a tough time differentiating between the Democratic candidates and pinpointing exactly where they differ on various issues. But if a certain part of my choice rests on simple character and credibility - and I think it does, for me in any case - Obama really is the best candidate I have seen. Edwards seems artificial. Clinton is abrasive and her makeup practially shows the fingerprints of her handlers. In a better world, Kucinich would be leading the pack because of his pure strength and moral purpose. But when you put it all togehter, Obama is the best of the pack by far. And more importantly, an inspiring leader who can deliver the new direction he talks about. He also has a sense of humor.
To make it even better, Michelle Obama (who spoke at the rally last night) would be the smartest and most energizing first lady who ever was. Bar none. Also, the most elegant since Jacqueline Kennedy, no holds barred. Barack should put her on his ticket as his running mate and I am not kidding.