Why I Switched to Obama

So, sorry for the long delay between posts. I've been busy catching up on work (ah, blessed, blessed work, how I do love thee), seeing friends (you should have seen Tori's face when she saw Sarah's daughter--a happier child did not exist at that moment), attending a training session for this, a cool organization that is hopefully going to help us find ways to get money to fix up our church, and seeing Sarah's daughter perform in Mulan. It's been a whirlwind, but it's been great to be home.

Tori has been, as most of you predicted, returning to her lovely self. She's been much less, oh, let's say psychotic, and much more the easy-going happy child we love since we got home. Sadly, either on the plane or at morning care she caught a nice cold so she's been coughing and snurfling quite a bit and is sleeping a lot but is otherwise in good spirits. She also seems very, very happy to see all her toys again and is resisting, mightily, any attempts to put them away. She has them spread about the living room and visits each of them in turn throughout the day. It's very cute.

Anyway, this post is not about Tori, it's about how I switched from being a die-hard Hillary Clinton supporter to being a Barack Obama supporter.

As I mentioned back in this post, I've always liked Obama. When I listen to him speak, I feel inspired. There is no doubt that he stirs the souls more than any politician in years when he reads from the teleprompter (not so strong off the cuff--although he gets better every day, and he always manages to look relaxed). But I, like many, worried about his small amount of experience and how well he would stand up to the fucking Swiftboating bullshit that will be coming his way, particularly with his tenuous Muslim connections (such as his middle name, recently used at a McCain rally, etc).

But as it became clear that John McCain was going to be the Republican nominee for President, I immediately knew that Obama would be the better candidate to run against him, primarily because Obama has a wide appeal to voters that are registered as Independents (scroll down to see link), something that Hillary does not. Since McCain is also well known for appealing to independents, this is an important thing to consider, and since it's already clear that I'm a tactical voter and not an idealistic one, this a big factor for me.

Because I live in Pennsylvania, I'm not used to having my primary vote actually fucking matter, so I'm finding that I really have to THINK about this for once. So. The final nail in the coffin for me for Hillary, so to speak, came from this excellent article by the oh-so-nerdy-but-still-hot Fareed Zakaria (at least when he's on the Daily Show) in Newsweek a few weeks ago.

This article articulated perfectly something about Hillary that a few commenters mentioned that bothered me about her as well; the fact is, Hillary isn't really "blue" so much as she's "purple". Fareed puts it best in this paragraph here:

Bill and Hillary Clinton grew up in an era of Republican dominance. For much of the last 30 years, the Republican Party has been the party of ideas (a point made repeatedly by Daniel Patrick Moynihan), and Ronald Reagan was seen by much of the country to have rescued America from malaise and retreat. The Clintons' careers have been shaped by the belief that for a Democrat to succeed, he or she had to work within this conservative ideological framework. Otherwise one would be pilloried for being weak on national security, partial to taxes and big government and out of touch with Middle America's social values.

That's exactly the problem. We have a chance--finally--to see progressivism--oh, fuck that shit let's just call it what it is because I, for one, don't believe that LIBERAL is a bad word--to see LIBERALISM actually get somewhere in this country, and I want to vote into office someone who isn't afraid to actually stand firm and hold to their beliefs. Someone who doesn't believe in good enough. Someone who thinks that they do NOT have to work within the Republican party's framework to succeed. And I'm hoping that someone is Barack Obama.

So, there you have it. If you are headed to the polls tomorrow, good luck making your choice. It's tough this year. Rarely--if EVER--have we had such wonderful individuals to choose from. What a blessing! What a gift! I guess we can be thankful that Bush JR gave us that much, eh?

Sadly, as many folks have noted, as excited as the country might be to vote for a black man or a woman in the primaries this year, when it comes to actually voting for President? Well, a 73-year-old white man might be all they are comfortable with, right? Sigh.

Comments

[Jan, Fascinating]

Great article!

This passage:

This is the problem with Hillary Clinton. She is highly intelligent, has real experience and is an attractive candidate. But she is terrified to act on her beliefs. In fact, she seems so conditioned by what she sees as political constraints that one can barely tell where her beliefs begin and where those constraints end.

is the best description for my preference for Obama.

Glad Tori is returning to normal. Oy, but the sleep deprivation is a terrible thing!

[chrystal]

I discovered that the lack of my wee one's day care routine during the holidays, made for an unhappy child.

It was so cold this year, it was difficult to get out during our time at home. I was going crazy. And apparently my daughter takes after me. As soon as we dropped her off that first morning after only four days away, she was never so happy to see me leave so she could get down to the business of playing with her classmates and toys.

I am glad to have learned this about her so early.

[Jana]

indeed a fantastic article; jumping on Jan Fascinating's train...

[Pamala]

I don't know, as an independant myself I'm not comfortable with McCain. I know I can at least trust the he understands war and what's involved, more so than Bush, but that's about it. He won't change a damn thing. Obama will and that's why I voted for him and hope to God the rest of this country makes the right decision as well. It's time for change and McCain and Clinton aren't change, they're the same old, same old politicians. I think Obama would stand up well against swiftboat like crap, look at what Hillary has tried to throw at him, and it's not even phased him one bit, hell it's shown his strength and professionalism.

[RainbowW]

If you're in Texas, remember to vote twice: the Obama people are calling it the "Texas Two Step." 65% of Texas delegates are allocated based on ballots ... 35% are allocated by who shows up at the caucus.

The caucus begins at 7:05pm or after the last voter has voted, whichever is later, so make one trip and vote at 6:45!

Texas polling places are open 7am to 7pm.

See you there.

[Melody_NC]

I used to be a Republican, Dubya cured me of that. Well, actually that had started to change prior to him being elected (I voted for Gore) but he's really put the nail in the coffin for me. I absolutely cannot bear to hear that man speak and refuse to watch him on tv at all, what an idiot.

I agree with everything you said about the Democrats, while I like Hillary Clinton (and think she's one smart lady) our country needs a serious overhaul right now and I think Obama is the one that can do it.

Glad to hear that Tori is getting back on track!

[Heather]

Glad Tori is doing better!
Well I born a democrat and the Clinton's cured me of that.
From what I am hearing when Obama speaks, is all talk and not much substance. It's nice to hope, but if you don't have action to back it up it's just talk.

[Andrea]

As a Texas voter on the fence between Obama and Clinton, I think you have articulated very well why I'm leaning toward Obama-- tactical reasons, although I do agree with him on most policy questions, too. Thanks for helping me clear the mental fog.

[Melissa in TN]

I think Obama will do well in responding to swiftboating--he's not taking anything from Hillary and he's survived (and thrived) against the stupid "Barack is a radical Muslim" e-mail campaign. I love that he voted against Iraq. I think he is incredibly charismatic.

I'm with you, I think he can take on McCain better than Hill.

So glad beautiful Tori is back to her old self.

[Kate]

A few months ago I might have agreed with you, that Obama was electable and would do well, but I just don't buy it anymore. He has some pretty scary links to organizations like The Nation of Islam, his wife is completely unlikeable, and he has almost no political experience. Couple that with the sad fact that once many Americans are behind a voting booth curtain, they aren't going to vote for a black man whose middle name is Hussein, and I really think Clinton is the best "strategic" choice for Democrats.

[Ariel]

For strategic (and other) reasons, I think Hillary is the best shot. Let's face it - the election isn't about the popular vote, it's all about the electoral process. And in the all important states of Ohio, Florida and your very own PA, Hillary does better in polls against McCain than Obama does.

[Catherine]

I'm in Ohio and I'm voting for Obama tomorrow. I'm sort of a wonk who's read everything, including both of his books and I find him to be exactly the candidate I am looking for. I'm excited that my vote will actually mean something in this primary.

I had a rather heated discussion with a guy from Cleveland who is a Republican. Not knowing my affiliation he blithely commented that he was going to vote in the Democratic primary tomorrow and would be voting for Hillary to "keep this whole mess going".

Lovely. I blew my top. And as he was a new-ish work colleague of my husband's, not only did I sort of chastise this man, but I may have set my husband's career path back a few years. The Republican's only defense was "it's legal". Once he said that, I sort of let him have it all over again. Kind of like the talking to my 2 year old gets.

Heh.

So yes. I'm voting, and I'm proud to be pulling the lever for Obama. He inspires me.

[Lisa]

Kate, would you mind expanding more about Obama's "scary links to organizations like the Nation of Islam"? It's true that the church he belongs to once printed a magazine that called Farrakhan the "epitome of greatness," but it's not like Obama had anything to do with that ... and he has totally denounced Farrakhan and his views.

And for everyone harping on Obama's middle name ... quick, what's Hillary's middle name? Or McCain's? (Because middle names are totally how I decide how I'm going to vote.)

[Lisa]

Welcome to Camp Obama! I like Hillary too, I just like Obama better (sounds very third grade but I mean that based on all things considered). Although I disagree w/John McCain on MANY MANY issues, I still like him better than any other Republican nominee I've seen in recent history -- soooo I don't feel very doom and gloom about the worst case scenario of this election. Yay 2008!

[Lisa]

Oh man, I'm sorry but I really had to follow up to Kate's comment -- don't want to start a flame war but HUH? Michelle Obama is "completely unlikeable"? What is not to like about an incredibly well-spoken, intelligent, accomplished, beautiful woman? Man I used to have a crush on Barack but after hearing Michelle speak now I have a crush on her too. I guess it must be a matter of taste -- I guess not everyone thinks diplomatic, educated, attractive, well-dressed women are "likeable."

[Kermit]

I was one of those who said of your earlier post that Hillary was not the right woman. I never came back to say why, exactly, but it was (is) because she is divisive, and I've had enough of that these past eight years.

Obama v. McCain would be the calmest race ever for me. I am interested in knowing the VP candidates before I made a final choice between the two of them.

[Elena]

I'm thinking about voting Dem tomorrow to keep Hilary in the race- just to keep it interesting. I frankly don't think either will win in the general election...not that I'm that thrilled with McCain.

[Rev Dr Mom]

I totally agree with your characterization of HRC, although I hadn't thought to call her purple.

I am terrified of McCain being elected. I don't think this country can take another 4-8 years of that kind of leadership. If the Democrats can't pull it off this year, and then work to make some real change, the world is going to be an even scarier place for our children.

[Anny]

I think Michelle Obama is a great asset to Obama! They both acknowledge that she is not afraid to call him on his bullsh*t and keeps him down to earth which in the political world is near impossible. I love the fact that she wants everyone to know that he is a real man with flaws and she's not afraid to poke fun at him!
I also would love to hear more about his "scary links to organizations like the Nation of Islam". I keep hearing people say stuff like this and that's he's Muslim(my father in law actually believed that!), etc. but it's all been proven false as far as I've read.

[thalia]

I don't really buy the purple argument - what was everything she was trying to do with healthcare, for goodness sake - but equally I don't buy that it is a knockout blow. If any democrat is going to get anything done in washington, they are going to need to work across party lines unless there is some enormous swing to the left in terms of who controls the 2 houses, which seems desperately unlikely. The senate and the house of representatives still get to have some say in all of this, yes?

[Tobi]

Clinton's middle name is Diane, McCain's is Sidney

Just so you can make a more informed decision at the polls :)

[Kim]

I am a Republican, and I decided a long time ago that if Obama was the democratic candidate for president, against anyone but almost one person, I would vote for him. So I am hoping against hope that it's not Clinton v. McCain. Because in that case, I personally would have to write in. Maybe Mickey Mouse or something. (kidding)

BUT - I like Obama. He's the first candidate from "our" generation. He's more liberal than I am; however, I think he understands where people like me are coming from, and I think he also understands where people like you are coming from, and I think he knows how to tie it all together.

So here's hoping. (We don't vote until May - practically unnecessary at that pt.)

[Alison]

I am still a Clinton supporter and I am saddened that she is falling off the radar of popularity. I actually feel very manipulated by the media - I believe the success of Obama and McCain are largely media driven. Hey, you can't buy that kind of advertising! The media was sooooo kind to McCain (until he secured the nomination)and now they are as obsessed with praising Obama as much as they are with making Clinton look bad. So I am convinced that the media has been rooting for a McCain/Obama election, with Obama as winner. I tend to think that Obama is not ready for the White House and so I am entirely unthrilled that he is considered "Mac" (versus the nerdy P.C, according to the New York times).

The extreme sexism that Clinton has endured from the mainstream media makes this whole thing even more disheartening for me. This should have come as no surprise to me as I have been watching for years how sexist our news media can be to any female pundit or politician that graces their t.v. shows. I didn't think so at the start of this but now I am convinced that the United States is not ready for a female president.

[Sarah]

Thanks for the link! I totally agree with you.

[Lex]

Hey
this post is great
Coming from someone in the "youth vote" group, i really think that Obama is an amazing guy and his speaches really are inspiring. I'm only 17 and the first time i heard him speak was at the Democratic Convention when Kerry was running and all i had to say was "Wow...what a visionary" I think its awesome how he is connecting to the younger people and hopefully we will all get out there to vote. I'm not gonna lie, i'm incredibly excited that i will be old enough to vote, when a woman and a black man are running at the same time. I feel pretty lucky. GO OBAMA!