Researching and writing this list has been a great exercise for me. Thanks to everyone for your kind words of encouragement. My next to the last reason is a simple one--the sum or the reasons makes a strong case for voting for Obama. I cannot think of another time in my adult life when there has been such a solid case for a candidate as there is this year for Obama.
In the November 1 edition of the NYT Thomas Friedman simply and clearly tells the truth:
"John McCain and Barack Obama have unveiled broad ideas about how to restore the nation’s financial health. But they continue to suggest that this will be largely pain-free. McCain says giving everyone a tax cut will save the day; Obama tells us only the rich will have to pay to help us out of this hole. Neither is true.
We are all going to have to pay, because this meltdown comes in the context of what has been “perhaps the greatest wealth transfer since the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917,” says Michael Mandelbaum, author of “Democracy’s Good Name.” “It is not a wealth transfer from rich to poor that the Bush administration will be remembered for. It is a wealth transfer from the future to the present.”
He goes on to recommend:
"First, we need a president who can speak English and deconstruct and navigate complex issues so Americans can make informed choices..............Second, we need a president who can energize, inspire and hold the country together during what will be a very stressful recovery........................Third, we need a president who can rally the world to our side."
I believe Barack Obama fits the Friedman's description. I hope my list demonstrates why I believe that Obama has the qualities to communicate complex issues to the people, to energize and unite our country and to gain the respect of the world.
Here is my list thus far:
1. Barak Obama is-reflective- He embraces country’s virtues and is not afraid to address problems.
2. Barak Obama is a gentleman- He treats others with respect.
3. Obama’s tax plan is a first step toward a responsible budget. The Congressional Budget Office projects that McCain's plan will lead to the biggest growth of the deficit.
4. Obama’s health care plan begins to address serious problems.
5. Obama’s call on the Iraq war was correct and courageous.
6. Obama balances faith and politics. He is a man of faith who respects other spiritual journies.
7. Obama has a history of unifying leadership. He can be a political unifier.
8. Barak Obama has temperament to be president. He has superior intellect and calmness.
9. Obama’s tax plan is a step toward necessary tax reform.
10. Obama has managed a well run campaign.
11. Obama advocates personal and public fiscal responsibility.
12. The vile racism of the Republican party must not win. Our children are watching?
13. Obama understands complexity of foreign policy issues and is realistic about what must be done.
14. Obama is respected around the world and and will represent us well.
15. His position on the difficult subject of abortion is fair and balanced.
16. Sarah Palin is not ready to be president and John McCain is 72.
17. John McCain’s lack of focus on what concerns people most and emphasis on the trival proves he is not capable of managing priorities as President.
18. I do not want more conservative appointments to the Supreme Court. Read Gary Wills and Cass Sunstein.
19. Obama’s Presidency will help bridge the racial and cultural divide.
20. The principles of capitalism support progressive tax. Obama is not a socialist indeed according to the principles of Adam Smith he is a good capitalist.
21. She Blinded Me With Science- Palin attacks necessary research that would help her own cause and rejects research based science.
22. I’m Sick of Divisive, Dishonest Destructive Manipulation by the Media. Let’s show the media that we will not be bamboozled by innuendo, guilt by association, trivia and lies
23. Americans Are Fair and Balanced- we are not ‘afraid’ of a Black man.
24. Democrat presidents have been good for the economy
25. Obama and his family is an authentic example of solid family values I want my children to admire and emulate
26. We are not as divided as our politics suggest; Obama is attracting leading conservative thinkers and leaders who are disgusted with the result of the past eight years and saddened by the McCain campaign
27. Obama understands the importance of net neutrality that will assure innovation, wealth creation and social change will thrive on the net; we need a responsible climate policy governed by science
28. We must defend the Constitution from distortion which allows sweeping executive powers.
29. Cuz it’s a damn good list
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