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[May. 26th, 2008|05:19 pm] |
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The presidential primary season has been long. It is not an exaggeration to say that it has been torture for most of us. Money is being spent in record numbers. Candidates are dissected after every breath they take. The candidates have fought honorably amid such conditions.
Primary elections have been held in 48 states, in a process started in early January, and yet the Democratic Party has not been able to name their nominee for the general election.
Recently, Senator Barack Obama, leader in the delegate count, held a rally for supporters at Broward County’s BankAtlantic Center. There was electricity in the air, as 16,000 Floridians showed up, amid unbearable humidity and rain to show their support for their candidate of “Hope.” I was there. I took notes.
“It’s good to be in sunshine,” said Obama.
Obama’s 39 minute speech outlined his position on all the major issues. He delivered his points with charisma, and clarity.
He continually emphasized the differences between himself and his potential adversary in the general election, Arizona Senator John McCain, by saying, “John McCain is running for Bush’s third term.” The line, used more than once, was met by sympathetic boos from the arena.
On Iraq, Obama reiterated the position he has held consistently since 2002. “Ten billion dollars a month are being spent in Iraq… I was opposed in 2002, and I will bring an end to it in 2009.” He invoked a quote from former president John F. Kennedy in explaining how he will handle the complex issue of foreign policy, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”
The candidate also acknowledged the frustration many Americans feel toward their economy. He does not agree with McCain’s analysis of Bush economic policy as “great progress.” His plan would involve a middle-class tax cut, a commitment to fair trade, investment in new technologies to spur new job markets, raising the minimum wage, and reforming the mortgage and credit industries. “People are losing their homes because of the failure to regulate the mortgage industry.” His proposals would also put and end to tax breaks to corporations that outsource jobs.
On healthcare, like Senator Hilary Clinton, Obama pledged to provide help for the 45 million uninsured Americans. His goal is a complete healthcare plan, with coverage similar to what is offered to the Armed Forces and members of Congress, to be set in place by the end of his first term.
On education, Obama pledged his commitment by stating, “I want every child in America to get the best education available… I want college affordable for young people.” His plan involves rewarding quality teachers with higher salaries, raising academic standards in public schools (“But not with one high pressure standardized test.”), and the creation of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which will provide up to $4000 towards a college education for most Americans. “Every child is our child.”
On energy and the environment, Obama understands the need to “invest in alternative fuels.” His website cites a plan to invest $150 billion over ten years on “clean energy.” His plan would also reduce carbon emissions and increase fuel efficiency. In his speech, he promised a $10 billion investment on solar, wind, and biodiesel technologies. Again, he invoked the Camelot president by saying, “I will take on energy the way JFK took on the moon.”
An issue that Obama failed to address in his speech at the BankAtlantic center was immigration. This may have been by design, as opinions range wildly in the ethnically diverse South Florida. His website emphasizes his support of increased security at the borders. Obama would also fix the bureaucracy in the immigration system, remove incentives to illegal immigrants (by punishing employers who hire them), and work with Mexico to promote economic development.
I will vote for Obama because I believe him to be the best qualified candidate in our upcoming presidential election. As a liberal, I would not be able to vote Republican. McCain does not offer a healthcare plan, and he would extend our commitment in Iraq. He follows a line of leaders immune to public opinion, and logical thinking.
While I would support Senator Clinton, as the only viable alternative to a Republican white house in the event of her securing the nomination, I do not believe she is as qualified as Obama. To me, she represents the politics of pull over the politics of truth and ability. Her national support stems from her dysfunctional marriage to a former president. While she seems capable, and experienced, she does not represent change. She represents the continuation of a system of partisan politics. She is funded by special interest groups, and I am sure their influence would litter her presidency.
I will vote Barack Obama because I believe in the “audacity of hope.” From his writings, and from his speeches, I know him to be logical in thought and pure in ethics. From his humble origins, being raised by a single mom and working class grandparents, I believe him immune to the corruption that power provides. He explains, “I am not trying to play the game. I am putting an end to the game plan.” I know him to be a scholar in the lessons of the past, and his intellect and integrity will guide this nation through a critical point in its history. He says that he is running on what Martin Luther King Jr. called the fierce urgency of now. “There is a war going on that should never have been authorized… people are losing their homes… many are suffering… we are threatened by global warming… we are threatened by high gas prices… we can’t wait… change can’t wait.”
“When we are united sunshine there is nobody that can stop us.”
I do not believe that the U.S. should change the way the president is elected. I believe the American people will make the right choice and their mandate will be too compelling and powerful to ignore. I believe Barack Obama to be our next president. |
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