An Electoral challenge

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

So on the Gamers Haven forum, where I spend a lot of time discussing politics I received this challenge today (or at least I perceived it as a challenge): "It's kinda Sad Mike... watching people like you, people who have bought the wad of BS that this guy, and really the entire system is selling..." So in response I broke down the reasons why I am supporting Obama, here they are:

Here's the thing Jim, back in the Spring, I wasn't sure who I wanted to win the Democratic nomination, all I knew is that I didn't want another 4 years of the Republicans. So I went to the web sites, and read up on the proposed policies of the various candidates, and came away thinking that Obama's policies hewed closer to what I want to see happen than the other Dimmycrats. THen when it was clear that it was Obama v. McCain I did the same thing on the issues that a) were most important to me and b) I understood the most about. And it was pretty damn clear that for me there was no way that McCain's policies were no where close to what I wanted.

So I studied the facts as best I could and that was a big part of my decision. Now I have studied politics a lot (BA in poli sci in fact) and therefore I know that the stated policies of a candidate are like the old saying about how every battle plan looks good until you run into the enemy (or something like that). So I know that Obama will not get everything he wants, and that everything is subjeect to change (biggest single mistake in modern political history is George I stating "no new taxes" when there was no way he could see what the future could hold). So policies weren't necessarily the only factor in my choice.

I know that when the rubber meets the road the President doesn't have as much power as people seem to think. And that if things go bad, in 2 years he could be hamstrung like Clinton was in 94. And that is where I think Obama is better suited because of his apparent flexibility and ability to make a rational choice and change his policies if necessary.

The third factor the 'vision thing' or 'bully pulpit'. The President can set a tone, and really effect the national mood. Modern Presidents who were good (or great) at this were Reagan, Kennedy, FDR, and Clinton to a certain degree. And I think that Obama would be a game changer in this role.

Fourth is the chance to fulfill 'The Dream'. Yeah it's not exactly like MLK stated it, but it's the closest we have come. And as a child of Beat generation, semi-hippies who spent most of his formative years in "hippy schools" this really means something to me, it may not mean as much to you or other people but it does to me.

And last, Change, slice it any way you like, McCain's policies just wouldn't be that different from George II's. He may do a better job then George, but the general direction will be the same. And I honestly think that this country needs to go in a different direction.

And thanks Jim for forcing me to break it down like this, it was instructional.