'Tennessean' Endorsement: Obama
The Tennessean today endorses Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, the nominee of the Democratic Party, for president of the United States.
Early voting begins Wednesday, and Tennesseans are strongly encouraged to go to the polls to express their preference. Election Day is Nov. 4.
This newspaper believes Obama would be an inspiring choice at an extraordinary time for the nation. The country needs a fresh, energetic face in the White House. Every race for president is important, but the current confluence of events, including the war on terror, mountainous challenges in the economy and a growing strain upon the nation's health-care system make the current race a call for vigorous new approaches and enthusiasm.
Obama has managed to put a tone of optimism in his campaign at a time it would be very easy to be downhearted, worried and pessimistic. That characteristic alone goes a long way in demonstrating the kind of leadership the nation needs.
Obama has made the case effectively that his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, represents too much of the same failed policies that have plagued the nation during the Bush administration. McCain, it must be said, is a genuine military hero and an honorable candidate. His years of service both in the military and in Congress are traits any American should admire. But at this time, at this juncture, McCain does not embody the motivational leader Americans deserve for such crucial issues.
There is no question the economy is foremost on the minds of many Americans today. People are witnessing a financial system in chaos, and they are seeing their personal lives in upheaval because of the problem. People are fearful about their jobs, their retirement, their ability even to meet day-to-day needs. At the moment, the nation is still trying to get a handle on exactly what is happening in its economy, as some of the best economic minds in the country try to sift through possible solutions. Obama offers no magic wand, but he has been effective in linking the crisis to failed economic policies, and he expresses a keen understanding of how the crisis is creating hardship on American families.
Obama correctly makes the case that the nature of the war must change. He wants to see the United States shift its flawed strategy in Iraq toward a more effective approach in Afghanistan, the original front in the aftermath of 9/11. McCain insists the military surge in Iraq has succeeded. But citing success with the surge fails to acknowledge the mistakes that led to the surge that McCain wants to celebrate. Obama has articulated the bigger picture on the war better.
Further, Obama demonstrated sound judgment in selecting as his running mate Sen. Joe Biden, whose experience and knowledge of foreign policy prepare him to step in if need be as chief executive. McCain's selection of Gov. Sarah Palin, by comparison, may have shown political savvy, but at the expense of offering a vice president the country could rally around.
It would be nice to say one of the two major candidates has a sure way to fix the nation's health-care problem. Each has outlined a plan — Obama on a theme that emphasizes more access to coverage and McCain on a dramatic twist geared to allow people to shop more among private plans — but neither seems to be a convincing solution by itself. The health-care issue must remain high on the next president's agenda.
In a historical context, support of Obama might be expected to focus on his race. He is the first African-American to head a major party ticket for the presidency, which should be a source of great pride for the candidate and the country. It must be noted here. But the times and the candidate do not signal such a narrow view, where race is the overwhelming story of Obama's candidacy. Throughout a lengthy, trying campaign, Obama has simply emerged as the right person at the right time to lead the nation when leadership is at a premium. The nation could ask for no more. Obama has the opportunity to lift the United States at a time when its burdens are heavy. His campaign has carried a theme of "Yes We Can," which is exactly the message the nation needs to hear most now.
2 comments:
Today The Washington Post offered its endorsement of Obama - a huge thing.
Glad to see this site. It was the first one to come up on Google and should be very helpful and popular in the days to come.
As the election draws closer to Nov 4, the American people will see the true results if Obama wins. There are just too many questions on his past, his vision of the future (EuroSocialist Government), spreading the wealth from those who are working for a living (Rich @ $42,000+) to those who would rather live under a welfare state, a medical system such as Canada. We just do not need to have Obama elected. We would have just more of the Democrat philosophy running our lives. Heaven forbid. With Obama’s, Biden’s and Democratic leadership’s rhetoric, or I should say, lack of we would be in a world of hurt.
Obama is promising legislation that would make it more difficult for workers to hold a private ballot vote in unionization drives, which critics say would lead to harassment and intimidation, has spurred a pitched battle between powerful labor unions supportive of Sen. Barack Obama and big business in the presidential campaign. Seen by the AFL-CIO as a way to boost union rolls by hundreds of thousands of new members, the hotly-contested bill has become this year's No. 1 election issue for organized labor. Mr. Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee, has promised union bosses that the Employee Free Choice Act will become law in 2009 if he wins the presidency in November.
Barack Obama was shaking hands the other day, which is a necessary thing for politicians. The question he got, though, was not typical. A man who described himself as a plumber by trade said Obama wants to tax him more Obama's response was typical: "It's not that I want to punish your success, I just want to make sure everybody behind you has a chance....just spread the wealth around." Sounds like a confirmation, if any is needed, that this man is glued to the redistribution of wealth. His running mate, Joe Biden, in his “Patriotic Comment” on paying taxes also confirmed it. Any doubts? I didn't think so. Anyway, I don't think many Americans in Obama's dreams even pay any taxes to begin with. 44% today, do not. Folks, more handouts are coming if he's elected. You can bet on it.
The print and news pundits have really become surrogates for the Obama campaign and should register as such. I have lost all faith in the majority of them. They need to become more fair and balanced in their reporting and coverage of the facts. I would love to see a more truthful analyst of Obama. There are too many unanswered question on him and his agenda. It is about time that the "True" facts on Obama’s past associations are exposed. Look... We need to continue the Ayers Obama connection however, his associations with ACORN, his campaign contributions, particularly foreign groups, Aslinksy, Rezko and Wright are just additional examples of issues which need to be addressed and exposed. The ACORN relationship, particularly, should be addressed. Socialized Medicine is something we do not need. Look at the number of Canadians who come to the states for medical attention. The same applies to Mexican citizens who cross the border for medical care. More importantly, look at the level of care in countries under socialized medicine compared to the USA. No comparison. As we get nearer to Nov 4, think hard on your choices. You've help make your country great, now vote to keep it the same Vote Wisely Nov 4th!
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