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Why I’m Supporting Barack Obama for President
By Darrell Steinberg
California State Senate
On February 5th, California Democrats will play a major role in electing our next President.
For this good fortune, we face a difficult choice between talented and qualified candidates. While every one of them would be an improvement over George W. Bush, Sen. Barack Obama is Democrats' best choice in 2008.
Up until last week I supported former Sen. John Edwards, a passionate advocate for improving the lives of the millions of Americans living in poverty. Whatever happens this year, I hope John Edwards remains in public life – the country needs his important voice.
But I switched to Obama because he's the only candidate who can awaken a significant number of Americans – the apathetic and disengaged – who have turned away from an unresponsive government and, in turn, our civic life.
Just look at Iowa, where younger voters and independents boosted Democratic Caucus turnout from 124,000 in 2004 to 239,000 in 2008. These voters, who do not normally participate in elections in these kinds of numbers, responded to Obama's call for Americans to “build a coalition for change that stretches through red states and blue states.”
With a resume unique among American presidential candidates (he was a paid community organizer before he was a politician), Obama recognizes that increasing public participation in our Democracy is the only way to build a consensus for change to take on our most intractable challenges – like passing universal health care and lessening America’s dependence on oil.
While Obama is a consensus-builder at heart, he’s not afraid to stand on principle, even when it’s not politically expedient – he was alone among the leading Democratic presidential candidates in coming out against the Iraq War from the start.
There’s much more to Barack Obama than I can write about here. Go to BarackObama.com to find out more about the man and how you can join his fight for change, either as a precinct captain in your neighborhood or even as a contributor to his campaign.
No matter which candidate wins the California primary, I believe that a Democrat will occupy the White House in 2009, riding a message of change and leadership to improve our country's standing in the world.
In my view, only Barack Obama can turn that message into a mandate.
Darrell Steinberg represents Sacramento in the California State Senate.
Comments
I guess if you prefer an empty vessel,compared to John Edwards who has done more in one day for the country than Obama has done in a lifetime. Make
sure that Obama stays away from talking any substance,that way he might win by default.
Posted by: South Central at January 16, 2008 02:24 AM
METİN YAMAN
E O
W R
K
MAFYA BABASI BARACK OBAMA UZAK ARA KAZANIR.GERÇEK BABAM OLUP OLMAYACAPINI ZAMAN GÖSTERECEK.GARDİYANI TEK CELSEDE EZ GEÇ.SELAMLAR SAYGILAR.MMVIII-2008
Posted by: METİN YAMAN at January 16, 2008 09:34 AM
METİN YAMAN
E O
W R
K
MAFYA BABASI BARACK OBAMA UZAK ARA KAZANIR.GERÇEK BABAM OLUP OLMAYACAĞINI ZAMAN GÖSTERECEK.GARDİYANI TEK CELSEDE EZ GEÇ.SELAMLAR SAYGILAR.MMVIII-2008
Posted by: METİN YAMAN at January 16, 2008 09:35 AM
I voted for the candidate that represents Truth, Unity, and Change. I invite all Americans to join me.
Obama08
Posted by: James at January 16, 2008 06:38 PM
I think it is for us to insure that Obama selects the best advisors when he wins. But I'm with you Darrell.
Posted by: mike dillon at January 16, 2008 11:19 PM
I think it is for us to insure that Obama selects the best advisors when he wins. But I'm with you Darrell.
Posted by: mike dillon at January 16, 2008 11:20 PM
Barack Obama is the single most incompetent candidate for President I have ever seen in my lifetime, and I am 70 years old.
Yes, he wants to ensure our withdrawal from Iraq, and to give a victory to Al Queda. He is also wanting to "bring people together." Yes, he must believe in the tooth fairy too. Just because he believes he can do it, does not mean that it makes any sense.
He is a progressive and wants to increased government involvement, and substantially raise taxes, especially for the "rich", whatever that means.
Yes, and universal heath care like Canada's and the European models where people have to wait months in pain waiting for operations. Some Hospitals in the US have large numbers of foreign patients because, like England, anyone over sixty is considered too old. In England it is not a joke that "After all, death is very cost-effecitive."
He remins me of Jimmy Carter, full of platitudes, but it is not clear he has the courage to be Predident. What has he done to show us anything about his character?
Posted by: Arthur Lemay at January 17, 2008 08:57 AM
I believe that Obama is the best in this presidential election. I feel that when he says he can do something he will do it. Other people don't believe him, but there is a lot of other stuff you believe about you canadiate that they won't do. Think about the overall outcome.
Posted by: Gina Lolabrigita at January 17, 2008 02:26 PM
Barack Obama is the best one for the job because....
Because we are in a global crisis. The United States needs to reestablish a connection with the rest of the world. We need someone with new ideas and experience to bring a diverse group together. By diverse I mean, liberal, republican and democrats. If you want someone who will tell you the sky is blue when in fact it's gray vote for Clinton. If you want someone who can tell you why a bill isn't ready to be passed and needs further twicking than vote for obama. Obama is the only one who isn't supporting Universal healthcare because we need to reduce the cost of healthcare so that everyone can afford it. If Clinton's policy comes to light there will be a much bigger crisis because: gas prices are too high, energy cost is too high, foreclosures are at an all time high and a recession is right at our tails. How? I ask you will be able to afford mandatory healthcare? How will they be able to pay for the fines that will be imposed if they miss their payments. You also want to raise taxes. Lady I need food, shelter and energy. If Clinton becomes president we will be in a heap of trouble because she cannot stand by her votes. What is she going to vote for and apologize when it comes to nip her in the butt? We are in trouble as a country and we need Barack Obama to inherit this condemed building and renovate it!
Posted by: Yvonne at January 22, 2008 09:07 AM
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