Obama for president, and for the future
THE NEWS TRIBUNE
The challenges ahead are daunting.
The United States is mired in war on two fronts, its financial markets are in crisis and its standing is diminished around the world, even among many of its traditional allies.
This election is in part a referendum on the last eight years and a Republican administration that misfought four years of the Iraq War, ran up an unbelievable deficit and looked the other way while the economy lurched toward failure. Fairly or unfairly, John McCain – as a Republican – is closely linked to the Bush administration and its policies.
This election is also a referendum on who would be the best person to lead the nation into the future, to improve the lives of average Americans, to increase our energy independence, to make health care more affordable and more accessible, and to heal our relationships with other nations.
We believe that Barack Obama is that person.
We’d prefer the Democratic senator from Illinois had more experience. But history determines the circumstances and choices of a presidential election, and we think he’s the right choice for this one. And we believe that of the two men, Obama has the keener intellect, the steadier temperament, and the greater ability to seek and take advice from experts – qualities that will serve the next president well.
The strong endorsement of Obama this past weekend by former secretary of state and joint chiefs chairman Colin Powell – a leading Republican – bolsters our belief that the Democrat is the better choice for president based on the rational merits. Powell also described Obama as a “transformational figure” – one who can take the nation forward in a positive way.
Obama has led an almost textbook campaign, overcoming what many observers had believed was the foregone conclusion of a Hillary Clinton nomination. His candidacy has been inspirational, attracting countless new voters and astonishing crowds.
Obama has steadfastly focused on the issues that concern most Americans – the economy, jobs, education and health care. His campaign has largely avoided personal attacks on McCain.
Another factor in our endorsement of Obama is his choice of Joe Biden of Delaware as his running mate. As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Biden would provide valuable advice in an area where Obama is not as strong. And he would have little learning curve should he be called upon to serve as president.
The same cannot be said for McCain’s choice, Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska. Her lack of experience and her unfamiliarity with national and international issues are unnerving.
McCain’s age and health issues make his choice of running mate more important than it otherwise would be, and his selection of Palin reflects a possible recklessness that gives us pause.
McCain’s stellar service to his country in war and in Congress deserves our thanks and respect. He has been able to work in a bipartisan manner on important legislation and hasn’t been afraid to take on his own party. But those qualities are outweighed by our growing concerns about his judgment and temperament – concerns that have surfaced in the sometimes erratic way in which he has conducted his campaign.
There is no getting around the historic nature of this election, and its implications for the nation. A President Obama would send a healing message to Americans on the question of race. Obama’s policies and personality stand a better chance of mending fences with friendly nations and defusing the animosity of unfriendly ones.
However this election goes, history will be made. The nation will either have its first female vice president or its first African-American president. But the central issue isn’t gender or race; it’s choosing the right course for America.
Obama is the right choice.
