If you don’t like Barack Obama, you probably won’t like this commentary in The New Yorker, so by all means, don’t read it.
However, if you’re one of those people who intends to vote for Obama after taking a deep breath and hoping for the best, the commentary should make you feel better about your choice.
I, myself, have grown exhausted with being treated like I’m an idiot or some misty-eyed stargazer because of my political opinions. I’m not a socialist or a communist because of what I believe is the best direction for this nation to take in caring for its people and fostering the best in us all. I love my country and its liberties–liberties that come with risks as well as rewards. Also, apparently unlike many people noisier than I am–and this is NOT confined to a particular political party–I don’t hate or hold in contempt my fellow citizens, even when they’re flawed and even when their values and beliefs aren’t the same as mine. I don’t see how any of us can believe we stand on moral high ground when we’re so intolerant and insulting to people who differ from us–and that is just as applicable to political ideology and spiritual beliefs as to those things over which we have no control–skin color, age, gender, national origin, and sexual orientation.
My core beliefs and values haven’t changed from the first election I voted in until now–and I have voted for Republican candidates, including in one presidential election, based on those beliefs and values. As I’ve watched the GOP change over the decades, the gap between the party and my beliefs has turned into a Grand Canyon of difference, while the Democratic party has stayed mostly aligned with my beliefs. So I call myself a Democrat even though I’ll go outside party lines to vote for those I think are the best candidates based on a range of issues.
Not this time, even though Barack Obama was not my first choice. Nor even my second. But when it became clear he was going to be the Democrats’ choice, I listened and watched and read about Obama AND Biden AND McCain AND Palin. I’m not a blind follower, and I’m not a fool. Campaign slogans and promises mean very little to me. The executive branch is only one component of our government, but it’s an essential part of global perception of and confidence in the U.S. Domestically, the White House needs to be able to work with Congress and make wise judicial appointments.
Is Obama the perfect candidate based on my personal priorities? No. I will not get everything I want. But who says I should? We as a people have the power to always work for those things we believe are right and just–not just when we vote for a president.
I feel calm and confident about my decision to vote for Barack Obama, and it helps to read commentators who take his measure and apply their conclusions to his leadership potential. That, ultimately, is what I hope for in a president: one who can lead all of us, not close himself (or herself) off from any of us.
I respect that. So many people vote based upon tv commercials or media hype. Or just automatically vote for the party they and their family have always voted for. As long as you have made an educated choice, I don’t think anyone can really argue with you, whether they agree with you or not.
Kudos!
Well said, Becky!
My candidate never ever makes it to the house, having said that though I have never ever regretted voting for a candidate. I heard once on one of those news commentary shows many many moons ago… that in America you should vote with your heart, with what you wish your country to become, not with your fears, and that has always stuck with me.
VOTE VOTE VOTE It has been our battle cry since we were 18.
God, help the one that is elected. He has a huge job ahead of him no matter what his name.
I don’t hate or hold in contempt my fellow citizens, even when they’re flawed and even when their values and beliefs aren’t the same as mine. I don’t see how any of us can believe we stand on moral high ground when we’re so intolerant and insulting to people who differ from us–and that is just as applicable to political ideology and spiritual beliefs as to those things over which we have no control–skin color, age, gender, national origin, and sexual orientation.
Very well said, Becky.
I agree, wholeheartedly.
I’ve taken much heat from various people who assume that I have stars in my eyes and a “romanticist” approach to politics. It blows my mind because, like you, I have researched all of the candidates and have made a well-researched, well informed choice that I feel good about.
Intolerance (in any arena) gets to me.
I could rant on that for ages as I am coming across quite a lot of it online, at the moment.
😛
It is especially hard to have political discussions with people just now ~ because, I’ve found, that people on the other side of the fence just shake their head at me and tell me how silly it is that I am voting for Obama… they infer that there is something wrong with my way of thinking because I happen to oppose their viewpoint. I’ve had people become so irate with me for holding an opposing viewpoint that I’ve become afraid to express my political opinions in my LJ. It has gotten exhausting.
I am glad that you posted your thoughts. I thought that you expressed yourself, beautifully…
And this will sound really silly (but I mean this) I am very proud to “know” you.
“…–I don’t hate or hold in contempt my fellow citizens, even when they’re flawed and even when their values and beliefs aren’t the same as mine.”
A very wisely thought-out post. Balance is everything.
most of my Presidential votes have been a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils, to a certain extent. Obama/Biden are not 100% where I want them to be on certain issues but they will have to do, since I cant be in the White House myself. And though I do enjoy the occasional election-time jibing at my Republican friends, I try not to think less of them, unless they truly believe that Sarah Palin would make a good President, in which case they can go f*ck themselves.
I can’t believe I never responded to this back when you wrote it. I just found it again and cracked up–both because DAMN–why can’t you be in the White House? I’d like to have friends in high places–and the Sarah Palin comment. You know, I’d totally made peace with a possible McCain victory until she entered the picture. No, no, a thousand times no.