A friend asked me to persuade her for Obama. I hope she won’t mind me presenting the same case to the world at large:

Both Obama and Clinton are smart, organized, talented. Both have devout followers. Hillary has the edge on experience in politics and public life, but part of that is simply an age difference. Obama has the edge on inspirational oratory. I’d say a very big edge.

I wish my Mom were alive for this — she’d be thrilled by both, though I think she’d favor Obama.

Obama said, “I don’t just want to end the war in Iraq, I want to end the mindset that got us into the war in the first place.” Damn!

Obama found something good to say about Raygun, but not in any way out of line. It seemed thoughtful and it struck me as an olive branch. I thought, “he’s thinking beyond the primaries and into the general election.” The Clintons — both — jumped on him and, I believe, twisted his sentiments. That’s old school politics; nasty stuff that we’re all sick of.

Obama accepted the DNC’s decision about Michigan and Florida. Clinton seemed to do so as well, until she held a victory rally in Florida. Clinton is ready to fight for Michigan’s and Florida’s delegates, if it comes to that. Shrewd; scrappy; relentless.

Obama was going to hold a rally in Utah, but deferred because of the funeral of the Mormon prophet. Instead, he went to Boise, Idaho, possibly more Republican than Utah. He offered condolences to the Mormons that day. He drew 15,000 people — “they told me there weren’t any Democrats in Idaho,” he said. Many in his crowds are not Dems.

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure Obama talked about change (and represented change) before anyone else. Even the Republicans picked that theme up. I’m more sure that Obama talked about “you” more than anyone; now Hillary does, too. I don’t begrudge ‘doing what works to win’ and I’m not sure who was first with these ideas, but it feels like the imitators are … well, maybe cheating is the word I’m looking for.

Hillary would be a great president. I am slightly concerned about how she would keep Bill occupied and out of her hair. Bill Clinton has fallen mightily in my eyes in the last month.

Hillary represents some change; Obama represents all-out transformation. The world would be impressed by President Clinton. The world will drop its jaw if we elect President Barack Hussein Obama.

I don’t underestimate the hatred a black man will inspire in the general election, but we all know how much Republicans of all kinds hate Hillary. (McCain laughed when a questioner referred to Hillary as a bitch.) Right now, the Republicans are in shambles; not all of them will accept McCain or Romney. How many of those would stay at home if Obama is the Dem vs Hillary? Obviously, we can’t know, and so ‘electability’ is a debatable quality. Imagine seeing Obama and McCain on stage together. Imagine Clinton and Romney.

Obama has overcome my inner-cynic. He’s overcome my fear. He has inspired hope. I don’t think I’m deluded or deceived. I see evidence of his ability to charm/persuade/work with all kinds of people. He may be the Uniter, after all.

Four years ago, even though Howard Dean had been trashed by the media, I voted for him in our caucus. Obama inspires me more and I think can cross more lines than Dean could have.

Good luck with your decision.

peace, mjh

PS: Obviously, anyone is better than Duhbya. Even Huckabee would be more enjoyable as he shreds the Constitution further. Still, I’m starving for articulate leadership. Hillary’s fine, and fine is better than Bush, but I see a chance for ‘wow’.