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’.

I’m not sure who “LP” at nmfbihop.com is, but s/he speaks well about supporting Obama. mjh

New Mexico FBIHOP:: Tomorrow, I’m Voting For Barack Obama

by: LP

Tomorrow in New Mexico, we will join nearly two dozen other states in
voting for our choice for the Democratic candidate.  The field has been
winnowed down to just two contenders, Senator Barack Obama and Senator
Hillary Clinton.  Both candidates
are good choices, and would be not only a vast improvement over the
current President, but would offer a better choice by far than anything
the Republicans can put up.

Despite this, my clear choice for the Democratic nomination for
President is Barack Obama.  I have been leaning towards voting for
Obama for months, but after seeing him speak last week, I made up my
mind.  Not only do I believe he would be a very good President, with
the potential to be great, I believe he has the best chance of winning
the Presidency in November against whichever Republican becomes the GOP
nominee.

It wasn’t the endorsements from the Albuquerque Journal, Santa Fe New Mexican and Albuquerque Tribune
that convinced me. Nor was it the support of a large number of
progressive politicians who have aligned themselves with Barack Obama.
 It wasn’t his powerful speaking style (if you have not see the Yes We Can speech yet, you are missing out).  It wasn’t that he would be the first black man to be President.

No, what convinced me was simple: when I look at Barack Obama
and what he stands for, I realize it is also what I stand for.  I
realize that he has a plan going into office.  I realize that the plan
he has would not only be good for me and my family, but good for all of
America.  

Change.  I know, it’s all but a buzzword at this point int he
election, but it is true.  Barack Obama looks to be genuinely dedicated
to changing the way things are done in Washington.  Or at least do as
much as he can to change the culture of Washington.  Most people I talk
to do not trust those making decisions in Washington, DC.  I have hope
that an Obama presidency would help counteract some of that.

When he spoke in Albuquerque, the most impressive part of his
appearance was when he took questions from the audience.  Some were
obviously easier than others; he surely hears questions about veterans
rights in nearly every city.  Coming to New Mexico, he surely knew
immigration would be a potential topic.  But the impressive answers
came on questions about AIDS, about how to help struggling non-profits
and on Native American rights.

All important issues, and all issues that Obama was able to
speak about and sound intelligent on.  Something our current President
can’t seem able to do.

And then there’s Iraq.

Iraq was the biggest issue of the 2006 election, and that looks
unlikely to change before November.   The current amount of American
soldiers killed in Iraq sits at 3945, including 35 sons and daughters
of New Mexico.  Nearly 29,000 have been injured.  Whereas McCain and
the Republicans are perfectly fine with staying in Iraq for an
indefinite period of time, Obama has pledged to immediately begin
removing troops from Iraq.

This is a politician who surely wants troops out of Iraq as
quickly as possible. He is a politician who initially opposed the war
and still opposes the war.  He is someone who I trust (not a word commonly applied to politicians) to do as he says and bring our troops home.

Or instead of reading all of that, I could have just gave you
the short answer: He’s the best person for the job.  And that’s why he
will have my vote tomorrow.

State poll shows huge gains by Obama, McCain

Clinton now clings to a bare 45 to 43 percent lead over McCain in a projected California presidential vote, down dramatically from her 17 percentage point margin just two weeks ago. Obama now holds a stronger 47 to 40 percent margin over the Arizona senator, but that’s only half the 14 percentage point advantage he had in mid-January.

Both Democrats still run well ahead of Romney, collecting more than 50 percent of the vote in those matchups.

Howard Kurtz – For Obama, a Most Congenial Spot – washingtonpost.com

During the 2000 campaign, the [Arizona] Republic editorialized about McCain’s “volcanic” temper and said there is “reason to seriously question whether McCain has the temperament, and the political approach and skills, we want in the next president of the United States.”

Barack Obama for Democratic nominee – Los Angeles Times

Democrats preparing to vote in Tuesday’s California primary can mark their ballots with confidence, knowing that either candidate would make a strong nominee and, if elected, a groundbreaking leader and capable president. But just because the ballot features two strong candidates does not mean that it is difficult to choose between them. We urge voters to make the most of this historic moment by choosing the Democrat most focused on steering the nation toward constructive change: We strongly endorse Barack Obama.

The U.S. senator from Illinois distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics. He electrifies young voters, not because he is young but because he embodies the desire to move to the next chapter of the American story. He brings with him deep knowledge of foreign relations and of this nation’s particular struggles with identity and opportunity. His flair for expression, both in print and on the stump, too easily leads observers to forget that Obama is a man not just of style but of substance. He’s a thoughtful student of the Constitution and an experienced lawmaker in his home state and, for the last three years, in the Senate.

Maria Shriver Comes Out for Obama | The Trail | washingtonpost.com

By Garance Franke-Ruta

In a surprise move, California first lady Maria Shriver offered her support to Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) at a Los Angeles rally today. Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Caroline Kennedy, Shriver’s cousin, had been set to speak at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Shriver joined them onstage.

“There is no place I wanted to be but here today,” Shriver, a close personal friend of Winfrey’s, said before comparing Obama’s character to that of her state itself. “This election is about a moment. This is a moment not just for the United States of America, not just for the Democratic Party, but this is a moment for California. The more I thought about it, I thought, if Barack Obama was a state, he’d be California. Think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, bucks tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader.”

Delegate-rich California is the ultimate prize in Tuesday’s voting, and Shriver’s endorsement is sure to set Californians buzzing. Shriver’s husband, Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), endorsed Arizona Sen. John McCain’s bid for the GOP presidential nomination Thursday, though he also had some kind words for Obama a few days earlier.

Indeed, the Illinois Democrat and the California Republican have not hesitated to speak well of each other over the past year. Last May, Schwarzenegger effusively praised Obama’s efforts to establish a national version of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. And, in December, Obama pointed to Schwarzenegger’s “leadership” and efforts to fight climate change in response to a question about Republicans he might consider for posts in his Cabinet.

“We’ve got to see beyond the labels that divide us,” Shriver said this afternoon. “And if that’s the kind of America I want, I think it will be very clear to you what you should do on Tuesday.”

“I’m honored to have the support of Maria Shriver,” said Senator
Obama.  “Her courage in lending her voice to this movement means a
great deal to me, and reminds us why she is one of the most admired
women in America. Maria has been a strong advocate for women, a
passionate voice for public service, and an extraordinary First Lady.
Her dedication to bringing about a more compassionate, hopeful America
sets an example not just for Californians, but for all Americans.”

Editorial: The Trib endorses Barack Obama in Tuesday’s N.M. Democratic presidential caucus : Editorial : Albuquerque Tribune

It has been a very long time since America had the leadership of someone who could disarm us of our pessimism, remind us of our roots and heritage and insist that we can solve America’s enormous problems together. Instead of an impassable American mountain, Obama sees a team of American mountaineers plodding toward the summit.

There, law rules, not men.

There, every citizen is equally free and accountable.

There, opportunity, ability and hard work determine our individual and collective dreams.

Not since the 1960s have we been so touched by someone who espouses the hopes and strengths of a nation.

Some will find a reason not to vote for Obama. He is too young, too inexperienced. Too liberal. Too conservative. Too black. Too white. Too soft. Too religious. Too secular. Too naive. Too full of himself.

But we see in him a vibrant American leader who understands that leadership begins first and foremost with the people and a respect for — not manipulation of — them.

Obama seeks to leapfrog Washington’s harsh political rhetoric and gridlock for all the right reasons. While some might ask why him, why now, we ask: Why not?

ABQjournal Opinion: Vote for Obama, Not Politics as Usual

[Obama] confounds the reflexes that have been drilled into voters, like “the assumption that young people are apathetic. The assumption that Republicans won’t cross over. The assumption that the wealthy care nothing for the poor, and that the poor don’t vote. The assumption that African-Americans can’t support the white candidate; whites can’t support the African-American candidate; blacks and Latinos can’t come together,” Obama told supporters after finishing ahead of Hillary Clinton in South Carolina’s primary. …

It may be hard for citizens, who for so long have been in the habit of voting against the greater evil, to cast a vote “for” something. If so, vote against negative campaigning. Vote against division and the gridlock it encourages. Vote against being taken for granted by politicians who think they know what buttons to push. Vote against this dead-end status quo that predates the White House’s current occupant and involves both parties.   

Or just be positive and vote for Sen. Barack Obama. At worst, he’s guilty of campaigning on the promise of hope.