Why I am supporting Obama (but voting for Ron Paul)

I know the Caucus is over in my state, and for better than half the country the excitement of the Primaries has gone on to other states like Texas and Ohio. But I continue to voice my support for Barack Obama to anyone and everyone who will listen. What is it about Obama that draws me to him like a college student to free food?

Let me start by saying that I disagree with Mr. Obama on about 95% of his political positions. I am anti-abortion, anti-taxes, anti-union, anti-war on terror, pro free trade, pro gun, anti-universal health care, and I happen to also think that his position on the Iraq war - meaning his plan to immediately pull out upon his inauguration - is not the best option. I want that to be clear, because some people I know have taken my support of Obama as meaning that I don't believe what I say I believe.

So how have I come to support a candidate that I am so distant from ideologically? The fire was started when I heard him give a speech to a religious group known as the Sojourners/Call to Renewal Conference back in 2006. The speech is linked here. I can't find any video of the speech at this time, but with a little hard work, I am sure you can.

What I heard in this speech was not just an analysis of the role of religion in American politics. I heard a man who had the ability to think critically about very complex and difficult subjects. I heard a man demonstrate an understanding of the importance of looking at an issue from all sides and arriving at a position that was sound, though not easily defended. He really put himself out on the line with this speech, which is as religious as anything that G.W. said while he was running for president. Obama showed through this speech that he not only knows a lot about religion (for a politician) but he also knows a lot about politics (especially for a Christian) and is willing to treat each issue with respect and honesty. This is the kind of leader that this country needs right now. We are not the most divided that we have ever been, but we are pretty close. The talk about Red states and Blue states dominates most national political discussions, as does a general disdain for the other side of the aisle, depending on how you identify yourself. If Bush is the Decider, then Obama is the Uniter (note Ms. Susan Eisenhower's statement at the end of the article).

While I understand the idealistic and impetuous nature of my support of a politician that I trust, I feel like I am still young enough to risk these kinds of decisions. I admit that I have been %100 sold on Obama's message of, "The audacity of Hope". It's nice to be optimistic for a change. My support for Obama is for the man, who I hope can become a leader at a time when this country desperately needs one. I know this is a risky venture, and a possible waste of my energy as every politician ultimately lets us down at some point. But I am ready for a change in this country, and though every candidate is promising it, Obama is the only one who seems ready to deliver the kind of Change that we need, a change of tone, a change of ethics, a change of character and a change in style.

There is essentially no difference in the campaining platforms of Clinton and Obama, but Clinton does not posses the qualities that I respect in Obama. I see her as coniving, underhanded, unethical, hateful and devisive. She may have experience, but not the kind I value in a person of character and personal integrity. She is has about as much crediblity as the Bush administration in my opinion, which is like saying that shit has all the tasty goodness of a Godiva chocolate bar. Mccain is a little better, and he certainly shares my views on more issues. But he doesn't posses the naive idealism that Obama espouses (Naive Idealism is meant in a positive sense in this isolated situation). I think Mccain would have been a great president 8 years ago, and I think that he would do a decent job at this time. He wouldn't be a bad second choice for an Independent like myself. I would have major problems with some of his positions, particularly on National Security, but who could be worse than Bush?

So I proudly support Barrack Hussein Obama for president, but my vote will go to Ron Paul. Ok, now that you have had a chance to read it twice, I will explain this statement. I believe strongly in the democratic process and the importance of putting your vote in the most effective bubble (or hanging chad) you can. For me in this election, my vote belongs with Ron Paul. He is the only candidate who is brave enough to truly stand up for his convictions, which happen to line up exactly with many of mine. Of course he has no chance of winning, but every vote he recieves adds strength and credibility to his controversial "fringe" views. The man would not make a good president, I don't think. But his positions need more exposure and in this election cycle, one of the most effective ways to accomplish that is to vote for him. Even though Paul said he will not run as a 3rd party candidate, I will write him in, as I imagine many other supporters of him will do.

I recognize the dilema of voting for one candidate while supporting another. What if Obama and Mccain are running against each other? Wouldn't it make more sense to vote for Obama? I feel my vote for Paul will speak louder to the issues that I care about than if Obama wins or losses. This is a difficult position to defend, I will readily admit, but it fits my understanding of my convictions at this time. One caveat, if Clinton gets the nomination, I will be voting for Mccain; I am that scared of her.

In closing, I encourage everyone to take a close look at Obama, especially pre-campaign, to try to get a sense of who he is and what he is about. I don't think many people will be disappointed.