Why I am voting for Barack Obama

My main criterion when deciding on a candidate is deciding which one will bring more compassion to the world. There are, of course, myriad issues that come into play. I trust Obama; I do not trust McCain. But taking what they've each said and done at face value, here is a chart I've published earlier showing clear differences in the stances of Obama and McCain (chart is based on information at ProCon.org):

I honestly cannot fathom how anyone can be undecided at this time. The 2 candidates are very different in their positions, so one need only look at a chart like this to have a pretty good idea of which candidate more closely matches one's own views.

It's an added - and very wonderful - plus that Obama has energized so many new voters. I would never want to see a law that forced everyone to vote, but I would love to see much higher voter participation. Obama's candidacy has resulted in many minority voters and many young voters registering and participating -- voters who otherwise might have stayed away from the polls.

And I am extremely impressed with how Obama conducts himself during the debates, during rallies, and during these most recent economic struggles.

It's looking like a very close election, so we can't yet know who will become our next President. But I have not been this enthused about a candidate in a very, very long time!

Comments

[Cheryle]

Well-said, Joe. I too am voting for Barack Obama not only because I agree with him on most of the issues, but also because of the way he has conducted himself during this campaign. I am pretty jaded when it comes to politicians of *any* stripe, but for the first time in my voting life (this is the 6th Presidential election I've voted in) I am pleased to be voting FOR someone rather than AGAINST someone.

Now get out there and deliver Florida for us! ;)

[bgfoss]

Joe, Thanks so much for posting this info. I have to agree with you... how can anyone be undecided at this point? And while I'm proud to say I'm a democrat/liberal/progressive (despite my mother's attempts at early indoctrination in teen-age republicans), I'm particularly excited about this election and the inspiration that Obama provides. Our nation so desparately needs a president with a vision for the future and who can lead us out of the wilderness we've been relegated to these past 8 years. Here's looking forward to 2009, an end to the war in Iraq, and a true progressive agenda.

[Cheryl]

What about redistrubution of wealth? My husband works hard for our family and I dont think We should pay for someone elses insurance or anything else! If you want it work for it like the rest of us do. You liberals can strap all of these people on your backs! No thanks I will take care of mine you take care of yours,if we all did this things would be much better!

[Steve]

Cheryl, while i do not support socialism any more than you obviously do, can you please not just pratically yell at our opposition. I can always tell when a liberal that I am talkin with has spoken with your type of conservative, they are always resistant to even listen and interupt because your type teaches them that they must do that to get in a point edgewise. So then they talk to people like me who are willing to have a discussion instead of an argument and don't know how to deal with it. If you are going to bring up a topic so obviously important at least come at it with some shred of fact or info to back it up. Such as: The fact that Obama's Tax plan is not just for individuals, but also buisnesses which means that if a company is making $235k they will just stay there because if they decide to go up to the $250k bracket it will be less SUCSESSFUL or PROFITABLE until they get it up to the $325k range or there abouts. Its kind of like the energy issue, yeah we need to get off oil for something better but there has to be that bridge. If a company isnt already capable of jumping from $245k to $325 they will stay there and not expand, they will not hire new employees, they will not build new buildings(constructions jobs there)...Those companies will become stagnant. Sorry all for the wall of text, but I do tire of those on my own side making conservatives look bad. And just for the record I am not a Republican I am a Constitutionalist. Good site and great points of veiw people.

[Cheryl]

Steve,First let me say that I am sorry if I came across as yelling at the other side! I am just so tired of the that type of thinking. This election is so important and I think the real issues are getting pushed to the side. You are exactly right about the small business under the Obama plan. But do you think they understand that? Alot of the folks voting for him are just waiting for the hand out. I know that sounds harsh but its the truth. Mark my words we (the working slightly above middle class) will end up paying for this in one way or another.