It would seem like there would be little reason for someone in the far left end of the spectrum to support Obama. He is conservative on many issues and still is, at heart, a capitalist. Given that, why would I support him?
The reason isn't a very specific one. It's more lofty and idea oriented than policy oriented. I support Obama because of the rhetoric and the feeling of unity. This may seem strange coming from someone who doesn't like Democrats or Republicans.
Unity isn't enough though. I want a president who can inspire people and empower them. I want a leader that can get people motivated to bring about change in their own communities. Whether in the workplace or in the schools it is people who need to start acting out and interacting.
Obama is that president. Policy wise I don't like him much at all. In essence he doesn't go far enough. When it comes to community involvement and people empowerment, however, I think he is the top choice.
I believe that if Obama is the nominee and is subsequently elected as President he will bring about much change in the realm of politics. I believe he can sell progressive ideas to the masses and make them not only sound good, but make them achievable.
While he isn't fighting for a single payer healthcare system I believe he can get Americans comfortable with the idea of universal healthcare. While not for total amnesty I believe he can open Americans to more immigration reform.
Out of all of his policies I praise him most for his positions on technology and ethical reform using technology. Essentially he wants to open up government to people using the power of the internet, improve broadband support, and provide all key government documents online in open formats with creative commons licenses.
He even consulted Lawrence Lessig on that.
Given all of the above I can support Obama. As I've stated it goes far beyond specific policies; it goes with who can ease Americans into a more progressive vision and unify them behind it. He's going to engage people in every possible way and he's going to open up government far more than I think any other candidate in the field can do. I find Hillary Clinton far too divisive and too much like a "run of the mill Democrat" for me to throw support behind her.
There is a lot more to a candidate than policy. After all, a president can only do what congress passes. A president needs to be able to call people to attention and to enable them. All the experience in the world can't make someone able to get things done. Inspiration can motivate people.
So as it stands, this Socialist will be voting for a Democrat for the first time in November if Obama wins the nomination of the Democratic Party. If Hillary Clinton wins the nomination I'll be voting for a third party candidate like I normally do, so it will be a vote hardly missed.