On A Daily Show this last week, Jon Stewart said he thinks Edwards dropped out so that Obama could gain enough support to defeat Hillary. I had been thinking much the same thing since I read that he was leaving the race.
Why Obama and not Hillary? She seems presidential at times. She's knowledgeable, worldly, well-connected (not always a good thing), she would probably listen to Bill's advice (I'm not sure that's a good thing lately), but in general she strikes me as someone who could get things done.
I think Obama is insecure in some areas. I think his idealism will come up against a lot of barriers. I think there could be a host of other problems with his election. But I think he would be a truly transformation force not only in the United States but throughout the world.
I think Obama could bridge the divide we have with the third world. I think his election would show the forgotten inside and outside of this country that we are fair, that in spite of our history, we are capable of moving forward after a few decades of stagnation. I think (and hope) that Obama would recognize his limitations and not be afraid to surround himself with those experts he needs to make wise decisions.
Most important, his presidency has the potential to take the United States into the 21st century. I truly believe Hillary is stuck with ideas that developed from status quo thinking. I think her strong support from big business and Wall Street shows that. I feel that a president who is less beholden to special interests is in our best interest. I think Obama is less burdened in his thinking and actions than any other candidate in the thirty years I've been following politics.
In conclusion, I've support Hillary if she wins the nomination. But my enthusiasm will be dampened.