Okay, I confess.
From the outset I was skeptical of Barack Obama and his Presidential bid. Two days ago, I did something I never thought I would do. I donated $50 to help elect Barack Obama next President of the United States.
I donated not because of the beliefs, hopes or the bullying and insults from his earliest and most ardent supporters.
I donated because of what Barack Obama himself has achieved and shown himself to be over the last 12 months.
Why was I--a committed Democrat--skeptical of Barack Obama at the outset? Because I did not think Barack was running because of what he wanted to achieve for America and its citizens, but solely because he wanted to be President.
While these words may anger many who read them, I was far from alone in this impression. Republicans know this, and this is what they want to tap into with their "celebrity" ad campaigns. Like many, I was impressed by Barack's preternatural ability to deliver soaring rhetoric, but I was unconvinced that he possessed a core set of policy ideas that could translate that vision into reality.
What changed my view? Was it any one thing I read or heard?
Nope--not really. Rather, it was what I witnessed:
* I saw a man who ran what was probably one of the most effective primary campaigns in American history--overcoming virtually impossible odds to win his party's nomination.
* I saw a man who endured vicious provocations, ad hominen attacks against himself and his family, and ceaseless innuendo by association, yet responded in a dignified and level-headed fashion. He avoided the temptation to act rashly or lash out--keeping his eye on the long-term goal.
* I saw a man who refused to be knocked off his game by the smears and distractions, never losing sight of was at stake; moreover, he answered his attackers by mustering every ounce of his God-given talents to make sure there was a win on the scoreboard at the end of the game. (Somewhere in heaven, Jackie Robinson is smiling!).
* I saw a man who could take his vision abroad, and sate the voracious hunger of our allies to believe in the goodness of America again.
* I saw a man who worked hard to win the battle--not only effectively, but fairly.
* Most importantly, on that magnificient night in Denver, I saw a man lay out a concrete vision of what he wanted to achieve for us--not so much change as a return to what we were when America was at her best.
Did Barack Obama convince me he is ready to lead America in these challenging times? Yes. But more importantly, he made me realize more than ever how unprepared John McCain is to tackle the challenges that face 21st century America. It is a whole new ballgame, one which has left McCain behind.
So please renew your commitment and join me in making sure Barack Obama has a record-breaking August fundraising success.
More importantly, when people tell you about their doubts about Barack's ability to lead, focus not on what he believes in, but rather the remarkable effectiveness with which he has achieved his goal in the face of improbable odds.
When friends and co-workers parrot the "celebrity" talking point that remain in circulation, explain to them how hard and successfully he has worked to make history for America.
Remember--Republicans are not going to win this time by turning out their voters. The only chance they have is to convince Democrats and Independents to stay home on Election Day. It is our job to make people understand why they not only need Barack Obama to win, but why they want it.