Well ... I am guessing that each and every one of us feels this deep need to write a diary today.
Many of them are good ... but, mostly, a tremendous number of bad diaries are up today as well.
I suspect that this one will trend toward more of the irrelevant type of 'personal writing' diaries that deserves as much as any -- to just drift down and off the diary list. So be it.
I am going to try and stay on Barack Obama with only (hopefully) the slightest references to any other candidates.
I hear the question over and over and over again asked of Barack Obama supporters who are "all fired up":
What POSITIONS of Barack Obama's do You support?
It is an incredibly legitimate and relevant question. And almost everyone that I hear answering this sounds like a bumbling, stumbling boob. From Congressman to Senators to 'the person on the street'. If I was relying on who to support based on how these people answer this question, I have to admit, I would be hard pressed to support him.
As a Proud and Loud Liberal, I support DENNIS KUCINICH in terms of policy and position.
I freely admit that I don't support each and every position that Dennis takes. And at times, I think he just reacts to what is "politically correct" rather than a well thought out position. But mostly, I am far more aligned with Dennis than any other candidate -- by FAR!
I Really (REALLY!) like John Edwards
I like his economic populism. I like his rhetoric regarding poverty and equality. I like him personally. While I am an atheist, I respect his "i am a xian, but that should not be part of my decision making process" with regard to policy issues. I really like John, and I am completely enamored with Elizabeth Edwards.
I don't know what POLICY issue that I support of Barack Obama
I agree for the most part when people claim that his policy positions are a little like cotton candy ... fluffy and sweet, but somewhat insubstantial. (HRC suffers this too, but most people either don't want to admit it or otherwise mischaracterize them one way or another) It seems that we essentially fill in the details on Barack Obama with our own individual desires (or fears too I guess!)
This country is profoundly injured by DEEP aching Division
I dump 99.9% of the responsibility of this onto George W Bush (who, incidentally, will NOT be running in the next election -- so running against him will be a little difficult) and the republican noise machine.
Does anyone -- ANYONE think that the noise machine will not be successful in maintaining this division with HRC as president? Seriously, I am not blaming her, but if she is elected, we can pretty much count on another 4-8 years of ever deepening division in this country. The kind that makes ME weep.
It is an unfortunate social environment that we live in, but as Dennis Kucinich supporter, I have to admit that he won't win (for all other Kucinich supporters -- I need to point out that I didn't say he CAN'T win, just that he won't!)
As likable and decent as John Edwards is, I am not convince completely that he will be successful in implementing everything he (and we) want. I agree that shouldn't mean that we then don't try, but, there is a level of realism as well. My own analysis of Edwards is a little fuzzy, so for all the Edwards supporters, I want You to know, I am so there -- in spirit!
Obama's POSITION vs THIS is a DEMOCRATIC Blog Damnit
I hear Barack Obama say that he wants to heal the divisions in this country and by extension the divisions that have been sown Internationally. In all honesty, I feel that he is the best person to do it.
I hear irresponsible comments from the Democratic base about capitulation and I hear equally irresponsible comments about how Obama is more liberal than HRC (though, as Liberal myself, I admit that isn't too difficult, but I would say that there is no evidence for that claim)
People are tired of division in this country. There is a hunger for unity and healing.
I don't honestly know what Barack Obama will do once in office.
But I have HOPE
and
I BELIEVE
that
YES WE CAN
help Heal this country ... and I honestly believe that Barack Obama is the best chance.