Just wanted to fill in my own unofficial "endorsement" post to note that I cast an absentee ballot for Barack Obama today.
Now, I had started off the primary season intrigued by various possible candidates. In my point of view, Russ Feingold would have been interesting, same for Mark Warner. Granted, their success is questionable. Feingold could have been Dodd-times-2 in a race. Warner could have sputtered. But, it was glancing around and harmless. (Yes, I do know the differences between Russ and Mark Warner).
Around the earlier days of the campaign, in late 2006, I had went back to my vote in 2004. Senator John Edwards. And for 2007, I had stuck with him. He seemed to be a pretty interesting and correct candidate on a variety of issues.
But my second choice at that moment was the choice I picked today.
Honestly, after Iowa, things just didn't look promising for John Edwards and his candidacy. He had nothing to be too sad about. He did his best, his candidacy didn't collapse after one caucus and he didn't spend all his time in Florida to finish third. But it just didn't work out for him. In a way, in a field with the Patriots and the Giants, someone has to be the Packers.
I had started to consider a sort of exit strategy before Edwards left the race, to vote for Obama. I was going to pick Obama if it was close, and Edwards if it wasn't.
But after Wednesday, my decision was much easier. I decided to side with Barack Obama.
Basically, I think both major candidates can win, and they both have pretty good views on a variety of issues, but I feel better about voting for Obama in November than voting for Hillary Clinton. Hillary isn't all that bad. Obama's just better.
For any voters who are sticking with John Edwards, I don't fault you for your loyalty or confidence in him. But, I feel that my vote was better cast for a candidate who I like, who would be a good nominee and a good president, and who will win. So feel free to vote Obama if you're on the fence. It's your choice. It just makes more sense to me to vote for a candidate who will exceed 15% and who is actually running for office now.
This Tuesday, I hope we see Obama move forward and win in a variety of places (like Missouri).
The road to November is not easy, especially with McCain as a likely Republican nominee. And I think we should have the best possible nominee.
I've never been one for superinspirational stories. But I know there's a wave of enthusiasm behind Obama and I think it can lead to some pretty good things this fall.
I'm with Barack Obama.