Just a quick anecdote, then I've got to get back to work! ;)
When Edwards and Kucinich both dropped out, I no longer had a proverbial horse in the presidential race (though I was an Edwards leaning undecided before he dropped out). I was torn between Hillary and Obama... both had their ups and downs, though I was definitely Obama leaning.
I had decided on him because of how much he inspires the youth. We need more involvement, and the youth is instrumental in turning our party in the progressive direction.
I have been guiding a first-time voter through the process. Follow me below the fold for her story.
I went around my workplace doing a voter registration drive. Many of my coworkers are college students, so I wanted to make sure they would all vote. One of those is Sarah, the girl that my story is about. She has never voted before, even though she is in her early 20's. She wanted to make sure to register this time, though. She wanted to vote for Obama.
I got her registered. About a week ago, I got a call from her. "Kristen, I'm not going to be able to vote! I haven't gotten my card yet!" I told her not to panic. She'd still be able to vote. I had to go to the county clerk's office to pick up a walk-list the next day, anyways, so I made sure to ask about her. She was registered, they assured me, she would be able to vote, even though she hasn't gotten her card. They gave me instructions for her, which I relayed. I told her her polling place and her precinct number.
She wanted to make sure she voted for everything, but wasn't sure who to vote for down ticket. She knows I'm politically involved, so I gave her my opinions. So, now, not only is Obama bringing out first time voters, but he's helping those Democrats who are down-ticket!
But here's the kicker: She called me this morning. She was excited. She had just voted for the first time, and she really enjoyed being involved in the process. She asked how she could do more! She wants to be involved in GOTV efforts for Obama. She wants to volunteer for him in any way that she can.
This is an exciting time. Obama really inspires people, young people, progressive people, to get involved. They say that the way you vote in your first 2-3 elections is likely the way you will vote for life. Obama has given us a great start on creating new, young, enthusiastic Democrats.
This isn't only about who will be President after Bush. This is about the direction we want our country to take in the future. If we want it to be a better future, we need more and better Democrats. Obama is inspiring them to get involved.
And that's the biggest reason I voted for him.