[Originally published at BlueOregon.com.]
I just spent three days in Little Rock, Arkansas - where I was invited to talk about technology and politics at the Clinton Presidential Library, to a conference of under-35 elected officials.
The visit to the Clinton Library was an extraordinary reminder of how good we had it during Bill Clinton's presidency. In a stark contrast to the failed Bush presidency, the exhibits remind you of achievement after achievement of the Clinton years.
But it all started in 1992.
In that campaign, Bill Clinton called on a new generation to participate in the political life of our nation, and millions of us responded. He asked us to "vote our hopes, not our fears" -- and many of us joined him in believing in a place called Hope.
Clinton told us that his presidency would be about "putting people first" and putting power back in the hands of the people. He came from outside Washington, to fight the "privileged, private interests" that have "hijacked" our government.
He asked us to "look beyond the stereotypes that blind us" and "restore our sense of unity and community". And he called on us all to build a "country of boundless hopes and endless dreams; a country that once again lifts up its people, and inspires the world".
Sound familiar?
The messages and themes of that 1992 campaign live on today -- in the campaign of Barack Obama. It's Barack Obama who is inspiring yet another new generation of Americans. It's Barack Obama who is fighting against the entrenched Washington insiders that stifle debate and impede progress. It's Barack Obama that understands that "hope" isn't just a bumper sticker, but a vision and promise of a better country.
I have no doubt in my mind that if his wife weren't running, Bill Clinton would be Barack Obama's #1 supporter in this presidential campaign.
I love Bill Clinton. And all these years later, I still believe in him and his vision. Like many people I know, I work in politics today because of his call to service. I am a Clinton man.
And that's why I support Barack Obama for President.