I'm not an American. However, I've been almost obsessively following American politics from thousands of miles away ever since the 2004 election and my obsession has seemingly grown into an addiction. I can't look away. I can't stop reading blogs. I can't stop listening to idiotic "pundits" and "analysts" and "contributors" who seem to love the sound of their own voices and I think Wolf Blitzer and his beard might have my head if I fail to mention "The Bestest, Most Awsomest, Most...er...Good..est?" political team on television! (Cue CNN's almost frightening "Projection" music and Faux News whooshing, revolving, pivoting, morphing and annoying graphics).
It's easy to lose sight of reality when caught up in watching that alternate universe of inflated egos and people talking a lot without saying much, but the one thing that I have been sure of is my unwavering support for Barack Obama. Now, obviously I can't vote in your election. When I say "support" I'm only capable of rooting for him from afar, praying he wins and feeling sufficient sadness, anger and/or outrage whenever the garbage disposal part of the kitchen sink is thrown at him. Spare a thought for my parents (also Obama supporters) who have to deal with some of my rants.
It started in 2004 when I actually dared to hope (that's right, I said hope) that the Moron in Chief George W. Bush and his pal Dick "So?" Cheney would get kicked to the curb by John Kerry. Yeah, that didn't work out quite as well as I'd hoped (there I go again with that "hope" nonsense). However one positive thing that did come out of that election for me was that I watched Barack Obama speak at the Democratic National Convention.
I was a bit stunned, to be honest. Where were the Democrats hiding this guy? I understand that he was a "star on the rise", but this was the first I had seen or heard of him. At that moment, I admit I wished he were the nominee instead of Kerry. I like John Kerry and the torture that has been the continuation of the Bush years make me wish even more strongly that Kerry had won. However, at that moment, watching Barack Obama speak (yeah I know, "speeches" who needs em?), I saw a future President. He had the charisma, the oratorical skill, the right ideas, apparent intelligence and that extra "something". That "magic" or "X-Factor" or whatever you want to call it.
If I seem too gushy, it's because at that moment I was. I couldn't stop gushing in fact. I calmed down eventually and was later depressed and pretty much in disblief that Bush got re-elected. I didn't forget, however, about Obama. I started to wonder if he would consider running in '08. I thought he would be an incredible candidate for the Democrats in a year when they had everything else on their side. So far, he's successfully carried out a 50 state strategy, hasn't sunk into gutter tactics, responded swiftly and forcefully to criticism, attracted young people to politics like never before, attracted new voters, formed a diverse coalition of supporters from all those "insignificant" states and has spoken eloquently as always on the issues that matter. And yes, he has also worked hard for it. I don't buy into the "Obama makes speeches and Hillary does all the hard work" idea. There's no way Obama would be where he is unless he and his campaign staff worked their collective butts off. Needless to say, he hasn't disappointed me yet.
Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has. I believe her campaign jumped the shark (or perhaps the Lochness Monster) a while ago and has continued to self-destruct. This is sad to watch since I was not opposed to her candidacy at first. I was more pro-Obama than anti-Hillary, though now I find my self being both. There's a problem when John McBomb Iran and Mike Huckabee show more class on the Wright issue than Hillary Clinton. Just when I thought she wouldn't sink that low, she does. It's like she's freefalling in a bottomless pit. She was just "answering a question" seems to be the defense. That doesn't hold since McCain and Huckabee were also "answering questions". I thought Sean Hannity might jump through the screen to strangle McCain into "rejecting, denouncing and condemning" Obama and yet McCain didn't waver. Huckabee was also asked more than one question on the issue. This sort of thing is just going to hurt her, so I don't know why she does it. I suppose it's an attempt to get "Sniper Fire" off the news cycle.
So, I come in peace with a humble request. America (yes I am aware that all of America isn't going to read this), please vote for Barack Obama. Please! I know this is your election, but considering that George Bush's presidency has impacted negatively on not just the USA, but the world, I feel bold enough to make that request without feeling like I'm butting in. Do I think Obama's perfect? Of course not. Nobody is. I simply feel he is the best chance for America and the world to move on to a more positive future. One where a president speaks, eloquently, thoughtfully and in full sentences without destroying the English language. One where a president thinks before acting. One where a president is smarter than a fifth grader. Where he will use real diplomacy rather than cowboy diplomacy. One that just might resurrect America's tarnished image in the world. Not to sound like Lou Dobbs, but how about that?
I ask this as one who has joined the ranks of all those other "insignificant" people. You think you've got problems living in those caucus states? I'm all the way down in Australia! I guess that puts me at a new level of "insignificance", right Mark Penn? Well, this insignificant person is inspired and hopeful thanks to Barack Obama.