I went out Saturday night to meet a buddy to watch the big Ohio State vs USC football game. We were joined by a buddy of his and an acquaintance of mine. As the game turned into a dud, other televisions in the bar became more attractive to watch. At 10:30 P.M., we noticed the beginning of SNL, with the much-discussed Tina Fey as Sarah Palin opening skit.
The acquaintance mentioned he thought that was great. I asked him if he was saying that about Fey’s portrayal. He indicated that he was also in favor of Palin’s addition to the GOP ticket. That comment ignited a fairly run-of-the-mill political argument between people who disagree about the 2008 Presidential Election. It was a spirited but civil argument. Neither of us would ever consider elevating the disagreement to a higher level, and the rest of the evening was amicable when the discussion returned to talk about sports. I never believed he would change his position, and I have spent too much time developing mine to change what I know is right for me, people close to me, and the country at large.
The discussion is still on my mind today because of one of the main arguments that both men put forward about why they were against Barack Obama. First, my friend said to me while the acquaintance went to the rest room, "you know, he’s a big John McCain guy". I told him I figured as much, since the acquaintance is a financial guy who may be the only person I know who approaches the $250,000 per year income range. It isn’t a surprise to anyone that people who are in that income range tend to lean towards the GOP.
It is what followed out of my friend’s mouth, and about fifteen minutes later from his friend that has me writing this. Both men expressed the same opinion without coordination, the opinion that Barack Obama would be gravely harmed when/if elected, and that would cause relations between Whites and African-Americans to deteriorate to levels "way worse than they are now".
I admitted that the thought of this occurrence happening had never crossed my mind. Analyzing their words, I first looked at them, and then I looked at my reasoning. That is what leads me to this writing.
First off, I know some readers will disagree with the following statement, which is, that I really don’t believe these two men are racists, especially not in the KKK sense. They did both grow up in lilly-white neighborhoods, and their interactions with people of color are limited to me and the occasional acquaintance from work. I have seen both of these men be kind and thoughtful to others, and they would cringe at the use of racial epithets. It’s just not who they are. At the same time, their lack of meaningful interaction with people of color leads them to being susceptible to believing in stereotypes that have been exploited by the Republican Party for years.
I then asked myself what I wanted in my next President, and why I feel that the best choice by far is Barack Obama. Here is my list:
- Competence – I like his educational background. It is clear to me his academic record as a student shows he has great intelligence. His record since graduating is one that shows great accomplishment. He has a clear legislative record that can actually be substantiated via public record and non-partisan sources. Those traits and records are what I believe the United States needs in abundance when looking at the issues and problems of today. John McCain’s academic record is poor, although graduating from West Point does count for something. He has one legislative accomplishment in his long tenure, and that bill is now obsolete. Only one accomplishment in 26 years. I see that as incompetence.
- Integrity – I find Obama’s personal story to be one that shows substantial integrity, one that far outweighs McCain’s integrity. Obama is a family man, with a family record McCain can only wish he had. One wife. No hint of Monica-type personal scandal. I know the McCain fans love to try to get the names "Rezko" and "Ayers" worked into their talking points. The press, if they were remotely interested in truth and fairness, would also be mentioning the names of Keating and Abramoff. My understanding of all of these names mentioned, McCain has been involved in issues that show far less personal integrity. Finally, when Karl Rove says your ads are full of lies, the McCain campaign can never, ever be confused with someone who has integrity.
- Change – Of the many points exchanged on Saturday, I regret that I didn’t point out that they had failed to mention any reason why they were FOR McCain. I was big on the competence issue in my arguments, but every issue the other side brought up was about why Obama was bad. Obviously, these men had nothing positive to say about conservatism or the Republican direction the country has been on since 1994. McCain is part of the problem. He’s been in Washington for 26 years, and in a power position for 14 of them. I challenge my friends to show me someone who is better off today than they were before the last decade started. Change in direction is something this country desperately needs. I’ll take the guy who has been correct in positions when working for the change the country needs instead of the guy who has been there setting up the messes that exist now.
- Hope – I want my granddaughter to grow up in an America like the one I grew up in. One where anything is possible and dreams are encouraged. One where the brilliance of the Founding Fathers was respected. One where we learned that the brilliance of the Constitution meant that hard work and diligence would pay off for everyone without regard to where someone comes from or what they look like. One where the Constitution was more than, quoting G.W. Bush, "just a goddamn piece of paper". To me, the United States Constitution remains a sacred document that defines and supports who and what we are as Americans. Despite what McCain tries to sell in sound bites, he as a record of overwhelming support for positions that undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution. I believe Obama will govern in a way that restores the Constitution to its rightful position of magnificence. I also believe that my fellow citizens of color love their country too much to substantiate myths in others’ concerns.
It is time for the Republican Party to stop trying to win elections through fear, lies and intimidation. To my friends from Saturday night, I may not be able to persuade you this time to vote FOR Barack Obama, but I will continue to be a strong advocate for progressive American ideals. The kind of ideals where we all move forward together as a people. I will also challenge you to look at what you say to see if it matches your heart and mind.