When I was growing up, there was no greater political hero than JFK. For one, he was Catholic. And for all those nuns and dedicated secular teachers in my grammar and high schools, he represented the greatest achievement of all - that a serious follower of Jesus Christ could become President. Plus, for my younger generation of teachers not of the cloth, he represented their generation, finally taking reigns of this impossibly powerful country of ours.
I am 14 years younger than Barack Obama. However, I have never felt more akin to a political candidate. He’s young, still rather handsome. He has young children and a very attractive wife. He’s not as experienced as perhaps he should be. But you know what? Neither are most great leaders. Neither are most of those who actually end up making a difference.
I'm a registered Independent. While I have always voted for a Democrat in each of the Presidential campaigns I was legally allowed to vote for (shit, is this really my third??? I am fucking old.), I have tended to vote Republican in my city and state elections. (Go Bloomberg!!! Who should, seriously, be Mayor of NYC for his entire fucking life.) And so, I am not voting Barack because I am a Presidential Democrat.
So why am I?
1. He’s young and idealistic. He’s the next Kennedy and Clinton all rolled into one. Kennedy was a Christian and Clinton was black (oh, come on, he really almost was). I want someone who is still hopeful, still patriotic enough to aspire to be President – not do so because it was the next best job his Daddy could get him. (Come on now Republicans, even if you support G.W., he never showed even the slightest spark in wanting to be President.)
2. He’s black. Yes, I said it. I am voting for Barack Obama BECAUSE he is black. No, I probably wouldn’t vote for him if he weren’t the best candidate, but the color of his skin is a strong selling point for me. I think it is damn well time that this country start to expand its presidential pool and look towards blacks, minorities, and women as viable candidates. Most of the rest of the free world has already elected women and minorities to the highest cabinet positions. Why should we be confined to a white elite?
3. He will not deny my right to choose. I never intend to get an abortion. At this stage (and this romantic interlude) of my life, it wouldn’t be fair and/or justified. However, 4 and plus years ago, I don’t think I would have chosen to have a child. And I think that is my right. Many women in my life – both elder role models and peers – have had to choose an abortion for whatever reason they had at the time. And, no, I have never met a woman who was happy about the decision. Who wasn’t more torn apart than any fucking supreme court judge who had to cast a vote either for or against the right. John McCain went on live television and said that he would appoint judges to overrule Roe vs. Wade. I cannot, simply cannot, allow someone to enter the White House who will do such a thing.
4. He represents the next generation. No, George Bush is not very old. However, as most people will concede, he is very much his father and Dick Cheney’s President. Barack is extremely young by most political standards. He has admitted to using both pot and cocaine. Why? Because he refuses to be a pawn for the older generation. Yes, I am sure he regrets this, but most of us who will vote for him don’t care. We all used pot and cocaine – if not more. While Clinton was always cool with his deep-South roots and sax playing, he couldn’t even admit to inhaling pot. And that was a disconnect. Barack is who my generation is. A generation who very much valued our ultra-expensive and ultra-valued education but who still ventured and had a bit of illicit fun every once in awhile. He represents every kid who finally left his small town for a big city college (only to find himself overwhelmed and a bit out of his league); every kid who finally left a big town for a small college (only to find herself aching for something more); and every kid who couldn’t ever find the money of strength to leave for college (only to find that what was at home meant so much more).
5. He just seems to be like you and me. Yes, Obama is following his party’s politics. Yes, Obama is going to fall victim to what his delegates say. However, I really do think that the man is exactly who you and I would be if we suddenly felt ourselves thrust in the political spotlight. Yes, he is a Democrat pawn, you can argue. Yes, he isn’t really ready to be President. But who the hell is? Was Washington? Was Lincoln? Was the beloved JFK? No. No one ever is. It’s the hardest, most self-destructive job in the world. It’s a no-win situation no matter what political side you are on.
However in this election year, I am in favor of the idealist. Of the candidate who has dreamt more than he has made deals. Of the candidate who is championing rather than challenging. Of the candidate who will lead us into the future rather than parade us into the past. I am for Barack Obama. Not for his party ties but for what he will bring our nation – hope, faith, intelligence, and humanity.
