Why I'm Supporting Barack Obama

Over these past few years, I've watched Senator Obama inspire Americans from all walks of life to believe in real change and a new sense of hope and possibility. He's a magnetic force, drawing the nation together for the common good and galvanizing us all to help shape our country's future.

Barack is so like Bobby, who struggled for the rights of the poor in the Mississippi Delta and Appalachia, traveled to California to stand in solidarity with Cesar Chavez and farm workers and fought to end another war that cost so many lives.

Today, we crave a leader with vision who can help us regain our lost humanity and rekindle our inherent generosity. With courage, caring and charisma, Senator Obama is leading us toward a kinder, gentler world.

Senator Obama's candidacy sends out "ripples of hope" that can build a "current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." I am proud to support Barack Obama, and look forward to him leading this country toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Comments

[LeftLeaner]

If you thought Ted and Caroline Kennedy were irrelevant in boosting Obama's numbers in Mass and CA, how far down the ladder do we have to go for her.

Wake up, Kennedys, you're so last century.

[melann830]

How can we expect Obama to unite this nation, when he can't even unite the entire Kennedy clan into endorsing one candidate?? Bobby's and Ethel's children are siding with Hillary. But really who cares who they endorse because it obviously had no impact on the voters in both California and Massachussets who sided with Hillary. Endorsements mean nothing more than the promise of providing already politically connected people with more power and control over the masses.

[FigaroJones]

As if a Kennedy endorsement means anything. Check Clinton wins in MA and CA.

[kalkiwendy]

I'm right there with you. Hearing Obama speak is like re-reading Ghandi biographies. I may be awfully idealist, but is it really awful to be so?

[Ono4Hoopono]

Dear Mrs. Kennedy,

Thank you for coming forward. I am late in reading your post though I heard of your endorsement, and it brought me much comfort and hope that you also see in Senator Obama the first sign of real hope for our nation since that awful summer that we remember so well, we who were alive to grasp its meaning.

Please don't take the meanness of some of these comments seriously. People are even talking on other blogs about how particularly mean they are here, so please don't take it personally. I think it could be said that, "They know not what they do." I think the Clinton people were so convinced they had this nomination sewn up, that there is a considerable amount of frustration among them that comes out in absolutely mind-numbingly hostile and abusive posts all over the internet, directed against people who are holding out for more and speaking out for what we know is possible in our beloved country. Against people whose ideals, principles and beliefs, many of which were inspired and articulated by Bobby, have led them to choose Senator Obama.

There is probably not a week or month that goes by that I don't think of Bobby, and Jack and Martin and Malcolm for that matter, as I see how off course we have drifted as a nation. Your endorsement means a great deal, and that is why it is being attacked. Thank you once again for the gift of showing us our potential as a nation through Bobby that came at a huge personal sacrifice for you, and for braving a tragic loss that we all share who remember Bobby and the light he brought into the world with him.

Thank you for standing with us. I wish you peace, and some comfort in seeing the dream reawakened into full consciousness again after so many years.

Warmest aloha,

Ono4Hoopono

[antaeus]

The Kennedy family prestige is an artifact of the 1950s, now as antique as that of the Adams family (who? exactly.) Even the often-confused citizens of Massachusetts who keep returning the grotesquely unattractive and culpable Ted Kennedy to the senate were immune to their tarnished celebrity last night, and Mrs. Robert Kennedy's endorsement, with all due respect to her personally, is about as influential as one from the Olsen twins. Sen. Obama should recognize that these people now have more to gain from him than he from them.

[tkk]

Maybe you Kennedy women should have done the right thing and supported a strong woman candidate. Got your butts kicked, didn't you?

[mclarke15]

It's time for Obama to make the right choice: to choose patience over impudence; to choose humility over ambition. After eight years as vice president, he'll have complete and unequivocal support for his Presidential campaign. Because he'll have gained global experience and wisdom by the fistful. This is not 1960. The world is a subtle and dangerous place. We don't need another rookie with rousing rhetoric. We need wisdom and the experience to navigate the nuances - to hear the real questions being asked by and of this country, not just the contradictions within public comments. Clinton/Obama '08 mobilizes women and minorities. It mobilizes the establishment and the next generation. It unites the experience of the past with enthusiasm for the future. It is the only ticket that beats the Republicans.

[prmaven]

I agree the Kennedy women were always happiest in a supporting role. If Jack and Jackie were alive I believe they would support the candidate with the most passion combined with the longest history of grace under pressure. HRC.

[marymomgret]

In 1968, I was twenty four. It was my first time being eligible to vote in a national election. I couldn't wait to cast my ballot for Robert Kennedy. I believed that he cared about me, and my concerns. I knew he could bring out the best in each of us. That America was about to reach her potential for greatness.
Inspirational leadership of that quality is a gift. RFK had it in spades, and I think Barack Obama does, as well.
I am sorry that Bobby's kids lost their father before they were old enough to know what made him so special.

[blancmange19]

Forty years ago RFK came to my small hometown just weeks before his assassination. Obama has inspired this 55 year old cynic more than anyone has since. Besides, he's our only chance against McCain. The right wing is just waiting to send their swiftboats after the Clintons. The so-called "divided" GOP will quickly unite if Hillary wins the nomination.

[pansycritter]

Sorry Ethel,

Jack would turn over in his grave watching his siblings and remaining child sell his legacy so easily. There was a time when his legacy was revered. I guess that is gone. That's sad.

Jack was a policy wonk, was experienced, involved, vocal, and opinionated. He would have supported Hilary. Robert’s children were much quieter and followed the family legacy far better.

[ObamaEdwards]

I love this woman more than I can say, and I am so proud that she is endorsing Obama. Her words underscore what I already believe about Obama and our future.

This needs to happen. It's right. It is the direction we need.

Let's change--to honesty, decency, thrift, good will, taking care of one another. All the things we forgot, while the Republican Party was ransacking our nation.

Obama/Edwards 2008!

[HereticalPolemicisit]

The American Awakening from the 40 year post-traumatic assassination nightmare and wandering in the political dessert of pretense and dissembling is occuring. All people feel the currents of it whether they want to agree or not. The sleeping giant of American conscience of decency that is the touchstone for all of our liberties and freedoms is reawakening with a WONDERFUL resolve.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil]

Three cheers for Ethel! I admire your post and your views very much. I am glad there are older women in America who very clearly see what Obama could bring to this country, and are not basing their support for a candidate on gender or race bias.