Why I've Decided to Support Barack Obama

Dear Arianna,

On March 15 of 2007, I wrote you a letter at your request based on our discussions about what qualities I think our next President should have. At that time, I told you that it was still too early in the race and that I still had a number of questions and that therefore it would take me some time to really look at the field and make up my mind. As you know, I have a number of people whom I consider friends in the race and I certainly didn't want to be disrespectful to any of them.

I also told you that I am only one vote and that I doubted that anybody really cared. Quite frankly, I was surprised at the reaction to my article that you published on the Huffington Post

In that article, I enumerated a number of criteria upon which I would make my decision as to what candidate I would support in the presidential elections. I wrote that while I have a number of personal reasons to support my friends, I would come to a conclusion after listening carefully to all the various parties, and that only then would I present my thoughts to you. I wrote that I would arrive at a decision that, while still bearing some emotional taint, would best represent my thoughts on who should be President.

My first criterion is trust. Trust is the basis of every relationship and clearly, the American people s trust and faith in our government have been eroded by the past seven years of the Bush/Cheney administration. There has been a distinct lack of independent thinking in the Judicial, Executive and Legislative branches of our government. I know about compromises, but some of this has gone beyond compromise.

Politics has become an ugly game. During the Clinton administration, America's image was that of a strong, confident and kind world leader. Today, that image has been deeply soiled both in the eyes of the world at large, and in those of our own citizens.

Since then, I have been looking for a leader who, above all, will lead by example and who is above politics and special interests. I have been looking for a leader who is smart enough to align him or herself with the majority of Americans, but willing to side with the minority if he or she believes that this is right for the future of our nation. I have been looking for a leader who is willing to compromise to get things done but does not let the polls decide the nature or strength of his or her beliefs. I have been looking for a leader that will practice the politics of inclusion and will help solve the many challenges that are facing us today and will best represent the next generation, who, after all, have everything at stake.

I have listened to the arguments that neither a woman nor a minority could get elected in this country. I have even heard the argument that some will not vote for such a person because they think others will not vote for them. These assertions I find to be ridiculous. If everybody thought that way, nobody would vote his or her conscience. The herd would decide. In my mind, American people are far too intelligent to decline to vote for a deserving candidate because of that candidate s gender, race or religion. Incidentally, I find the argument made against Mitt Romney, based on his religion, to be just as silly and unfair.

I am a legal immigrant whose parents went from Russia to China to Chile to finally reach the United States and thereby give me a chance to have a better life. I served six years in the US Army Reserve, went to college, have a successful career and have dedicated my life to being a good citizen. I have lived the American dream and that is the dream I want for our children and all children everywhere. I see that we are facing economic challenges and that the way in which we meet these challenges will have an immense impact on all the other trials we must face. It is not only about cutting taxes, it s about balancing our budget and living within our means. We cannot be a shopping mall for the rest of the world.

We cannot hope to improve our environment without making sacrifices. Our parents made sacrifices during World War II and the war in Vietnam. We owe them a willingness to do the same, especially when it comes to health care and social security. We need to provide for our children an educational system that is better than anywhere else in the world. We owe the less advantaged, the elderly and the sick the best of our efforts. We face a nuclear threat and the threat of terrorism. I believe it was Einstein who said that he did not know all the weapons that would be used in World War III, but he believed that World War IV would be fought with sticks and stones.

We have to live by what we preach. We are all God's children and I think it is naïve to think that one person could solve all of these problems. It is really up to all of us to shake off the politics of division and demand a change. We need more than 47% of the people to show up to the polls representing the other 53%. We live in a shrunken world in which everyone sees what everyone else is doing, as though we re all living in a glass house. The fact that this glass is breakable forces us to ask ourselves serious questions about the nature of humanity. We have all been sold a bill of goods, packed with lies and corruption, that highlights the differences between all of us. The future of our country and our world depends on our ability to start highlighting the similarities, the common ground upon which we can all stand. We need to be a part of the Global Community, not a self-proclaimed brothers keeper.

It is for all of these reasons that my vote will go to Barack Obama. His policy proposals are very close to those of his Democratic rivals with a few exceptions. He has flaws like all of us. Politics, however, like much else in life, is all about timing. That s what matters. It is about the face that represents our choice of leadership. That is why I supported John F. Kennedy, Gary Hart and Bill Clinton. They were the right candidates for their time. Senator Obama's journey is not unlike my own, though I am white, Jewish and have red hair. His face, in my view, best represents America an America that's willing to change. And yes, he's strong enough to take on military challenges.

Many people criticize Senator Obama based upon their perception that he's lacking in experience. In my view, it certainly seems that few people could hope to have as much experience as Vice President Cheney. It is less a matter of experience than one of judgment, I believe. There are a great many people around the world who believe that America has lost its moral compass. I believe that Senator Obama is the right choice to lead the next generation of Americans out of what appears to me to be a position of great peril. We need a leader who will follow his conscience at the helm of a nation of citizens who are not afraid to vote theirs. There are those in this world who will hate us no matter what we do, but following the compass of our consciences, we will have behind us the moral and legal justifications for our actions -- actions that for the first time in too long we can support together as a nation. America can once again lead the way to hope and human dignity for all.

In my view, the Obama Candidacy is about more than just an end to the war abroad. I'm not suggesting an immediate withdrawal of our troops from foreign soil. It is about an end to the war in America -- a cultural and religious war that eats at our nation's soul. Repairing America's image to the world is going to be one of the major challenges that this country will be facing. We are all immigrants, or the children of immigrants, who have come to this land looking for the American Dream. I believe that as the next President of the United States, Barack Obama can make this dream a reality.

Perhaps this will convince no one. But, now you have my opinion.

Warmest Regards,

Mike Medavoy

Comments

[Nix]

I'm not black or a woman I do date a black woman, but Kucinich stands for what I believe in so that is my choice. Looks like I am not the only one!
‘Long shot’ Kucinich scores 77% in independent poll.
Oh I am not a rich dude either just some random dude, and guess what! Yeah my vote will still count just as much as this rich dude and I will be voting Kucinich! The answer to why is I am voting for Kucinich is in part because it is against the corporate favorites of Clinton/Obama/Edwards it helps that I read what Kucinich's platform is and just don't make my choice form the TV. So no I am not voting for the chick or the black dude or Mr. all rhetoric no substance guy. We had a sell out in the White House with Bill who took the party from us and sold it. Now the GOP got a super big taste with BUSHCO X 100, so now it is time to take the party and the country back for the people by the people!!
GO KUCINICH!!!

[RationalDem]

Thank you for articulating so beautifully what I have felt all along about an Obama presidency. It's not enough to get 51% of the vote in '08; we need for a larger majority of Americans to be pleased with their president and proud of his actions on our behalf. Barack is the only candidate on either party who can accomplish this.

[OETKB]

We vote for POTUS on trust, not built on words, but on the actual accomplishments and methods used to implement them. It must also fit the circumstances of the problems we face. There must be something in the background of the candidate we choose that positions them to tackle the problems of the day. Attitude is important, which Sen Obama has, but it also takes knowledge and skill.

Sen Obama partially fills these necessities but is light on dealing with the most pressing issues of the day. We need to end our participation in Iraq and start improving our relations with the rest of the world. There also has to be broad experience in getting legislation that improves our lives and secures our rights.

Each of the posts here on the gang of the chosen two on the Democratic side is lacking in some aspects of this presidential experience. Even today in the Times Hillary Clinton's White House endeavors are outlined and it is very short on leadership:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/us/politics/26clinton.html?hp=&pagewanted=print

The only candidate who has clearly showed his abilities as a seasoned diplomat and effective governor is Governor Bill Richardson. He has negotiated cease fires, released hostages, and was instrumental in making N. Korea agree to shut down their nuclear reactor. In his own state he supported by leadership and laws passed projects on public transportation, health care, preserving the environment, veterans' affairs, and dealing with the immigration issue. There is no clearer choice for President of the United States and many of you see that. You call for his skills to be used in the State Department or as a VP. It would be far more effective to put him in charge of the whole shebang and make him the Chief Executive.

It would give us all a chance to hold our heads up high again as a nation. We would be presided over by a human being who has proudly served and continues to serve this country. No glitz, just competence and, moreover, a real mench.

[ebbtide]

I agree that trust needs to be a part and parcel of any candidate's resume. Hillary does not convey trust. While she may be touted as hard working and intelligent, her record as Senator is as exciting as a bowl full of unflavored gelatin. Doesn't look to me as if all of her hard working actually produces anything. Well she did get a load of pork for her state--.


She had the trust in the beginning, but the more I saw and heard her, the more my trust dwindled. The Iraq war vote and the Kyl Lieberman vote cinched it for me. It has been not very trust worthy to not answer any question directly--she continually evades, feints around questions. She plants questions in the audience. Her campaign used dirtiest of smears against Obama, bringing his race and religion into the mud of her muck. She ran as inevitable because she was a "stong" woman , who works hard, but now is dependant upon her husband's policies w;hen he was president--and claims it all "her" experience as a co- president when no one elected her to any office in the White House All of these things and more, have lost her my trust. I think it true that the Bush years have caused many to hate all the lies, the smears, the secrecy and are ready to change , so sick of they of his methods. She uses the same techniques as he.

[union79]

Trust is indeed the coin of the realm and I agree with your analysis of what this country needs to find its way in a time when we are faced with seemingly insurmountable problems and have a lack of leaders who are willing to lead forthrightly and courageously.

For all the reasons you state, I also support Obama and am have a renewed sense of hope for our country's future.

However, I disagree with you last sentence: "We are all immigrants, or the children of immigrants, who have come to this land looking for the American Dream. I believe that as the next President of the United States, Barack Obama can make this dream a reality."

No one person can make this dream a reality. One person can however lead us in that quest ~ it is the American people who must be willing to follow. Not follow like innocent and unquestioning lambs, but as a thoughtful people who care enough to join a cause that is greater than our current ego centric, self serving, instant gratification obsession. It takes the person you describe to set the priorities, spell out the choices and then to act with honor, courage and conviction.

"We the people" must be engaged in this hard work ~ never giving up regardless of the difficulty and disappointment ~ for the road is not a straight line but a series of switch back curves headed nevertheless to the summit.

[Markson]

You can trust Obama--to fight progressives. That man is a wolf in sheep's clothing. His right wing tendencies are as depressing as Hillary's (compare their records, which are nearly identical; don't be fooled on the Iran vote: he co-sponsored a bill with the same damn language condemning the Revolutionary Guard as terrorists).

Edwards is our best hope, but it'll be a *miracle* if he wins Iowa.

[avicenna]

Thank you for that wonderful articulation of wisdom and honesty. As one of the citizens of the world watching the unfolding of the Presidential race in America, it is this sentiment - that you have so thoughtfully laid out - that resonated with those watching through the looking glass. The world has been very affected by the decisions of the American citizenry, and it is with bated breath we wait to exhale hoping that the one who will bring a progressive, strong voice which speaks with integrity will be chosen to lead your country. America used to be known for its ability to make dreams come true - but it has been more affiliated with bringing on nightmares both internationally and nationally thanks the twice chosen Bush Administration. When we see Obama, we see not only hope of a positive future, but we see someone with a strong moral compass and a rare conscious conscience. Let's hope there are more introspective people who come to the same conclusion as you have, Mr. Medavoy.

[Edmonsky]

I have always been amazed to hear people vouching support for Hilary Clinton to be the next US President. Hilary is capable, smart and hardworking but these are not the only qualities necessary for making a great commander-in-chief. Leadership is about inspiration and judgment. Hilary is most fitted to be a great Senate Leader or White House Chief of Staff due to her attributes as very disciplined and tough as nail. We need a leader that can wake-up in the citizenry renewed sense of patriotism based on authentic values and rule of law. Senator Obama is authentic, inspiring, and possesses clear-eyed judgment coupled with even kneel temperament that can disarm stiff opposition to submission. Obama is cerebral, intuitive and very thoughtful. We need a president that is honest and sincere. Hilary’s presidency will revive open partisan warfare that will polarize political firmament and cannot lead to unity of purpose for resolving national problems both home and abroad. Obama’s presidency will catapult America to global moral authority that will give expression to American fundamental ideals of fairness and equity. Today America is seen as global economic and military super-power but a moral dwarf of the type outlaw and duplicity. Internally, America is beset with cultural and religious strife dictated by politics of fear and intrigue. It is only politics of hope that can heal our society to transcend itself and become more functional and productive in holistic terms. That is the type of leadership Obama’s presidency will bring to the fore.

[ShawnMichel]

To believe an Obama presidency--or a Clinton, or an Edwards--will make any difference whatsoever is the height of naivete. They are owned just as surely as the Repukelickans; they are simply more hypocritically dishonest about it: they, therefore, will not do what is necessary about global warming, Peak Oil, health care, etc. They will take tiny little mainstream feints at it, to convince their ostrich-like followers (you, Mr. Medavoy) that they care, that they're doing something about them, but it will all be for show and for blow. Even the partially intellectually honest can see this. Time to jump into that camp, don't you think?

Time is far shorter than you believe, Mr. Medavoy. Obama the Milquetoast won't see that fact either.

SMdM

[Qbear]

"It is about an end to the war in America -- a cultural and religious war that eats at our nation's soul. "

I had hoped for this too, and I also supported Obama. Then he hired Donnie McClurkin to SPIT on me and every LGBT American. The only way I would vote for Obama, is if Huckabee is his GOP rival. and don't flatter yourself Barrack, I would vote for the devil him/herslf to STOP that AIDS hysterical NAZI.

[KRANKY]

There is a mass murderer living in OUR White House. What will you, as an American citizen do about it?

[IdleMinds]

While you wrote an eloquent address I just don't see it. Obama is hot because he's the new kid on the block. Hillary is our best candidate.

When I look into the future I just see Obama as a Democratic version of the Bush presidency. I don't mean in a sense of scandlas and idiocy; it's just that I see him being a puppet president controlled by more experienced and powerful people. I see him leaning on those around him very very heavily.

[joebaggadonuts]

We all fervently hope for an end to the war at home, but the way the Congressional Democrats have been playing it, the peace is a rout, not an armistice nor a fair deal.

I would like to see Obama win and prove that we can overcome the hatred spewed by the right wing nuts at everyone who is different in any way.

Only then can we begin the reconciliation that is necessary for a just peace.