I've Decided....

I've decided.

My conclusion comes after reading the candidates' memoirs and campaign platforms, attending both party conventions, interviewing both men multiple times, and watching all primary and general-election debates.

John McCain is an honorable man who has served his country well. But he will not get my vote. For the first time since registering as a Republican 28 years ago, I'm voting for a Democrat for president. I may have been an appointee in the George H.W. Bush administration, and master of ceremonies for George W. Bush in 2004, but last Saturday I stood amid the crowd at an Obama event in North Philadelphia.

Five considerations have moved me:

Terrorism. The candidates disagree as to where to prosecute the war against Islamic fundamentalists. Barack Obama is correct in saying the front line in that battle is not Iraq, it's the Afghan-Pakistan border. Osama bin Laden crossed that border from Tora Bora in December 2001, and we stopped pursuit. The Bush administration outsourced the hunt for bin Laden and instead invaded Iraq.

No one in Iraq caused the death of 3,000 Americans on 9/11. Our invasion was based on a false predicate, so we have no business being there, regardless of whether the surge is working. Our focus must be the tribal-ruled FATA region in Pakistan. Only recently has our military engaged al-Qaeda there in operations that mirror those Obama was ridiculed for recommending in August 2007.

Last spring, Obama told me: "It's not that I was opposed to war [in Iraq]. It's that I felt we had a war that we had not finished." Even Sen. Joe Lieberman conceded to me last Friday that "the headquarters of our opposition, our enemies today" is the FATA.

Economy. We face economic problems that are incomprehensible to most Americans, certainly they are to me. This is a time to covet intellect, and that begins at the top. Jack Bogle, the legendary founder of the Vanguard Group, told me recently that McCain's assertion that the fundamentals of the economy were "strong" was the "stupidest statement of 2008." In light of the unprecedented volatility in the market, who can dispute Bogle's characterization and the lack of understanding that McCain's assessment portends?

VP. I opined here that Sarah Palin demonstrated the capacity to be president in her speech to the Republican convention. Sadly, there has been no further exhibition of her abilities, and she remains an unknown quantity. We are left questioning the judgment of a candidate who bypassed his reported preferred choices, Lieberman and former Gov. Tom Ridge, and instead yielded to the whims of the periphery of his party. With two wars and a crumbling economy, Palin is too big of a risk to be a heartbeat away from a presidency held by a 72-year-old man who has battled melanoma. Advantage Joe Biden.

Opportunity. In a speech delivered on Father's Day, Obama lamented that too many fathers are missing from the lives of too many children and mothers. Look no further than Philadelphia for proof that the nation has a fatherhood problem at the root of its firearms crisis. And no demographic is affected by this confluence of factors like the black community. Among the many elements needed to address this crisis are role models, individuals whom urban youth can aspire to emulate. Little more than a year ago, Charles Barkley told me: "I want young black kids to see Barack on television every day. . . . We need to see more blacks who are intelligent, articulate, and who carry themselves with great dignity." Obama can be that man.

Hope. Wednesday morning will come and an Obama presidency holds the greatest chance for unifying us here at home and restoring our prestige around the globe. The campaigns have foretold the kind of presidency we can expect from each candidate. Last Friday in Lakeville, Minn., McCain himself had to explain to a supporter who was "scared" of an Obama presidency that those fears were unfounded. Another told McCain that Obama was untrustworthy because he is an "Arab." Those exchanges were a predictable byproduct of ads against Obama featuring tag lines such as "Too Risky for America" and "Dangerous," and a failure to rein in individuals at McCain events who highlighted Obama's middle name, all against a background of Internet lore.

Last Saturday at Progress Plaza, I heard Obama say: "The American people aren't looking for somebody to divide this country; the American people are looking for someone to lead this country."

This originally appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer

Comments

[dkistner]

How well expressed! I hope people all over this country will realize that Obama transcends party--and transcending party is what we so desperately need to do now. Obama said it: We need a leader. I will be so happy when I can proudly call him my president.

[castlerider]

Thanks, Mr Smerconish, Great post.

As far as Obama's saying there are not enough fathers in the lives of children, a statement he's endured some criticism for as to how he intends to change anything about that, at least he's showing us all that he CARES about something so in depth-wise important.­.. You know, this gives us all a very strong synopsis as to what DIRECTION he intends to take when he is making so many very important decisions that affect the lives of so many Americans.­.. So thanks so much for mentioning this so I could give my incredibly intelligent feedback on it... Just kidding...­. Thought I would let my modesty fall flat on its face and see if I had anybody's attention, there... ;-)

But really, what a wonderful world, and awesome country we could yet become if we had a way to teach more of our kids the wonderful rewards of learning dignity, and integrity. Definitely, Obama's our man of the times.

[rich misty]

Thank you for your endorsement.

Now get out your checkbook, and write a check to the treasury to help pay back America for the damage you have helped inflict upon your country in the past.

In this household, where cable TV is disconnected, internet is a month by month "can I stay online" decision and meat is a luxury served 3 times a week... I am sure you can afford to make some restitution. I don't want your money for myself... Send it help my country.

[wmg57]

While I sympathize and can relate to your money woes, you might just find that you end up healthier in the long run. As a society we seem to be waking up from a binge not really knowing each other very well. We're bloated, constipated and confused.

[bklynsam]

Thank you for your decision and for your beautifully reasoned post.

[sociocanuck]

Yup. Thank you.

[MsDebate]

Great post and I agree with 100%.

[tompoe]

Let's see. McCain votes against almost every single veterans' issues bills that have crossed his desk since 1987. To read the bills, one-by-one, type in the keywords, mccain non-support, in your favorite search engine and follow the link to Brandon Friedman's exhaustive compilation on the voting record of McCain for veterans' issues like funding and healthcare. His 26 year dedication to harming and causing as much harm to veterans makes this man "honorable"? I'd call him a scum bag.

[newpantaloons]

Good for you! It is time for ALL Americans to put "country first". A McCain presidency is a disaster waiting to happen. Sarah Palin is a joke! Please Obama voters, turn out in record numbers! Right wing operatives are trying to STEAL this election and we CANNOT let them.

NOT THIS TIME!!

[steve d]

Michael proves that a Philadelphia fan can have intelligence

[Fluffdaddy]

I tune in 5 days a week, believe me he will get HOLY HELL from his core listeners

You are a BRAVE MAN...Mike S.

Hang in there, this week is going to be hell for you and your staff. I got your back


One of your biggest (Philly, "In the City" Not the Burbs) fans

Jonesy

[clevelandchick]

HuffPost's Pick

Mr. Smerconish,

As much as I have vehemently disagreed with many of your posts, I am heartened to read your endorsement of Barack Obama. Not just that you endorsed him but how you came to your decision to vote for Obama. We agree on some points and I'm no conservative, I've always thought of myself as a Liberaltarian. Never voted for a Clinton or a Bush.

What I like about Barack is that he asks everyone to be part of the solution instead of just telling us to go shopping or to be 'very afraid' because the terrorists or socialists are coming to get us. At his rallies he tells supporters, this isn't about him, it's about us. We've got to band together to solve these very difficult problems: terrorism, energy independence, job creation, education, healthcare costs and coverage, and global climate change.

The McCain campaign is out there telling half this nation we aren't 'Pro-America' or that half of one our our states is 'the real half' while the rest is communist. What is wrong with that man? That is not the mark of a leader, just of someone who wants to win. Sad.

Good luck Mr. Smerconish, as some of your conservative colleagues that have decided principle matters more than party will tell you, you've got a tough few weeks ahead.

[jp5472]

Great post, and thank you as well to Mr. Smerconish. I am sure he will face the wrath of some very unsavory individuals who will air their displeasure on tv and radio.

It's good to see once again today one more person having an influence on followers/listeners letting reason trump politics. Routinely we see the opposite of that to the detriment of our country and even more so to the detriment of our world.

[jcorrington]

Thank you Smerc. I watch you alot on MSNBC and you are always thoughtful, intelligent and articulate. Glad you finally see the light.

[hokies4ever]

Smerconish's interviews with McCain and Obama on the war on terror were very telling. McCain came across as completely out of touch on Pakistan and the war on terror. Obama and Smerconish sounded like two guys sitting in a diner talking about how our government has a responsibility to those who died on 9/11 to get Osama bin Laden.

[mrqcguy]

I love watching you on Hardball and Race for the White House. Glad to have you voting for Barack and even bettter that you are able to distinguish the center from the right.