Why I Am Supporting Barack Obama

Today, I am announcing my endorsement of Barack Obama for President.

This wasn't an easy decision for me. Democrats were blessed this year with many talented and capable candidates, and I believe both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama would make fine presidents. But Sen. Obama's proven judgment, his hopeful vision for America, and his unmatched ability to motivate millions of Americans eager for change made the choice for me.

I have enormous respect for Sen. Clinton. She is smart, dedicated and a champion of those often underserved and forgotten. She has a remarkable record of achievement that inspires us all. And her election would fulfill a life long dream for so many of us who have been fighting for women's rights. She would make a great president.

But for me, Barack Obama is the best choice.

There are a number of reasons I could cite. He has promoted smart policies to address our nation's greatest challenges. He was right on Iraq when so many were wrong. He speaks with an eloquence that most public officials can only dream of and is inspiring millions of Americans to reconnect with politics or connect for the first time. And he can win in November.

These are all true and good reasons, but I also believe Barack Obama is the better choice because of something larger and perhaps more important. Simply put, he has made a call to the better angels of our nature. He is challenging us to lift ourselves out of the ugliness that increasingly consumes Washington, where the heat of your argument counts for more than the light it should bring. He is asking us to stand together as Americans and transcend the traditional lines that have so often divided us by party affiliation, economic status, gender, or race. He is calling on us to rethink our approach to problem solving in the face of the enormous challenges facing our country, like Iraq, economic recession, global warming, record energy prices, and 47 million Americans without health insurance, to name just a few. I believe in his effort to put our country on a new path and want to help him make that happen.

I came to Washington 10 years ago after winning the seat my husband Walter held. In office for a mere 10 months before he died, he had lost none of the idealism and faith in American democracy that propelled his life. Quite frankly, I don't believe he ever would have and I know that I have tried to keep that fire burning. But I'll admit it's hard, when so much of what's going on around you is less about meeting our country's challenges and more about demonizing your political opponents.

Walter once said that "we are strongest as people when we are directed by that which unites us, rather than giving into the fears, suspicions, innuendos and paranoias that divide." For years I have been waiting for a president that speaks to that vision. I believe Barack Obama may very well be that rare leader.

Comments

[Insideout143]

Representative Capps,

Thank you! We're all waiting so impatiently for this to end. It is time for the party to get behind Barack instead of continuing the negatives within the party. Sure he'll have to face that against the republicans, but he already is!
From another 54 yr old white female, living in Hillary's state of NY.
We need the party leaders to confirm to Americans that Barack is who he is, not who the media and republicans are trying to paint him.

Thank you again.
Yes, let's be directed by those who unite us.

[Bobrobert]

Guts and glory are yours.

All the best to you. Take care and thank you for your views.

[Darqhorse]

DNC John Patrick (TX) added for Obama

[rossir]

Thank you, Lois, for your support! There are many of us out there who are taking a much more active interest in this election than ever before, and it is due to the inspiration of Barack Obama. I am 54 years old, and I have not had this kind of hope since Bobby Kennedy. Yes we can and yes we will!

[EvgenyLibek]

Very sorry to learn of your loss (indeed, your description makes clear, it was our loss).
Your husband's spirit lives on, through your words, and actions.
Thankyou for sharing your (collective) wisdom, keeping us positive, and clarifying our resolve.

I know what you mean about how difficult it can be to stay positive.
These last years with a Republican President have been very trying for many of us.
None more than our heroic troops, and our brave military families.
This economy has not been kind.
Erosions of constitutional liberties (and a disregard for international law) has wounded our pride.
To say nothing of this tenacious struggle -- often plagued by negative coverage -- for nomination.

We have only about a month left, then we can unite behind our nominee.
At full strength, our voice for change will become indivisible -- even the other parties will join us.

Soon, the long, dark night will yeild to a new day.

[kittyma]

I find the hatred of Obama supporters interesting. Guess what. They are AMERICAN PEOPLE. But it appears as though others were happier when they were not engaged in the electoral process.

Where did all these damn young people come from??? Who in the hell do they think they are??? (that was sarcasm to those who do not recognise it)

[somekid1234]

http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/20306341/the_queen_of_pork

[anons]

One by one they'll continue to come. ..

The supers are lined squarely behind Obama and will emerge strategically. After every racial, radical and Clinton fabricated hurdle a few of them step out of the shadows and into the light. Clinton knows this is finished..what i want someone to tell me is what exactly it is that she's doing now. And NO i don't think she should drop out but I'm convinced she reads the writing on the wall and I just wanna know what the hell her plan is from here on out besides taking swipes at Obama's knees???

[Rixar13]

Obama is now my choice and thank you for your story. Democrats must unit now.

[AlphaDoc]

A wonderful and thoughtful post, Representative Capps. Thank you.

[ddharder]

That you super delegates find this a tough decision is beyond me. How in the heck did you guys reach your exalted status where your one vote is equal to many? Surely it's not because you are more wise and/or informed that the rest of us.

Were you holding out because you were waiting to see which campaign offered you the best post election deal? An appointment perhaps? Lip service to your pet cause?

I can appreciate that you didn't give your vote to the neo con-in-disguise Hillary, but this voter does not appreciate the fact that voters like you are given a much larger voice in who gets to be our next leader nor is this voter impressed with the fact that you found this decision tough.

[CoulterIsASuccubus]

Sorry. Everyone in Indiana is going Obama.

[lezlie]

The lady made a beautiful, heartfelt, reasonable endorsement and you can't let it go for a minute!!
Thank you, Rep. Capps... these commenters have made your point for you. Continue to keep your belief and hope... your late husband sound like a wonderful man. We used to have a lot of those in the Democratic Party.

[valleygent]

The more this primary goes on I see one consistent development...the Democratic Party is dividing and will split at some point whether it be now or in the next 4 years. Perhaps Barack Obama should pull out and give the nomination over to the one who so clearly covets the position. She wants the power of ring so bad she would do in her mother for it. Obama has a strong following of millions, I believe he could carry a 3rd party ticket, and win.

[pal48]

"...Perhaps Barack Obama should pull out and give the nomination over to the one who so clearly covets the position. She wants the power of ring so bad she would do in her mother for it...."

[echoing Denzel Washington, in "Training Day"] Schmegal's got nothin' on her, eh? Seriously, you have to wonder about the make-up of a nation/people that spawns the type of leadership aspiring type that was better suited for 14th century Europe.

[BOBZILLA]

This is, perhaps, the silliest of all reasons for electing someone as president- ever.

Using your logic, maybe we should elect Ralph Nader, after all he's "coveted" the office more than any other candidate.

[SCG]

Thank you!