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

[Sabreen60]

Thank you Rep. Capps. I am voting for Sen. Obama. I am not voting against Sen. Clinton. When I look at Obama I see the future. When I look at Clinton I see the past.

[neoprimordial]

Thank you, gdogs, for pointing out that news blurb about Obama press secretary Bill Burton being the son-in-law of Rep. Capps. This is definitely something she should have mentioned, in the interests of full disclosure. Because she neglected to mention this very salient and glaring fact, everything else she has to say about why she's for Obama, however encouraging and inspiring, loses its punch and credibility. Why would she not mention it? She overlooked this? I doubt it; she's been in office ten years! Did she really think we wouldn't find out about it? Did she really think we wouldn't know? Did she really think it wouldn't matter? A true mystery.

[mslindab]

Lois Capps is our rep and Obama handily won our district in California. It is common knowledge hear that she is related through marriage to Burton but she also has long ties to the Clinton's who helped her husband to get elected.

[neoprimordial]

I see. That explains her laudatory comments about Hillary and why the decision was difficult for her, but it still doesn't excuse her lack of disclosure. For all of us without that "common knowledge" of her history--clearly the overwhelming majority of voters--she should have mentioned her definite, intimate connection to the Obama campaign. It's saying a lot about her, whether she's for Obama or against him, and omitting this information is leaving out a lot about who she is and where her loyalties lie. It also wouldn't have hurt to mention her connection to the Clintons. She should have made the full disclosure.

[oceanlover]

Oh now I see .... So she's just another Clinton traitor, on top of being less than honest in her announcement. Thanks for pointing that out. We east coasters have never heard of the lady. Now I won't forget her.

[anotherbozo]

"He speaks with an eloquence that most public officials can only dream of..." You ain't too shabby yourself, Rep. Capps. Well said! And thanks.

[mingjia]

Anybody who thinks Obama is going to "change" America with his angelic "vision' is naive in the extreme. People thought the same of another Mr. Feel Good--Jimmy Carter--and we saw how that turned out. Are all the lobbyists in Washington going to suddenly start working for non-profit groups if Obama is elected? Are the Republicans gong to line up and pledge to "heal America." Get real. Politics is a tough business, and will always be tough, and Clinton understands that. Idealism has left the building--as we see now with the knowledge that Capps is the mother-in-law of Obama's press secretary!!!! HA, HA, HA.! Oh, this is priceless...

[Nezua]

That is actually graven above the door to Purgatory, did you know? Well you must have. "Idealism has left the building."

[WRPrintz]

So....she is supporting him because her son-in-law works for Obama? Do you even KNOW Lois Capps? I am guessing if you did, you would never had even implied that she would sell out her ideals on something so base.

This is a solid endorsement from someone with solid character.

[nunzia]

Oh puh-leeze.
Disclosure makes all the difference.
The fact that she didn't disclose says it all.

[DHubble]

and your comments are the very thing Americans are fighting and hunger for. I believe idealism is still possible in America. I can still be a land of dreams. i have been waiting my whole life for a presidential candidate that inspires me this way. People call it kool-aide. no. I went to college. I am not gullible. "Heal America?" you bet. I am in Iraq right now. After 2 deployments of fighting, Shias and Sunnis seem no different than Bush v. Clintons anymore, only the knives and bullets are words at least for now. Dreams of my country in all of its real glory, real potential, are about all that keeps me going outside of my family itself. I am very real about this. Politcs is a tough business. It also requires vision, which is what we have lacked for so long. I don't know about you, but I am tired of politcial fighting. Coming together must start at the top. You are correct, Clinton WILL fight for us, all 50.1% who would support her, while she spends the remainder of her time stiff arming the raging opposition, and never solving the division in our country. Perhaps the Repulicans will try the same with Obama, but at least he will bring them to the table. Thats why so many independents like him. We keep politcally fighting like we have the past 20 years, and something is going to burst sooner or later. Peace.

[c1ee]

Bravo

[lmrgreen]

Sorry, Carter in no way compares with Obama. While President Carter is a sincere and thoughtful gentleman, he failed to inspire the American people the way Obama has. And no one believes it will be easy - but we have to try. If we don't do it now - when? Obama sees and understands the power we have as a people; he wants to unite us and use that power to change our country for the better.

And if Capps was basing her decision strictly on her relationship as the mother-in-law of Obama's press secretary, why didn't she come out in support for him before the California primary?

[gdogs]

Rep Capps,

How do you explain this? Or does is just not matter? So much for full disclosure.

"just as Obama press secretary Bill Burton sent out a statement announcing the support of Rep. Lois Capps. The statement didn't mention the personal connection - Capps is Burton's mother-in-law"

excerpt from an AP story posted today.

[KillTheMessenger]

Can you explain to us WHY exactly it matters?

[gdogs]

Let me ask you a question. If Rep Capps had come out today and endorsed Clinton, and then later on in the day you found out that her son was dating Chelsea, do you think that it would matter? Be honest.

[AdLib]

So what? That's all you got? Pathetic.

[oceanlover]

"That's all you got?" Hello AdLib. We're talking INTEGRITY and full disclosure. Please. As I said earlier, being and east coaster I never heard of this Rep. from Cali but her lack of honesty/candor with regard to her son-in-law's job speaks VOLUMES. Regardless of how many trolls she has cruising these comments it in no way takes away from the fact that she comes across now as merely a typical self serving politician. Solid character my ass.

[CTmom13]

Than you!!! We need the change and a uniter!

[DoPaisa]

Thank you, Rep. Capps.
I'm sure this wonderful man will be our president soon.

[CTmom13]

Yesterday Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler had the courage to come out in support of Barack Obama, despite the long odds against him winning the state's primary. This was an embarrassment to the Hillary campaign that an elected SD would put the reputation with his own constituents at stake to support the candidate he believed would make the better candidate, president or both.

Today Representative Chandler is feeling the heat for this endorsement. According to Poltico Chandler's phone has been ringing off the hook since yesterday receiving numeros vitriolic complaints, many with offensive racial slurs, about his endorsement of Senator Obama. As of 2:30 PM yesterday, he had received 300 phone calls opposing his decision and only 5 calls in support.

We need to take action on this. Call Representative Chandler's office (especially if you are a Kentucky resident) and let him know that you support his decision to endorse the next President of the United States, Barack Obama!

You can donate too......Over $6500 raised from Obama supporters

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/4/30/10574/4557/136/506340

[PFHarlock]

Dear Rep. Capps,

I applaud your public stand in the effort to elevate the political (and cultural) climate in our country away from an attitude in which one does what one can get away with, to one which emphasizes the importance of doing what is good and honorable. Your actions today honor and perpetuate the positive legacy of your husband.

It's my hope that your heart-felt announcement of support for Barack Obama and the civility he represents will help more of your colleagues to make the choice to emulate your admirable demonstration of personal conviction and bravery.

[Buttercup08]

Thanks Lois for the support you are a smart lady. No one can come to you and accuse of what your firend did or pastor that it is rediculous. Obama 08 Yes We Can.

[BigLib]

and she'll yank it away after Obambi loses Indiana and North Carolina!

[IowaKid]

Obama will do fine. He knows how to make the hard decisions and not just do pandering that Clinton and McCain do.

[nunzia]

You mean like vilifying Rev. Wright?

[KillTheMessenger]

It is much easier to underestimate other people than to trust their integrity. Do I have to say more?

[BigSid]

NOT ANOTHER ONE

Not another endorser trying to elevate what's nothing more than their opinion to a higher level of truth and meaning. Lemme explain by analyzing a quote from the article above...

"...Sen. Obama's proven judgment, his hopeful vision for America, and his unmatched ability to motivate millions of Americans..."

His proven judgment? His judgment is highly suspect. In fact his prolonged battle with Senator Clinton has done the country a great benefit in exposing his judgment for what it really is.

His hopeful vision for America? An unsypathetic analysis of the mindset of middle America as he did when he characterized the citizens of Pennsylvania doesn't exactly qualify as a hopeful vision. It's more a condescending brush off.

His unmatched ability to motivate millions? When the votes in Michigan and Florida are added, Clinton has more votes. I stop short of saying Clinton would be winning with Michigan and Florida as the DNC said it wouldn't count such results, but it is a fact that when you tally the totals from all states that have voted, Clinton has garnered more votes. Taking Michigan and Florida out of the equation, Obama has only motivted 1% more people to vote for him -- hardly worthy of being labeled "unmatched".

Of course, I'm expressing nothing more than opinions of my own, but I love it when these people of such import so grandly state the accomplishments of Obama -- a little bit of wishful thinking.

[AdLib]

Man, such crybabies! Hillary has lost, math may not be your strongest suit but go to slate.com and check out their delegate calculator. If you do, you'll see, it's impossible for Hillary to win.

It's so over.

[BigSid]

Simply put, the game ain't over yet. Try to call it early if you want.

[Obamamo]

This is the type of illogical reasoning we have been facing the past 7 years. Now! Thanks to Bigsid I understand why 29% still support the criminal in Chief. Let me Say it to you as CLEAR as Crystal:

The rules state, before even the primary started, that Michigan and Florida won't be seated and HilLiar has agreed to it. You clearly want to steal the nomination from Obama by presenting any bogus excuse. Have you no shame! I can’t believe why I am even trying to explain the rules to someone who believes a Liar like HilLiar. After 7 years where the core of my beliefs in Democracy have been shaken you come here trying to snatch the nomination from Obama who has won more states, he has won more pledged Delegates and he has won more popular votes. If HilLiar was the one winning she will be crying out murder and I bet my life she would have been already the nominee. This is the United States not a kingdom, HilLiar claim to the presidency is appalling and should not be tolerated.

If she succeeds in stealing the nomination I can guarantee you that the Democratic Party will be no more and that’s not a guess it is a promises.
r.

[KillTheMessenger]

Mr. Obama has motivated millions of people to vote for him who would never have even thought about voting for Mrs. Clinton. Her failure in judgment was to completely underestimate his ability to organize a campaign that at all times completely overshadowed hers.

As far as votes go: that is NOT how this game is being played and Mr. Obama and his campaign know that. The Clinton campaign knows it, too, but has no other recourse left than to pretend that it is, because numerically it has given up most any hope to win by the rules.

Looks like somebody needs a hug and a do-over.

[BigSid]

Wow...as usual, one can not reason with an Obama supporter. I specifically said I wasn't trying to say Clinton was winning, but the mere fact that more people came out for Clinton than Obama seems to drive some of you guys crazy.

It simply is a fact, she has gotten more votes than he has. Of course, the DNC is standing by its rules and may not count all the votes, but why are so many Obama supporters wanting to deny the reality?

And, if we're going to be a stickler for the rules, why won't the Obama supporters acknowledge that super delegates can vote however they want, and that their participation in the process does not equate to them overturning the will of the people if Clinton in fact is chosen as the nominee. The supers get their vote, if it's their votes that put Clinton over the top (or Obama, as he can't get it without their support either), then it's simply the process working out according to the rules.

I wish America would just grow up. That includes you, Obama, so please stop using the Miley Syrus defense.

[meltingpot101]

Thank You Congresswoman Capps for a beautiful endorsement. You have put into words how so many of us feel. Showing your support is right on time.

[Soundofthunder]

The chief knock against Obama was that the press had treated him with kid gloves, so no one knew how he would respond under pressure. After Wright (x2), now we know. As America enters a very tough time, I am confident he's the right person for the job. Clinton may be as well. But where Clinton tackles the issues old school, Obama has opened a new school. No need to say which school McCain attends.

SOT

[shrinkess]

I hope all your superdelegate friends feel the same way. Well said!