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

[mspost]

Thank you!

[julieeiluj]

I hate to put a negative spin on this, but his Rev. has seen fit to shoot down his presidential bid. He cannot win in the fall and it is sad.

[mhopgood123]

You just said your comment was a spin so leave it at that-it is your own opinion and no one elses' You should be so envious that a superdelegate would post here their support for your candidate.

[pagopago]

Rodham Clinton shot down her candidacy by lying about her importance in the Peace Process and being fired at in Tuzla, Bosnia, which made America a laughing stock, and you think that Reverend Wright who is not Obama is even in the same league of General Election issues? Clearly you lack forethought when you sit down and type

[Breni]

Barrack Hussein Obama is your candidate, just like 'Rodham Clinton' is other voters' choice, so what? They're both democrats - why the hate fest?

[KillTheMessenger]

Thank you!

[4wehttam]

You are very correct. He is that rare candidate that speaks to our better angels. I've never been so politically engaged as I am this cycle because of him, because of his call for his to come together to solve problems.

[Terriac]

Thank you. What a heartfelt and beautiful message that comes with your endorsement. Thank you so much.

[traveler52]

I have been a strong supporter of Senator Obama for a long time. I remember his speech at the Convention in '04 and can remember how powerful he was.

I have lost alot of respect for both Senator Clinton and former President Clinton over the tactics used by her campaign and words used the former President early in the primary season.

Senator Obama is a breath of fresh air to the Democratic Party. He addressed race straight on, but is not given credit for it. Which speaks to the control of the corporate media in this country.

I remember "White Only." and "Colored Only." in Arkansas as a child. That I will be able to elect the first African-American President of the United States humbles me.

I look forward to hearing the Inauguaration Speech given by President Obama in January '09.

[Chapmanp2]

I just called your office to thank you.
I know you'll receive heat for your brave stance but please know in your heart that we the People are 100% thankful. There really does seem to be a glut of Hillary trolls or hacks or paid representatives on the boards lately. Do you think they may be trying to control perception??? Isn't that what the Republicans have been doing in order to steal elections??? A heartfelt thanks!!!

[standforpeace]

Thanks for the words that you said as much as for the endorsement. By keeping it positive you lift the spirits of those who hear your words and inspire us all to put our best selves forward.

[hardsun]

Thank you!

[on2them]

Thank you Representative Capps.

Senator Obama is a once in a lifetime leader who bestows the ability to bring our nation together and to put our nation on the right track, collectively with all of us working together. He has been honest about the work and sacrifice all of us must make to regain our momentum and respect in the world.

He can deliver us into a world we have not seen for generations and a place that is rightfully ours that through our own mistakes that we have forgone and abandoned.

I look very forward to the day he is sworn in as our leader, not only because I believe in Senator Obama but also because I believe in the American people.

[navalflightofficer]

Representative Capps,
Your motives for choosing to endorse Senator Obama are sincere. Excuse me if I believe they are misplaced. The concept the Senator Obama calling to our "better Angels" rings false to me. I have listened and learned, and do not see the shining example you refer to.
Good luck to you and good job taking a stand. Remember to be careful what you wish for - you just might get it!

[Backatcha]

Remember to be careful what you wish for - you just might get it!


backatcha

[KBAR]

She 'wished for' $200,000.0­0 in pork barrel earmarks for TATTOO removal in the last budget. Must be a big problem in her district in ....oh yea, California!

[Veman]

TATTOO removals for reformed / rehabilitated gang members who want to leave their past affiliations behind and start new lives as productive members of society. Part of a comprehensive initiative that incorporates job skills training, vocational training, life skills coaching - get a grip KBAR - know of what u speak before denigrating.

[sand805]

Learn a little about the program before criticizing it, would you? It was set up to help young people remove the outwards signs of gang life when they are trying to change their lives for the better. The program is mostly volunteer-run and the recipients have to do some type of community service in return.

[SFkid]

"Remember to be careful what you wish for - you just might get it!"

You mean a better country with a better economy and environmen­t...I'm all for it!

OBAMA 2008!!! There is no better candidate.

[KillTheMessenger]

Now if you just could tell us what (or who) you listened to and what you have learned, we would be the wiser why you reject Mr. Obama. As is, your answer is not only somewhat ominous but also rings a rather threatening bell. Are you so scared of something that you have to resort to the futility of trying to scare others?

[inthenitemare]

We can only hope.

[jackjack]

Thank you Rep. Capps!

I share your enthusiasm for such a rare leader as Obama. I want to see this country restored to greatness and finally get past the worst of its past.

Blessings~

[jedonspring]

Beautifully put. Thank you.

[LiamR]

Rep. Capps,

This is a very well stated endorsement, which effectively articulates my own reasons for supporting Barack. Also, it's nice to read such graceful prose in the blogosphere where words are too often employed as blunt instruments.

[Trinidad707]

I didn't even hear a name, this is a vague encapsulation of some anonymous person wink wink that is endorsing Obama???

[Harrygton]

You need to have your Dr. titrate your meds!

[Pammy1151]

Thank you Representative Capps as I am right there with you. Please excuse the rude people on here as they have no class or they would not be saying anything.