| By Clem Guttata
For long time readers of this blog, you've heard me say several times I have preferences, not strong opinions, about the presidential contenders. Increasingly, though, the very most likely scenario is the election of Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. As this scenario has grown more and more likely, I find myself more and more pleased with the possibility.
Now the time to vote is here -- I will cast my early ballot in the next few days -- I have decided with certainty. I have more than a preference, I have a strong belief.
I believe Sen. Barack Obama is the best President for West Virginia and the best President for our country.
An exceptional person for challenging times
I have written before about the key issues facing our state and our country: getting out of Iraq, providing universal health care, and addressing the global climate crisis. I feel we can address these three major issues in a responsible, progressive manner and free up the resources to turn around our economy and, in general, return the country back on the right track.
- Obama is the most likely presidential candidate to get us out of Iraq quickly and responsibly -- equally important, he's the least likely to entangle our country in any future foreign policy misadventures.
- Obama is the most likely to successfully bring together all of the different people necessary to deftly handle our major challenges.
- Obama is the most likely to chart a safe destiny for us all through the troubled times ahead.
This is why I believe Sen. Barack Obama is the best pick for President for West Virginia and for our country.
Obama's words and deeds speak volumes
Some have tried to dismiss Obama as merely an inspiring speaker. Yet, his ability to inspire through words is only part of the story. Look no further than how he's running this campaign -- already a massive $200+ million grassroots-funded organization -- to see that Obama is equally inspiring through his deeds.
Sen. Barack Obama believes in the power of individuals. He has empowered individuals at every level of his campaign -- campaign volunteers, field organizers, all of his staff and supporters-- all are empowered to take action.
This is how we change West Virginia and America for the better. Not by waiting for a corporate master to give the company town a face lift, but by taking action ourselves with a leader at the top who listens.
To solve the difficult problems we face ahead, we need leaders that empower all people. We need leaders who believe that everyone has the ability to contribute. We need leaders who actively encourage bottom-up problem-solving.
- This is a style of leadership to lift all of us up, not just the wealthy few with hundreds of millions of dollars in their bank accounts, but those will not even hundreds of dollars in no bank account.
- This is a style of leadership to help Appalachia through the wrenching economic times ahead.
- This is a style of leadership that provides more than just the hope of a better future, it delivers a better future.
This is why I believe Sen. Barack Obama is the best President for West Virginia and the best President for our country.
In good company
Rep. Rahall, Sen. Rockefeller and Caroline Kennedy have all endorsed Obama. I want to share some of their words. First, Rep. Rahall
The new voters [Obama] has brought to the process this year and the new direction, in my opinion, add up to what our country needs.
We cannot have another four years of what we've had, or even worse. This country's yearning for new direction, new change. A faith, a hope and courage that can make us all proud.
Sen. Rockefeller
Barack Obama is the most qualified person - Democrat or Republican - to lead our country in the face of enormous challenges - the very real threat of terrorism, economic uncertainty, and instability at home and abroad.
Barack is committed to changing lives - and changing the landscape of West Virginia and America. He genuinely cares about people, and he will fight for all the things I have fought for my entire public career - health care for all, good-paying jobs, a strong manufacturing base, protecting seniors' retirement, and fighting terrorism.
Caroline Kennedy - A President Like My Father
Over the years, I've been deeply moved by the people who've told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.
Sometimes it takes a while to recognize that someone has a special ability to get us to believe in ourselves, to tie that belief to our highest ideals and imagine that together we can do great things. In those rare moments, when such a person comes along, we need to put aside our plans and reach for what we know is possible.
We have that kind of opportunity with Senator Obama. It isn't that the other candidates are not experienced or knowledgeable. But this year, that may not be enough. We need a change in the leadership of this country - just as we did in 1960.
I agree with Rep. Nick Rahall, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, and Caroline Kennedy, Sen. Barack Obama is the best President for West Virginia and the best President for our country.
In summary
I invite you to join with me and the thousands of volunteers already working hard in West Virginia for a better future for our state and our country.
Help elect Sen. Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. Vote, donate, and volunteer for Obama.
Thank you. |
