At first, it seemed that there were only "18 million cracks in the glass ceiling" to worry about. Diappointed Hillary Clinton supporters alternatively said that they were victims of sexism, that Clinton was more qualified than Barack Obama, and that Obama effectively dismissed her. Despite what must have been a bitter blow, Clinton took the high road and in essence, realized that the issues of her party and this country took precedence over hurt feelings and wound licking. And so, she took the high road and did the right thing. On the night of her speech during last week's Democratic National Convention, she stood at the podium and America saw her as self-possessed and strong as she had ever been in her career. Most of all, they didn't see her for her gender. They saw her as a PERSON who cares more about other people in this country. In other words, she stood up for America.
The next night, Obama took the stage and spoke out for all of those who can't. He didn't just speak to African-Americans or women or anyone in particular. No, last Thursday, he spoke to every American citizen, and asked them for their trust. He asked for their support. And without sarcasm or cynicism, he outlined the ways he understands that not just the poor, but the middle-class of America has suffered. This country is in serious condition right now. Even the very wealthy are cutting back in their own way. For anyone who has been affected by aging parents or joblessness or health insurance rejection, it has begun to feel almost hopeless. Which is partly why this man has enviously been called a "rock star" and a "celebrity" by his opponent's campaign. He is bringing up a sore subject and addressing it, head on, and it's getting him noticed.
At some point, every voter needs to decide for him or herself which candidate is truly in a position to bring hope. Hope isn't always a solution but it is a start. The ability to motivate and inspire others are the hallmarks of a successful leader. Barack Obama has spent the better part of his career bridging the divides between us. The haves and the have-nots. In what has always been regarded as the richest and best country in the world, it is imperative that change come from within.
Senator John McCain's call for change is as recent as his speech last night. His life, and therefore, his experience, is almost twice as long as Obama's. So, he has had considerably more time than Obama to build his resume into a pillar of change. Yet, he has not. Certainly, his service to the U.S. military warrants respect. But the insistence that POW status somehow confirms a person's ability to lead a country makes no more sense than the idea that being a "hockey mom" readies someone for the vice presidency. Governor Sarah Palin and McCain are not evil people. They both seem confident of their abilities and they both will always have their accomplishments to stand on. But at this time, America cannot risk the type of hypocrisy and "change" that these two candidates propose. We cannot renew our standing in the world with a 20th century war veteran who, by his own admission, wants to "fight" for you. Or a short term governor with no foreign experience. In this global economy, America needs more. More diplomacy, more reasoned strategies and most of all, more studied compassion. Our allies must be treated with respect and our enemies must be understood. One cannot defeat that which one does not understand. This position does not signify weakness, either. Strength comes only from preparation. America was clearly unprepared for 9/11. And it is clearly unprepared for this economy. The environment will not rebound from the damage which has been wrought on it. More drilling is but a very short term solution and not even an immediate one. And what about healthcare, equal pay for equal work?
There is a mess to be fixed in this America. Barack Obama says it is fixable. He has worked on the fringes of society and helped many people find their way back to the American dream. Joe Biden has been in politics for 30+ years. Rather than be distrustful of that, all Americans should be heartened that in the future, with understanding and preparation, this country can regain its good standing in the world. At home, Americans may finally be able to stop being afraid. To stop hurting. And to start living again and participating in making this country, this world, a better place.
Watch the upcoming debates and really listen. This isn't about men vs. women. Or black vs. white. It's about what is best for all of America. You have a choice to make and it's the most important one you will ever make. For yourself, for your family and for EVERYONE's future.
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