Taking a break from techno/house, LWE’s editor in chief offers a few thoughts on the election.

Unlike many democracies whose election seasons often resemble a month long sprint, America’s presidential campaigns have grown into epic marathons lasting up to two years. That may seem excessive on the face of things, but it’s proven a great opportunity for voters to observe how the candidates present and govern themselves, galvanize large organizations, and spend enormous sums of money. Now Americans have two clear cut choices with an abundance of evidence to inform their selection. After two years of intensive deliberations, I can confidently say Barack Obama is the man for the job.

I’ve been “in the tank” for Mr. Obama since his run for the U.S. Senate in 2004, and yet I’ve been struggled with doubts from the first whispers that he might run for president. How would such a relative unknown be welcomed by voters? How would he topple popular opponents inside his own party? Was he ready to face the inevitable hordes of malicious detractors who would stop at nothing to tear him down? Was the country ready for a black president? Mr. Obama has cleared each hurdle with poise, dignity, and strategic brilliance, as well as the enduring hope Americans would look past the petty politics of fear and choose a leader based on who was best for them and their country. Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s election, Mr. Obama’s has been an inspiring journey for so many of us.

In addition to being an excellent campaigner, Mr. Obama has the issues on his side also. After eight troubled years in which the desires of the rich have handily trumped the needs of the general populace, when the rule of law has been repeatedly trampled by government, and our country was led into a needless war and another, more purposeful war was poorly handled, he offers a new, direly needed path. As President, Mr. Obama aims to make health care affordable and accessible for all Americans. He plans a huge investment in green technology and renewable energy sources, creating over a million steady jobs and helping to free America from its addiction to oil. His tax plans encourage business growth while ensuring it does not come at the expense of our citizens. He’s pledged to reform education so future generations are well equipped for the many challenges ahead and competitive on a global scale. He wants to draw down U.S. forces in Iraq as soon as conditions permit and will move forces to where they are most needed in Afghanistan. He will restore America’s tarnished image in the eyes of the world with a renewed commitment to the rule of law and the importance of multi-lateral solutions to global problems, not least of which are global warming and the resource crunch. He wants to return accountability and credibility to the government.

But one person can only do so much. Mr. Obama has surrounded himself with an outstanding bipartisan cohort to advise him and carry out their plans. His vice presidential nominee, Joe Biden, is nearly unparalleled in foreign policy expertise and is profoundly in touch with the needs and desires of the common people. His campaign staff, including David Axelrod and David Plouffe, are sure to help his most ambitious plans become reality. His economic and defense teams are vaunted for their expertise and will not steer him wrong. I look forward to an all-star cast of a cabinet.

No endorsement would be complete without at least a brief mention of Mr. Obama’s opponent, Republican John McCain. Although he’s gained a reputation for being independent of his party and reaching across the aisle, this campaign has proven Mr. McCain will do almost anything for power, including walking away from long held principles and hiring the same shady partisans who derailed his first run for president. Mr. McCain showed an astonishing lack of good judgment in choosing the un-vetted and unprepared Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee after meeting her only twice. He’s trafficked in smears rather than sound policy, and along with his running mate stoked dangerous emotions of fear and bigotry in their most extreme supporters. And while he is not the second coming of George W. Bush, many of his plans do not offer the significant departure from the last eight years of failed and painful policies that America craves. His well noted temper and bellicose rhetoric (calling for the invasion of Iraq before President Bush, singing “bomb Iran”) are the opposite of what the world needs at this tenuous time in history. His tax plans continue to give handouts to the wealthiest without commensurate spending cuts. His market-based health care plan will tax employer-provided health benefits for the first time ever. America simply cannot afford a John McCain presidency.

After two long years of seemingly endless campaigning, I’ve never felt more sure in my decision to back Barack Obama for president of the United States. He’s exhibited the sound judgment, even temperament, and wise leadership this country so desperately needs. I’m confident his policies and advisers will carefully steer our country out of financial turmoil and away from the poor decisions that brought us there. I don’t like making political comments on LWE, but the sheer magnitude of this election’s results necessitates that I speak up.
(post by Steve Mizek)