An Open Note To Candidate Barack Obama…
Not since the election of President John F. Kennedy have I been so encouraged as I am now about the possibilities that lie ahead. Over the past eight years, the United States of America that we love and call home has been ravaged and shredded from inside and out. From the horrific terrorists attacks of 9/11 to the spectacular failures of Bush’s policies and implementations, we are weaker at home and abroad than at any time in our nation’s history. My singular hope is that you and your administration will be able to at least get us back to even, back where we were before the misguided Bush administration wreaked their unholy brand of havoc. If that turn-around can be accomplished in your maximum two terms, we should ask no more of you, though we will be hoping for more.
My pleasure at your candidacy is multi-tiered. Among the Democratic candidates, it was clear early on that you offered the best balance of intelligence, integrity, and inspiration, attributes that have been sorely lacking in the Bush administration. On those measures, the presumptive Republican candidate pales. Most candidates talk of change. You have advanced not just the rhetoric, but the ideas to inspire the changes we so desperately need. I believe you when you say you will bring change, and I trust you to follow through.
The combination of those two broad brush strokes, balance and trust, make you my candidate of choice. On a third and more personal level, as a 65-year old white male who dedicated a part of his life to working for racial and gender equality, I am so highly gratified that in my lifetime we overcame enough relics of our past to select a serious Presidential candidate who is not a white male. That is a tribute not only to you but to all who worked and suffered and died to prepare the way for your candidacy to be possible.
I am not so presumptuous as to think I might have ideas that you haven’t already had. I have listened carefully to your positions on key issues facing the next President, and I am in accord with those. However, aside from the issues, I will offer a few of my thoughts in hopes that they parallel and enforce some of the directions you have already set. This is how at least one American thinks…
Do not let McCain drag you into battle on his tainted turf. You are better and larger than that. Stand firm and tall. Speak clearly and with conviction. Continue to walk the walk and talk the talk. Be yourself. Be Presidential.
McCain’s major topic of late seems to be based on his perception of how you, as President, would manage Iraq. Yes, Iraq is and will be an important issue. But, keep your head about you and remember that this election is not about Iraq. This election is about America.
Your running mate is your choice, with the guidance you will undoubtedly receive from your trusted advisors and the central powers of the DNC. As of now, there is much speculation about Hillary Clinton. While I personally disfavor her, I can see that a team of Obama - Clinton would be a formidable presence in this election and just might ensure a Democratic victory in November. I assume that you and Hillary could find common ground to form a cohesive administration. If she is your choice, please make sure you have firmly settled in your mind, and hers, the question of, What to do about Bill?
I heard about a McCain fundraiser here in Nashville a few days ago. The invitation-only affair was held in the home of a very wealthy Republican, and was attended by 100 people who each pledged $10,000 to the McCain campaign. A cool million for a couple of hours appearance is not bad. However, I believe your campaign will be far stronger, because that same million dollars will come in $100 donations from 10,000 people. The real strength is in the number of people, not the size of their portfolios. Power from the people…
You can win this. Many millions of us want to help.
Now we begin…
Respectfully,
Winston Rand
Franklin, TN
June 5, 2008
13 Comments so far
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I couldn’t agree more with most of what you said, Winston. However, I do not believe that an Obama-Clinton ticket “just might ensure a Democratic victory in November.” I think it would be disastrous. I, along with much of our beloved country, want to be assured there will be big CHANGE. Change Clinton is not. I believe there are far better candidates that Obama could, and will, choose. Can’t wait to see what happens next and what you think about it. Nice post.
@Elsie: You’ll note that I said I “personally disfavor her.” My reasoning for saying “might ensure a Democratic victory” is based simply on the number of voters that she would bring with her, some of which may not go for Obama unless Hillary is on the ticket. As far as their ability to constructively work together as P and VP, yes, it could be “disastrous”, especially if Bill is allowed to run amok as he did during her primary campaign.
Good to see you out and about. Hope to see your blog sprout new wings soon. Stay in touch…
As an Obama supporter, I would rather lose voters, who like bushies will vote against their own best interests on emotional grounds, than to have him choose her for their votes and be stuck with her in the administration constantly undermining him to the press. He will choose who he will but I hope he picks that person for what they can bring to the administration not to get some votes from those who aren’t voting for logical reasons anyway. Any woman who favored Hillary and now votes for McCain in revenge might just get what she deserves– 4 more years of an administration that not only undermines the rights of women but also of all citizens. If Obama picks Hillary, I think it will be because he does believe it’s best for governing. He seems to have a good head on his shoulders– so far.
I’m holding back. It is ealy hard but I am holding back.
Best wishes,
2M
Great post. I have mixed feelings about HRC potentially being offered the VP. From what I’ve heard, historically a VP choice has little actual impact on an election. If this is so, I think someone other than HRC would be the best choice.
This was a great post Winston…just wonderful. Obama has been my guy from the beginning. At this point I think Hillary would hurt the ticket. That’s just how I feel. I don’t think there’s a lot of people who trust her decisions after the past few months of campaign fiascos. Though I feel there are better candidates out there, I do trust Obama’s judgment calls and have throughout his entire campaign.
Winston, your words fill my heart, for they are true. Hope and myriad emotions fill me. I do hope Obama reads this, I do hope that he doesn’t get hooked by McCain, and that he takes your words to heart, especially “this is about America”, not Iraq. Absolutely, this is about America and Americans, and that they, and Obama can lead us into hope, once more.
Does Obama have a record of accomplishments that he can show to us? I don’t have anything against Obnama but I sure would like to see what he has done in his political career that would qualify him as a Presidential candidate.
yes, he does have that, twomartini. You can find it on his website and I have done research about it on my blog. Recently I labeled most of the blogs I have written about him; so they can be found– also of McCain. In one for each, the names escape me right now, I put the links to look at my sources. There is a lot of information online about both men. It takes looking carefully as there is a lot of distortion there on both but if you want to know the bills, the involvement each have had in leadership roles, you can find them.
Rain,
Thanks,
I will look hard to try to find Obama accomplishments in government.
2M
That is a great letter, winston. I hope Obama gets to read it. I also hope he is successful in November.
Good letter and can only hope the legislative branch of government will provide the necessary support needed to begin bringing desired change. I think only BO and HC can determine if they can be a long term workable combination — if and how any BC assets can be utilized, ’cause he will be around.
Winston,
I have been away from reading blogs. This letter is great. No - no Hillary on the ticket. But you know how I feel about Obama (since 2006!)? Am fired up and so excited.