I'm somewhat surprised at how anyone can still be undecided at this point, after nearly two years of campaigning and just under two weeks to go to the election.
But tonight, a very good friend sent the following email. I felt I had to do my best to articulate my views, which I realized I had not done recently. It turned out to be a very helpful exercise. So to my friend Ron, thank you for this opportunity.
Hello Everyone,
I'm writing to a select group of people whose opinions I respect to ask for just that: your opinions. As some of you already know I haven't made up my mind yet about who I'm going to vote for. The closer we get to election day, the less sure I am. While I think Obama's going to win anyway, I still believe my vote counts and I'd like to hear any thoughts you may have about why I should vote one way or another.
Here's where I'm coming from: I'm registered as a Democrat but I've voted on both sides of the aisle over the years. I'm going with the premise that both Obama and McCain would make good presidents. I just want you to convince me which one would be better.
If you're going to try to convince me that McCain is more of Bush, don't bother.
If you're going to tell me that Obama is a Muslim associated with the Weathermen and Rev. Wright etc. also don't bother.
I'm not interested in hearing why either candidate is BAD, I want to hear why one would be BETTER. So please go with my premise when you answer this e-mail.
Thanks,
Ron
So, I wrote the following message off the top of my head:
Hi Ron,
I am voting for Barack Obama because he believes that Americans are smart enough not to be persuaded by fear, greed and xenophobia, and because he represents a wider swath of the nation with a philosophy that includes people rather than excludes them.
He supports peaceful dialogue as opposed to dangerous warmongering, doesn't believe that drilling is our only answer to the energy crisis and doesn't support the trickle down theory of economics. He believes in stem cell research, evolution and women's rights including reproductive rights. He's a Christian without being a fundamentalist and he picked a vice presidential candidate who actually knows what a vice president does. And if that's not enough he also supports Israel and not because of a belief that Jesus will one day appear in Jerusalem to usher in the Rapture.
I am voting for Barack Obama beacuse I want my child to grow up in a world where his country is respected again. A world where we don't torture people, invade countries that didn't attack us, where great, inexpensive health insurance is a right and where my vote is fairly counted no matter what my skin color or economic level is.
I'm voting for Obama because he really appears to bring out the best America has to offer, and I am inspired by what I have witnessed in so many people this year.
Daniel
I hope this helps you make your decision. But don't just take it from me. I have some friends at the New York Times and the Washington Post who also agree.
