I've already lost one of my Republican friends because of my support of Obama (in his words, "I can't believe you [Democrats] nominated that elitist, clueless (when it comes to real life) man. Only he could succeed in losing this election for the Democrats. By November, McCain must succeed in painting him for what he is -- the most dangerous threat in recent history to the American economy and security. If faced with the choice, I would take Hillary a hundred times over compared to him.")
I try, but I can't understand the depth of the apparent loathing, anger and fear that apparently half the people in this country feel against Obama. I understand trepidation, skepticism, even scorn, since, as a lifelong cynic, I think these responses are desirable, healthy even. But the former? Scary. Apocalyptic.
What my friend doesn't, or maybe can't, realize, is the degree of transformation that Obama's candidacy has touched in me. In one year, I've gone from the depth of apathy to being credentialled at the DNC (which is, of course, entirely due to the powerful blogger ladies at Momocrats). I've begun to plot my exit from biglaw life towards my new goal of being an economic and tax policy wonk. Obama has reawakened something that I thought long dead in me - the optimism that every little one of us not only has the obligation to make this country stronger and better, but that we actually have the power to do so.
Inspiration is way underrated in this country.
And as partisan as the Momocrats may be, they've accepted my middle-of-the-road-dom far better than my right-leaning friends. Maybe that's because I've chosen Obama this time, but as Deb pointed out to me last week, it wasn't so long ago that I was defending McCain.
I have joined, heart and soul, the Obama bandwagon. That is partly because as I watch McCain ascending, it has become patently clear that there is no place in the current Republican party for someone like me. Someone who is not white, and not Christian. The Republicans are correct, they are a values based party. Yet how sad that they are so cavalier in assuming that there is and can only be one set of values on this vast and diverse planet.
Yet I remain grateful that for the first time in my adult life, I get a real choice for President. For whatever failings Obama and McCain may individually have in terms of their experience, their knowledge, or their choice of policy directions, everything has indicated to me that these are deeply honorable men. Our country is lucky to have them as dedicated servants.
R - I miss you. This is for you.
Awesome post. People say the Democrats are ot unified---it's not an accurate portrayal. Those of us who vote that way just tend to be really, really diverse with respect for a variety of POVs so consensus is a challenge. I think you're right about GOP homogenity wrt a defined single set of beliefs and values. And yet I see diversity within the Republican voters---so where do those views fit in. I appreciate when people have the ability to discuss it.
Posted by: Julie Pippert | September 03, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Obama's candidacy has awakened (or reawakened) these feelings in a lot of us. I also feel transformed by this election and my association with our powerful blogger lady friends. I pray that our newfound hope and determination aren't crushed over the next few months.
Posted by: Donna | September 03, 2008 at 01:56 PM
One of my best friends recently said a similar thing about her Obama awakening. For whatever reason, he has struck a chord with a lot of people. I think the same can be said of Palin--a lot of people formerly on the fence or dead set against McCain find her inspiring.
I'm neither a McCain supporter nor an Obama supporter, but I do find the idolatry surrounding Obama both perplexing and disturbing. He's a man, not a god.
Posted by: dgm | September 03, 2008 at 08:28 PM
Great post. dgm, I don't know a single Obama supporter who thinks of him as a "god" or that he will work any kind of magic. It's not about him, it's about *us*. It's about what we can achieve if we work toward a common goal and stop being distracted by non-issues. If it inspires Kady to pursue her dream, if it inspires me to create a website where progressive moms find a home, if it inspires you to take action in your community, it's not a man, it's a movement. That "god" thing is a Republican spin because of the fear they have that people will wake up and see how badly they failed.
Posted by: Glennia | September 04, 2008 at 03:08 AM