Why Obama Will Be a Good Thing

I rarely do this, but I am going to publicly reveal who I would have voted for. I would have voted for McCain (though I was leaning towards Obama for a very long time - up until the end [not related to McBama discussions, though. Sorry Lillibridge]). So, though I was ultimately a McCain supporter, I'd like to offer a few reasons why Barack Obama's election will be a good thing.

1) Obama has an element of class that Bush has never had. This is not a reflection on his (or Bush's) character, per se, but it does matter. People will approach him differently, and this will make an immense difference in how he handles foreign policy AND how foreign government officials see him. Living over seas the last few years has made me more sensitive to this aspect of the Presidency. Though I don't think the president should bend over backwards for every whim of world leader opinion, approaching their opinions at least with a measure of respect for their objectives and goals is something Bush hasn't done well. I also believe that Obama won't make sweeping changes to foreign policy goals and objectives anyway. Tactical differences maybe, but the same ultimate goals. (which is, obviously, destroying Iran... ).

2) Having a half-African American in the White house will have a positive effect on race relations. While race relations in the US are not at the low point of the 50's, 60's and 70's, this barrier has not been fully overcome. Having an African American man in the position will do two things, I believe. a) continue to 'normalize' perceptions of non-whites for whites who still have racial bias b) give a new perception to African American men and boys as to what is possible and what they are capable of. Personal perception is such a strong determinant and so often our self-perception is determined by what people around us - who are like us - have become or say they are able to become.

3) Obama brings to the Presidency an awareness of the poor that is rare for people in power. To be honest, some of his economic policies worry me. Some of his statements about "spreading the wealth" don't make me excited. However, he still needs to be reelected. So do the people who will vote (or not vote) for any legislation he puts forth. So what good is this? He will be a force pulling the opposite way of those who do not have any concern for the poor. If his policies are too radical, they will be pulled to the right - which is how the government is set up. And if the policies and legislation are too far right, I believe he will be a good check on that, as well.

As I said, I do have concerns about Obama's economic policy, and he is relatively untested, as the republican pundits like to point out. But to say that our country will be ruined by his being elected is alarmist and fails to recognize a) the separation of powers in the US constitution and b) the actual responsibilities of the President.

I'm done.

Oh, and according to the cnn projections, I almost nailed (see end of post) the electoral college vote numbers (only virginia was wrong) and I nailed McCain's percentage of popular vote: 46%.