The Case for Obama: An Overview

I try and keep my posts fairly light, but I will indulge in some slightly deeper waters over the next few weeks by making a case for Barack Obama. Every few days I will try and expound and explain the reasons that I currently lean towards Obama.

Before I start, please know that I am an Independent, but I will not insult your intelligence by claiming that I am not biased or 100% objective. I'm human and I'm sure their are flaws to my arguments, but I'll do the best I can. Please note, I have come to his camp, and away from a lifetime of Republican mantras, kicking and screaming over the last 6 years. Still, I may not actually vote for Obama because of some issues that I will get to later. But, I am really leaning heavily his way. I realize that I am a minority in suburban Utah, but this is something I take seriously, because I believe that politics should not be a mere hobby that one likes or doesn't like, but rather, each citizen's duty. I will try and be as upbeat and optimistic as possible, because I believe politics is, despite it's awful reputation, an honorable endeavor that requires compromise, nuance, character and a lot of intelligence.

As a preview, below are the 7 topics I will address, one with each future post. Unless I get lazy, disenchanted or forget. I reserve the right to add or subtract as I am still learning as I go. You will probably see that I go against many of the cliches and brands that have been established and repeated so often. Hopefully, I offer a perspective that others can respect, whether they agree or not.

Now I will proceed with my case, with a look of utter soberness on my face, and maybe only a little condescending tone from time to time...if you're lucky.

I like Obama, because:

1. Skills- The Obama/Biden ticket has mad skills, abilities, intelligence, experience and judgment. One example; Ronald Reagan was known as the 'Great Communicator' and it served him well. Barack is just as good. DO NOT underestimate the importance of this in our modern communication-crazed society. Both at home and abroad.
2. Character- Having studied Obama's life probably more than the next 500 Americans combined, I believe he is a man of courage, honesty, patriotism, family loyalty and faith. He is not perfect, and plays in a sometimes ugly game, but overall I've been greatly impressed.
3. Health Care- This one is very personal to me and my family. His plan looks much like what Mitt Romney did in Mass as Gov. It is not communism- but a solution that will work while keeping businesses competitive. Having worked at United Health Group, I don't claim to be the authority, but have some insight into how insurance companies own our Government. A drastic change is needed.
4. Foreign Policy- Barack Obama has shown solid judgment in what I consider the biggest blunder by the US government in the past 30 years, the war in Iraq. Also, Joe Biden is as knowledgeable, in my view, of the middle east region than any public figure in the past 20 years. I pulled those figures from thin air, so don't even try and dispute them!
5. Economy- The US can't do jack-squat throughout the world if we are broke. Warren Buffet is now advising Barack Obama about the economy, and will play a big role in his cabinet, I predict. Buffet is my economic hero and reading his books have taught me more about taxes and the economy than probably any other source. Buffet knows his stuff, and he supports and advises Obama, and boy do we need it!
6. Energy- Obama has made a nice evolution (I don't mind politicians changing their minds when needed, like some might) and will support off shore drilling (under conditions), nuclear power, other alternatives and can mobilize the country behind a goal of becoming energy independent in 10 years. He has the ability to change the way Americans think about energy, and bring them together behind a common purpose, like nobody since Reagan or JFK.
7. Religion- Religious topics (and issues very sacred to me) are being callously exploited, intentionally or not, by Republican leaders to obtain/maintain power. One example; Roe v. Wade will not be overturned. Otherwise it would have been long ago, as Republican appointed judges have been far more prominent than Democrat appointed judges. Legal precedent will always prevent it. I think it's just used to rally us behind a candidate, that has no ability or intention of overturning Roe v. Wade, that we otherwise wouldn't support. Don't try and sell me a bill of goods by flaunting something that I value dearly. It offends me greatly.

All this being said, I may not even vote for him, despite believing he's the best choice and my supporting so many of his positions. I still feel a moral urge to protect the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and unborn children. Even though I believe it will do no good, but just on principle. Is it worth voting for someone that I disagree on almost everything, save those two issues, when I don't believe they will do anything to fight for them and feeling that we've already lost most of those battles long ago?

It's a quandry...

There's my overview. When I have time, I'll try and make the case for each in more detail. Being the impetus, I'm sure, for anyone who actually reads my pontifications, to promptly wish for death to end the nonsensical tedium.