Barack Obama for President

Taking a break from techno/house, LWE’s editor in chief offers a few thoughts on the election.

Unlike many democracies whose election seasons often resemble a month long sprint, America’s presidential campaigns have grown into epic marathons lasting up to two years. That may seem excessive on the face of things, but it’s proven a great opportunity for voters to observe how the candidates present and govern themselves, galvanize large organizations, and spend enormous sums of money. Now Americans have two clear cut choices with an abundance of evidence to inform their selection. After two years of intensive deliberations, I can confidently say Barack Obama is the man for the job.

I’ve been “in the tank” for Mr. Obama since his run for the U.S. Senate in 2004, and yet I’ve been struggled with doubts from the first whispers that he might run for president. How would such a relative unknown be welcomed by voters? How would he topple popular opponents inside his own party? Was he ready to face the inevitable hordes of malicious detractors who would stop at nothing to tear him down? Was the country ready for a black president? Mr. Obama has cleared each hurdle with poise, dignity, and strategic brilliance, as well as the enduring hope Americans would look past the petty politics of fear and choose a leader based on who was best for them and their country. Regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s election, Mr. Obama’s has been an inspiring journey for so many of us.

In addition to being an excellent campaigner, Mr. Obama has the issues on his side also. After eight troubled years in which the desires of the rich have handily trumped the needs of the general populace, when the rule of law has been repeatedly trampled by government, and our country was led into a needless war and another, more purposeful war was poorly handled, he offers a new, direly needed path. As President, Mr. Obama aims to make health care affordable and accessible for all Americans. He plans a huge investment in green technology and renewable energy sources, creating over a million steady jobs and helping to free America from its addiction to oil. His tax plans encourage business growth while ensuring it does not come at the expense of our citizens. He’s pledged to reform education so future generations are well equipped for the many challenges ahead and competitive on a global scale. He wants to draw down U.S. forces in Iraq as soon as conditions permit and will move forces to where they are most needed in Afghanistan. He will restore America’s tarnished image in the eyes of the world with a renewed commitment to the rule of law and the importance of multi-lateral solutions to global problems, not least of which are global warming and the resource crunch. He wants to return accountability and credibility to the government.

But one person can only do so much. Mr. Obama has surrounded himself with an outstanding bipartisan cohort to advise him and carry out their plans. His vice presidential nominee, Joe Biden, is nearly unparalleled in foreign policy expertise and is profoundly in touch with the needs and desires of the common people. His campaign staff, including David Axelrod and David Plouffe, are sure to help his most ambitious plans become reality. His economic and defense teams are vaunted for their expertise and will not steer him wrong. I look forward to an all-star cast of a cabinet.

No endorsement would be complete without at least a brief mention of Mr. Obama’s opponent, Republican John McCain. Although he’s gained a reputation for being independent of his party and reaching across the aisle, this campaign has proven Mr. McCain will do almost anything for power, including walking away from long held principles and hiring the same shady partisans who derailed his first run for president. Mr. McCain showed an astonishing lack of good judgment in choosing the un-vetted and unprepared Governor Sarah Palin as his vice presidential nominee after meeting her only twice. He’s trafficked in smears rather than sound policy, and along with his running mate stoked dangerous emotions of fear and bigotry in their most extreme supporters. And while he is not the second coming of George W. Bush, many of his plans do not offer the significant departure from the last eight years of failed and painful policies that America craves. His well noted temper and bellicose rhetoric (calling for the invasion of Iraq before President Bush, singing “bomb Iran”) are the opposite of what the world needs at this tenuous time in history. His tax plans continue to give handouts to the wealthiest without commensurate spending cuts. His market-based health care plan will tax employer-provided health benefits for the first time ever. America simply cannot afford a John McCain presidency.

After two long years of seemingly endless campaigning, I’ve never felt more sure in my decision to back Barack Obama for president of the United States. He’s exhibited the sound judgment, even temperament, and wise leadership this country so desperately needs. I’m confident his policies and advisers will carefully steer our country out of financial turmoil and away from the poor decisions that brought us there. I don’t like making political comments on LWE, but the sheer magnitude of this election’s results necessitates that I speak up.
(post by Steve Mizek)

james kartsaklis  on November 3, 2008 at 2:38 PM

Wonder if the techno endorsement will have more pull with swing voters than Colin Powell’s countenanced countenance…

chris  on November 3, 2008 at 2:59 PM

house and techno can be pretty political sometimes, so its good now and then to have some political discussions.

of course i agree with you on everything there. i can only imagine the glee that will be felt through chicago if (we can only hope) obama wins, let alone here in new york. saw him at a rally here about a year ago; never thought it would be quite this soon that i would really see something inspirational take place in this country.

plus, if he’s elected, ricardo will actually think about coming to the us! that should be reason enough for the american techno-heads to vote for him.

Will Lynch  on November 3, 2008 at 3:43 PM

i think its safe to say that house music officially endorses obama.

Nate DeYoung  on November 3, 2008 at 5:10 PM

I’ve been in the tank for Obama since 2004, too. Tip!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=9HxgPUxLQkc

hutlock  on November 3, 2008 at 5:54 PM

Right on, Steve. I’m looking forward to breathing a GIANT sigh of relief tomorrow night when Obama takes care of this biz. Bravo to you for the essay though. I was already persuaded long ago, but you would have persuaded me if I wasn’t!

harpomarx42  on November 3, 2008 at 8:26 PM

This essay sums up my thoughts most eloquently. Bravo, Steve.

IMO, RV should be playing a set here either Wednesday or on 01/21/09 to make up for the 8+ years he has missed!

harpomarx42  on November 3, 2008 at 8:29 PM

Also, I don’t think house should be a partisan style of music (even though many people behind it are liberal-minded). After all:

You may be black, you may be white, you may be Jew, or Gentile. It don’t make a difference in our house. Jack is the one that can bring nations and nations of all Jackers together under one house.

todd  on November 3, 2008 at 11:45 PM

i can’t help feel that obama’s presidency is being set-up to fail, how much power does a president even have, i guess we’ll find out.

colin s  on November 4, 2008 at 8:10 AM

Damn tootin, Steve. Next stop Techno-Socialism.

Matt  on November 4, 2008 at 1:14 PM

Really nice post. I just voted for Barack and feel great about it. One quick note about Joe Biden that is relevant on this and other house/techno sites: While I voted for him today, and I’m pretty confident that he’ll be an excellent VP (certainly better than the embarrassing and horrifying Sarah Palin), he was a staunch supporter that ugly piece of legislation the “Rave Act” that was a shameless attack on the right to assemble as well as an excuse to maim cultural movements that produce festivals, concerts, etc. that for whatever reason the suits don’t like.

littlewhiteearbuds  on November 4, 2008 at 1:24 PM

That’s true, it’s definitely one of Biden’s worst moments. Hopefully his time as VP makes up for it somehow.

Rod  on November 4, 2008 at 3:04 PM

I hope he will win and let’s hope Obama will change some things. I’ll be watching the news all night long.

But many things I see in tv are kinda strange. Why do you guys have to stand in lines and wait hours to vote? Anyway.

Regards from Switzerland

littlewhiteearbuds  on November 4, 2008 at 3:39 PM

Normally voter turnout is so low that our polling places are rarely prepared for such a huge turnout; they’re estimating as much as 80-85%, which is 20% more than our last election.

What’s voting like in Switzerland?

harpomarx42  on November 4, 2008 at 6:48 PM

Hopefully there will be a controlled way to vote from home, which would enable a lot more people to vote, especially those who can’t easily get around (such as my grandmother).

hutlock  on November 4, 2008 at 8:56 PM

I would like to take credit for delivering Ohio for Obama.

hogswine  on November 4, 2008 at 9:28 PM

Obama, Mccain…

What’s the difference?

It’s either center right or center left with a bigger government and more interference in our lives either way.

I for one, am NOT voting. Put me into the 20% group.

colin s  on November 4, 2008 at 11:50 PM

Haha: Y.E.S. !!!!

He’s made huge promises, and, if he keeps them, we should all be boogying to house before long.

With absolute love and adoration towards anyone who also feels that the world may be a better place because of tonight.

xx
C

Nowen  on November 5, 2008 at 10:24 AM

“Rave Act” is self-righteous cultural suicide. This shows that a politician can be oblivious of the cost of their actions, when the vast majority of their actions are subservient to their ‘image’ & popularity.

I can’t garner any respect or hope because the country is too large for the leader to have any empathy with too many of its constituents.

Rod  on November 5, 2008 at 3:53 PM

you guys did a great job. Congratulations from Switzerland!
@LWE: we can vote by mail. I put the name on a list, or I say yes or no to something. Then I put it in an envelope and send it. Or, you can go to the office and vote there, means you throw your envelope in a box there. They count it. No machines are aloud. Just good old paper work.

chuck nevitt  on November 7, 2008 at 3:56 AM

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