Why I Voted/Didn’t Vote for Obama…
Please feel free to skip this post, as I understand that when we talk politics, unless you’re talking with someone who shares your views, it can get heated. Not my purpose! But if you WANT to know…
…I actually DID vote for Obama. It was not an easy choice. I consider myself to be a true ”unaffiliated” voter. In fact, I’m thinking I may be the only voter in Colorado who voted for Obama, Mark Schaffer, and YES on the “personhood” amendment!
Why Obama? In the end, I felt that he would make a better president and a more effective leader of ALL Americans. I don’t agree with many of his positions and ideas, but he has a certain “way” about him that is appealing, and he impressed me as being fair-minded and respectful of viewoints that differ from his. I also felt like as president, he pretty much HAS to govern from the center, which I hope he does. And I know that there will be another election in four years. I kind of feel like Barack Obama’s presidency will not be “average”–it’ll either be a spectacular success, or a coloassal failure. JFK or Jimmy Carter. I’m willing to give him a shot at being JFK. I felt like McCain was a known, proven leader. But in the end, I felt like his approach was too traditional, too stodgy. He did not impress me in the debates–and I was willing/open to being impressed by him. I also felt like had he won, there would have been a continuation of the toxic atmosphere that has existed in politics ever since the Clinton and Bush dynasties began their rule in the 80s. (I’m pleased that Hillary didn’t win, for the same reason.) And, finally, I’m still unhappy about the role McCain played in the de-regulation of the radio industry, which has been–in my opinion–a total disaster.
A couple of other election thoughts….
I’m not sure I would call this a “landslide” victory for Obama. “Decisive” is a better term. Reagan’s victory in 1984 and maybe Clinton’s in 1996–those were more like “landslides.”
I’m seeing the election response being portrayed very positively in the news–cheering crowds, weeping eyes, etc. Even some taunts and boasts. I’m not feeling that way. I’m not interested in hearing Obama supporters bash Bush or McCain or Sarah Palin or anybody else. I’m not interested in hearing celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and Madonna gloat about the new order of things. My feeling is more like, “OK, you got my vote, now let’s get to work on FIXING things.” We just had another round of layoffs here at the radio station, a couple of good friends lost their jobs. My 401-k has aken a huge hit over the past few months. I’m working twice the hours and making less money than I did ten years ago. So, forgive me if I’m not in the mood to celebrate right now. Frankly, I am somewhat skeptical that Obama can deliver the promised “change.” But, I’m HOPEFUL that he will.