obama

Nearly four years ago, I unenthusiastically endorsed John Kerry for president. Many of did likewise, but in the end, a "anybody but Bush" mentality ended depressingly, much like the candidates themselves. I wasn't excited about the last election as much as I was anxious to see a president (Bush) I didn't much care for, ushered into presidential retirement, where he could make plans for his library in Texas.

This year (almost), I'm excited for an election, mostly because I'm excited to back a candidate: Barack Obama. What do I like?

1. He's handsome. Handsome candidates win elections.
   
2. He's honest, at least by politician standards. When asked if he "inhaled," his answer (which cleverly also attacked Billary), "of course I inhaled. That was the point."
   
3. Oprah likes him.
   
4. I like his strategy on energy. He supports developing alternative fuels, but also specifically draws attention to the fact that Corn-based ethanol is a bad idea.
5. His "inexperience," which is currently being criticized by the Clinton and Edwards camp, is refreshing. If "experience" in Washington is what has produced the malaise of the last 8 years, I'm not impressed.
   
6. He opposed the Iraq war before he opposed it.
   
7. His ability to articulate a message makes me suspicious I could once again watch a State of the Union address.
   
8. I'm hopeful his background lends well to a better, more moderate, foreign policy, where diplomacy is once again a focus.