The final days of the 2008 election

[Sean]

Originally Posted by Deckard

Sure, I don't dispute this at all, I think the decision itself should be pretty obvious in that respect when we look at the factors you listed.

What I was talking about though was more the level of excitement that has undoubtedly been generated throughout the world. Certainly the enthusiasm I've felt for Obama to be elected this year has led me to occasionally keep reminding myself that this is a politician!

I know what you mean. I admit that I do personally expect more from Obama than I would from your typical Presidential candidate, which is why I've said that this year is the first time I've actually felt enthusiastic about voting whereas I usually feel like I'm just voting for whoever I think might be less bad for us.

And I expect more because, as evidenced by his current , I believe that Obama's policies and overall philosophies are based squarely on what he's learned from his experiences as a community organizer. His entire platform rests on the idea that the country's problems can be most effectively approached through a fundamental shift to a ground-up approach, where government encourages and rewards community service, as opposed to the trickle-down approach that McCain is proposing we continue. If you're willing to do your part to help make your community, local or national, better through things like military service, joining the Peace Corps, or volunteering at a soup kitchen, then you'll receive extra help from the government towards your own goals. That's the engine that's meant to drive his administration, and I believe that every policy plan he's presented is effectively structured to make it run properly. This strikes me as genuine because community organizing is an extremely selfless and honest endeavor, and involves people in situations that do genuinely shape their beliefs and passions on a fundamental level. And it strikes me as effective because it's built on involving people in the fate of their own country in a way Obama has proven he's capable of inspiring through his campaign.

Contrast this with the transparently manipulative strategies we've seen from Republicans in this campaign, and you can see why I've personally come to believe that Obama is approaching his potential Presidency from a more constructive and honest place, and that he'll follow through on his plans more vigorously than a typical politician.

Maybe this is naive of me but in my mind, this argument stands up to logical scrutiny, not just emotional reactions. It's the difference between trying to get in better physical shape through changing your habits to a healthier diet and excercise, as opposed to trying to get in shape through over-the-counter weight-loss pills.

And all we need to do right now is vote.

EDIT - just a note to mention that I'd really like you to see the links I provided here. They're powerful.