Obama can end decades of division
Nashua, New Hampshire
Published: Sunday, December 23, 2007
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama is the best choice for Democrats in the New Hampshire primary on Jan. 8. He is the candidate with the greatest chance of reaching across the aisle – of resonating with moderate and independent voters needed to capture the general election – while maintaining the core principles of his party.
And he best represents what Democrats are looking for this year: a change from the status quo, a genuine and authentic voice for hope and healing during difficult and divisive times.
During our editorial board meetings with each of the primary contenders, candidates worked hard to define themselves on issues and on character.
During these meetings, Obama stood out; he thought deeply about the answer to each question we asked him. He spoke neither in safe, pre-scripted talking points nor in divisive polemic. He was able to give nuanced answers to questions without sounding like he was avoiding taking a position.
And he, better than any of the other candidates, was able to define common goals that make for common ground, while debating the issues that divide the country most deeply.
We urge readers to view for themselves the one-hour video of Obama's Nashua Telegraph editorial board interview here: www.nashuatelegraph.com/obama.
Obama seems least like someone looking to defeat the symbolic red states and red-state voters. He is best-suited among Democrats to win them (or at least some of them) by finding the shared values of red- and blue-state America. His positions and language are clear and forceful, resonating with idealism and compassion.
The candidate has been criticized by his opponents for a lack of experience. It's true, he hasn't been a fixture in Washington for decades – and this may be a good thing. As the Associated Press reported last week, Obama noted the downside of too much Washington experience in a recent meeting with independent voters in Exeter.
"Most people come to Washington to serve," he said. "They get into politics for all the right reasons. What does happen, though, is people do get sucked into the conventional wisdom."
Obama's leadership skills and common sense will enable him to draft a seasoned adviser team; he has promised to choose a bipartisan cabinet with the chief criteria being excellence as opposed to political affiliation.
As we look at the current state of the nation – our foreign policy, our health-care system, our schools and the very tenor of our national discourse – it's hard for us to conclude that experience is the issue.
There's plenty of experience in Washington. What's lacking is inspired leadership that can speak directly to the people over the heads of the partisan politicians and craft a national consensus not seen in decades.
What's lacking is authenticity, transparency and courtesy. What's lacking are leaders who, rather than seeking high ground from which they can dispatch their opponents, will seek common ground and common-sense solutions.
Obama can provide that leadership, and deserves the support of New Hampshire Democrats.
Next Sunday: The Telegraph's Republican primary endorsement.
http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071223/OPINION01/825028349
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
