Reno Gazette-Journal chooses Obama

Obama embodies party's vision

Nevada Democrats should caucus for Barack Obama, the freshman U.S. senator from Illinois, to represent them as the party's nominee to run for president of the United States. He has the personal characteristics and political instincts expected of the person who leads this nation.

The Democratic front-runners seeking the favor of Nevadans make strong presidential candidates. New York U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton has worked to be an excellent public servant and has aimed toward this end for the past 35 years; former North Carolina U.S. Sen. John Edwards' climb up the economic ladder has placed him in a position where he can understand and also aid the middle class.

Clinton, however, continues to struggle under the cloud of her husband, the former President Bill Clinton. She is challenged to escape the perception that she represents the status quo and that the advisers, the bureaucracy and the baggage from the former president's administration would follow her into the White House — if she were to make it through the November election.

And, although well-meaning and concerned about the welfare of the grass-roots, Edwards does not seem to connect with the Democratic base, and he has not demonstrated the kind of bipartisanship that gets things done.

Obama embodies the political and ideological perspectives that the party projects.
He represents the platform of political unity and workable populist economics that he and party members believe will reinvigorate the economy and solve many of the other problems the nation is facing, such as questions regarding health care, immigration, war, energy independence, the tax structure and particularly the mortgage crisis. Fixing the housing market is critical to restoring our economic health.

One can fairly describe Obama's philosophical optimism and charismatic manner as too idealistic, even a tad dreamy. But he also demonstrates the courage to stand his ground where necessary, willing, for instance, to salute both President John Kennedy and President Ronald Reagan as agents of change in times when the country needed change.

Meanwhile, his background and experience have given him the insight needed to deal with the world in a different way. He knows how to listen and to respond appropriately to questions, propositions and opinions, regardless of whether he agrees.

The Democratic caucus is about looking at the candidates through a lens that is focused on the party and its goals. It also is about looking past the primary season and choosing the individual who can win in November. It must be someone who can unify the nation on domestic issues, successfully uphold its democratic ideals and restore its reputation as a global force.

Obama should be the party's choice.

Nevada Campaign Stops

Town Hall with Barack Obama in Las Vegas
Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 4:00pm
Las Vegas, NV

Town Hall with Barack Obama in Reno
Friday, January 18, 2008 @ 08:15am
Reno, NV

Town Hall with Barack Obama in Elko
Friday, January 18, 2008 @ 2:30pm
Elko, NV

Rally with Barack Obama in Las Vegas
Friday, January 18, 2008 @ 5:30pm
Las Vegas, NV