The Presidential Race Narrows

by Keith Cooper

From Broader View Weekly, February 29, 2008

Unlike my fellow columnist, I believe that it is important who sits behind the Oval Office’s desk. One only need look at the current administration to gauge the effect that seasoned neo-cons like Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, and Donald Rumsfeld had on the U.S. The past seven years have been dominated by corporate greed, war profiteering and a foreign policy dedicated to establishing the United States as an imperialist military bully. The president and the advisors with which he surrounds himself have an enormous influence on policy.

As the field of candidates has dropped away and the probable choice of each party has emerged, it’s clear that primary voters realize the impact of this fall’s presidential election on our nation’s future. It appears, at this point, that both parties have rejected the current administration and its neo-conservative posturing. Republicans have essentially chosen Senator John McCain, who has been the most vocal member of the party in Congress against the administration’s war mongering. While the contest is not yet over, Senator Barack Obama is beginning to emerge as the Democratic candidate, over Senator Hillary Clinton, whose approach to Iraq and Iran more closely mirror Bush’s.

I have been a fan of Clinton in the past. I think we are overdue to have a woman, with sensitivity to diplomatic strategies, serve in our highest office. I feel a woman would be less likely to display the machismo arrogance that has driven our current “bring it on” presidency. Unfortunately, foreign policy stances discussed during her campaign leads me to think Hillary would be likely to try to prove herself militarily tough and make decisions that might further imperil the U.S. So, although I appreciate the social liberalism she has always displayed, I backed Obama over her for his level-headed approach to foreign affairs.

Another Obama characteristic that I believe has appealed to primary voters thus far is his opposition to the Washington culture of loyalty to lobbyists and special interests. I am not naïve enough to think that Obama will single-handedly transform the K-Street culture and successfully break the strangle hold that powerful lobbyists have over our leaders. It is true, however, that Barack Obama does not have to pay back years of political favors to contributors and special interests. I feel more confident that Obama will surround himself with insightful advisors and make his decisions based on national interest, not the interests of corporations and political action committees.

Barack Obama’s campaign has also effectively snuffed a common Republican pitch. Past campaigns have painted the Grand Old Party as one of optimism. It is hard to deny the theme of hope that has become the rallying cry of the Obama camp. Change has been a recurring buzzword among nearly all the campaigns. However, no candidate was able to wear the badge of hope as successfully as Obama. Not only does his heritage bring hope to African-Americans who feel disfranchised, but his message has appealed to citizens from all walks of life who have felt denied the American dream.

Obama’s strategy for universal healthcare seems to realistically recognize the challenges of the current healthcare and insurance system, without fully catering to the corporate greed that accounts for the current healthcare dilemma. He appears to identify with the working class and the working poor in a way that neither the Republican Party, with its dedication to corporate America, nor the Clintons with their image of privilege, can attempt.

And while it is not my only benchmark, nor my only consideration as I cast my vote, one of my tests of presidential prowess is the ability to make inspiring speeches. Few could deny Barack Obama’s skill in this arena. It would be a refreshing change after Bush’s repeated butchering of the English language.

Hillary Clinton cannot be counted out just yet. She has waged successful campaign warfare in the past and understands the Washington culture like few others. The Clintons are a political machine that should not be underestimated. However, Barack Obama has proven a viable candidate for his party’s nomination. I believe that time will prove him capable of winning the general election. History will tell if Obama has the makings of an American President