I was an Obama activist because I hated the Republican party. I am now an Obama activist because last night's debate performance was an inspiration for me. Come see and understand this strange transformation below the fold.
I can't believe I wrote that headline. You see, I am an avid supporter of Barack Obama. Since before the primaries I have been giving money, attending rallies, and I am now a town coordinator for the campaign. And yet, despite my agreement with him on many issues, and my admiration for his intellect and eloquence, the man never lit a fire in me. I have found Obama's aloofness, coolness, and measured responses a little off-putting. If you had asked me last week why I was supporting Barack Obama, I would have gone off on a tirade about how badly the Republicans have screwed things up, and how important it is to get a Democrat into the White House. I would have said very little about Sen. Obama personally because he did not inspire me.
That all changed last night. Early on in the debate a woman asked a question about what the candidates would do about the global financial crisis. Sen. Obama walked to where the woman was so he could look her straight in the eye,. Then, in less than 1 minute he distilled the problem down to its root causes. But then he did something brilliant. He explained to this woman how the global financial crisis is going to affect her. He was able to go from the big picture, to the small picture quickly and effortlessly and in so doing showed me that he understands what average Americans are now up against and how best to help us. He used his gifts of intelligence, vision, and oratory to directly address the needs of one of us who is all of us. This is what a "purpose driven life" is about, using your God given talents to make the world a better place. Sen. Obama is practicing this before our eyes. That, to me, is a true inspiration.
My lingering concerns are now gone. Sen. Obama gets it, he understands the life and needs of average Americans, and he addresses our concerns by speaking intelligently to us and treating us as adults, rather than using the pandering and hatemongering of the Republican ticket. He took advantage of a teachable moment last night and showed me that he understands us and our problems, and that he will use his considerable talents to help us solve those problems. I didn't think it possible, but I am now more committed to this guy than ever. Now when asked, "Why am I supporting Barack Obama?", I can truly answer, "Because he understands the problems of the American people and is committed to solving those problems."