With our historic election getting underway officially this morning and at the risk of being a bit self important, pushy, or self righteous, I decided to share some of my passionate thoughts and feelings about why I’m so excited to vote for Barack Obama.

I’m very interested in politics as well as the state of our nation and world. In 2003 my wife Michelle and I got more pro-actively involved in the presidential campaign given our concern about the pending war in Iraq (at that time) and direction of the Bush administration and our country. We were fortunate enough to be at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, where we saw Barack Obama give the historic keynote address at that convention. Like so many others who saw that speech, we were moved to tears, blown away, and inspired in a way we had never been before. Over the past four plus years I have read both of his books, seen him speak live three more times, and met him in person (along with Michelle and our daughter Samantha in his DC office on 2/1/07 - see photo below), and paid attention to him in a way I have never paid attention to any political figure.

I have followed the campaign very closely and have literally heard him speak on TV, in interviews, and in debates hundreds if not thousands of times. I have read, watched, listened, discussed, debated, and more about Obama, the issues, and the other candidates - on both sides. As we sit here on the day of this historic and monumental election, I am convinced that not only is Barack Obama the best candidate in this race - but that he is a transformational Politian and man who can help heal, unify, and lead our nation into a new paradigm. Here are some of the reasons why I feel so strongly about him:

Change - Not just a slogan or a word on a poster, but I believe that what Obama stands for on the issues (foreign policy, the economy, health care, education, and more) and how he sees the country and the world is a fundamental change from the past and what we need at this time. Even more than his approach is what he has and will inspire in us and people around the world.

Peace - As a passionate advocate for Peace, I want to see not only the wars we are currently engaged in come to an end, which I believe Obama will make happen, but also an end to the mindset that got us into these wars to begin with, especially the war in Iraq - which is something he has said numerous times.

Equality - Related to race, economics, health care, jobs, the way government operates, and more - an Obama administration will bring about more equality and make things more fair in this country. “Equality,” like so many other ideals is not possible - but we can move closer to it in specific ways and with him as President, we will.

Awareness - Barack Obama is not only one of the smartest politicians I have ever witnessed, he is emotionally aware in a way that excites me, especially given my work and what’s important to me. Not only does he seem to have an awareness of himself, but also of others, of our country, and our world. His knowledge, insight, and awareness will help us move the conversations we have about life and politics to another level.

Empowerment - Watching how he has lived his life and specifically about how he has run this campaign - he understands what it means and why it’s important to empower people. As someone who has donated money and volunteered for his campaign - I personally feel empowered. We are at a time in our nation’s history where we NEED as many people as possible engaged in what is going on and also at a time where so many people feel disconnected from the process and their country. He has already in this campaign and will continue to empower those around him - in his administration, across the aisle, in his own party, other countries, and most importantly the America people - to be more than we all thought we could be.

Inspiration - Obama has been attacked in this campaign for being all about “rhetoric.” While I agree that to be a great President one must have more than just the ability to give a great speech, the power of words and more importantly of inspiration cannot be overlooked. For the first time in my life, I am deeply inspired by someone who could be our President. What if we could watch press conferences, speeches, the state of the union address, and others and actually be inspired, moved, and touched on a deep level. With him as President, we will, and with that inspiration so much positive change can and will happen.

Integrity - With all that I’m excited about and all that agree with (although I don’t agree with him on everything), I think what has drawn me and inspired me most about Barack Obama is who he is as a human being. I know he is not perfect and he has done and said things at times in this campaign that I have not agreed with, liked, and that were clearly not true. Like everyone else in his line of work, he is full of it some of the time. Understanding all of this, I am still blown away by his integrity and who he is as a man, husband, and father. I listen to him talk, read his words, and watch him operate and am so amazed by who he is. I love how he talks about and treats his wife, daughters, and family. I trust him and it feels so good. I’m sure he will make mistakes, lie, and at times let me and so many others down. However, the qualities he possesses and who he is as a human being are what I believe in my heart will allow him to not only get elected tonight, but to be one of our greatest Presidents of all time.

As long as this post is, I could go on and on! As you walk into the voting booth today, imagine what you will say to your children, grand children, and great grand children when they ask you if you voted for Barack Obama!

With Passion and Excitement,

Mike
www.Mike-Robbins.com