Hurrah For The Black Man

I voted today. I voted for Barack Obama.

I like him for simple reasons, but all those simple reasons are built up into a support from a Kate. I like him because when I listen to him speak, I can understand him. I thought the same thing about Kerry, and I voted for him, too. I voted for the loser, but look at all the Bush-isms that have come up from his mis-sayings.

I like him because many of his mannerisms remind me of my dad. And those mannerisms make me think that Obama is more honest than most politicians; my father tries very hard to be honest in everything he does. I like the black man partly because he's black. It's monumemtal, obviously; so was Hilary Clinton, and I didn't quite solidify my support for Obama until Hilary dropped out. I was kinda rooting for both of them, even though I thought Obama seemed more realistic, less snarly and sneery.

Yes, a lot of my opinions of the best candidates are based around physical and personality impressions. It makes sense only when you know that I'm a very empathic person. I can look at a picture of one of Jenny's boyfriends and pick out characteristics, good and bad, that he has, and she's always surprised because he really does have them. I had a few days in my first year of college that my roommates realized that I could look at them without knowing them very well and tell them problems they've had in the past and problems they're having presently.

I can detect minor physical reactions. It's not magic or a superpower, it's just a physical sensitivity. But beyond that, I agree generally with most of Obama's political opinions. Everyone mis-states facts when giving speeches impromptu during the race; I would too if I were asked to provide an intelligent response to some of the questions they get asked.

While I watched about fifteen minutes of a presidental debate, the interviewer ask one question of both men. Every time McCain had a chance to speak first, he would attack Obama. He'd say, "Well, on this policy, Obama thinks and does this, this and this. That's obviously bad; I do this, this, and this." And the black man would grin in embarrassment for McCain. His grin said, "I'm sorry that you feel like you have to resort to attacking me like this." Then when it was Obama's turn to speak, most of the time he'd ignore McCain's attack altogether and simply make a statement on what he believed.

That's powerful. It's also powerful he's a black man. I'm sure he's very conscious of his race, and it's a consciousness I'll never have. I'd like to see him elected president just because I can imagine the looks on the faces of shocked racial bigots all over the world. I can also see the faces of shocked black men who have chosen to waste their lives unemployed and with no ambition. And the faces of hopeful children; that man has become president. Or even if he isn't voted in tomorrow, at least that man ran for president. No one will ever tell them that they can't be president or at least try for the position. It's ambitious, but sometimes children can be taught that trait.

My family members are split. My mom and dad both voted for McCain. My little brother voted for Obama, just as I did. My eternal partner isn't registered to vote. He doesn't like either of the candidates; he didn't want to register here and then have to move and worry about registering there too. Four years ago, he scrutinized all the issues and voted for Bush because he thought the guy was the lesser of the two evils. For the next four years, he doesn't get to have an opinion on how the president is doing.

Please. If you like Obama, if you like McCain, fine. Just have an opinion. Know who you're going to vote for. Be active. Participate. Get involved with the world around you. And whether it's cheer or weep respectively tomorrow, have an intense emotional reaction with me.