I’m usually pretty chill on the political scene. I have my opinions and my complaints, but generally speaking, my particular blend of libertarian ideal and socialist leanings keep me one step removed from the partisan nonsense of modern American politics.
However, the esoteric rules of the Washington primary system and the neck-and-neck race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama motivated me to spend my Saturday afternoon at the local Democratic caucus. I was in good company. The local caucus was clearly overwhelmed by the turnout, and I don’t think I’ll be making an ass out of ume if I assume this is the biggest turnout in history, and that the vast majority of those new to politics are motivated by their love for Obama.
I’ve been excited about Obama for a long time. A mixed race diplomat from Hawaii who is young enough to actually know what the internet is? Never has a presidential candidate tracked so closely to my personal demographic. Moreover, I look at the mess waiting for the next president. We’ve got a looming recession and a quagmire in the middle east. It’s going to take a lot of work, and that’s going to take a lot of cooperation.
Hillary is a great politician and a great leader. The Clinton era was a great era, but it’s an era that’s marked by polarization. It’s oft been said that Al Gore didn’t so much lose to W as Clinton did, and I believe that’s at least partially true. A Clinton White House is a gridlocked White House, wasting tremendous amounts of energy and time just because people are so divided on the Clinton legacy.
Obama is charismatic and lovable in a way I don’t think we’ve ever seen. I don’t think he’s the new Jack Kennedy; I think Jack Kennedy was the old Barack Obama. More importantly, he’s a unifying figure. Even open racists love Obama, if This American Life is to be believed. If anyone in this race, possibly on this earth, can save this country from the Civil Cold War we’ve gotten ourselves into, it’s Obama.
I think Hillary is politics as usual, and anyone for Hillary just doesn’t get what’s happening right now. This isn’t about fighting Bush, or McCain, or getting revenge for 8 years of tyranny and repression. This is about Truth and Reconciliation, a phrase I love for its lyric, but vaguely sinister tone. I don’t buy the experience argument. Why is Bush a “Washington outsider” but Obama is “too inexperienced”?
So it was that I was tussled about in the chaos of an overrun, underutilized part of our democratic process. I had a lot of criticisms in my mind about the way the show was being run, about the people asked to give speeches, and about the outlook for the delegates we would be sending. Then I realized this is the system we have because it’s the system we’ve given ourselves.
When the engineers, scientists, and academics are too busy to serve in their local political process, the task falls to those with too much time on their hands and a waning relevance to the world around them — the elderly, the retired, the unemployed. It’s no wonder we don’t feel like our government represents us. We’re too busy to be the government we want, so we get the government we deserve.
The solution is to serve. So it was that I stood in front of the classroom (literally) and spoke briefly about my feelings for Obama. So it was that I volunteered, and was elected to be a delegate to the next level of caucus in April. So it is that I will continue to serve as a delegate for as many caucuses as I am needed, all the way to the Democratic Primary, if necessary.
It’s romantic to think about revolution in the sense of an armed rebellion or even a Gandhi-esque act of coordinated civil disobedience, but the fact is, the people can no longer overthrow their government by force, and good riddance. Instead, we must overthrow our government with reason, with passion, and with the great force of our voices united as one. So it is that I pledge my service to Barack Obama, the next president of, and the last hope for, the United States of America.
Addenda 
REB
I was just 20 when John Kennedy ran and couldn’t vote for him. I joined the Peace Corps though. I’ve not been able to elect a liberal president since. Obama appears to be the best candidate to remake Liberalism in the modern era. It’s been trashed by the Christian fundamentalist while it’s the closest to following Christ’s teachings. I’d like to see the Liberal philosophy gain respectability again before I die. I’m very happy to hear you’re a delegate. If you connect with the right local party people you just might make it to Colorado, providing you have the $. This convention appears, now, to be a throwback to the ‘50s. Exciting, particularly should Obama win.
I was just 20 when John Kennedy ran and couldn’t vote for him. I joined the Peace Corps though. I’ve not been able to elect a liberal president since. Obama appears to be the best candidate to remake Liberalism in the modern era. It’s been trashed by the Christian fundamentalist while it’s the closest to following Christ’s teachings. I’d like to see the Liberal philosophy gain respectability again before I die. I’m very happy to hear you’re a delegate. If you connect with the right local party people you just might make it to Colorado, providing you have the $. This convention appears, now, to be a throwback to the ‘50s. Exciting, particularly should Obama win.
23
Hats off to you for deciding to be a delegate. I was prepared to volunteer until I found that I was going to be gone on the date for the next caucus. I’ve been an independent since I could register to vote and Obama is the first candidate that had managed to get me fired up enough to work on his and his party’s behalf.
Hats off to you for deciding to be a delegate. I was prepared to volunteer until I found that I was going to be gone on the date for the next caucus. I’ve been an independent since I could register to vote and Obama is the first candidate that had managed to get me fired up enough to work on his and his party’s behalf.
dirk
Awesome Mike, it may be a huge country, but I’m convinved these kinds of initiatives *do* make the difference. Kudos and good luck :)
Awesome Mike, it may be a huge country, but I’m convinved these kinds of initiatives *do* make the difference. Kudos and good luck :)
Random Lemur
Hi
Just a nitpicky note, but I do get upset when people do this. Please spell Gandhi correctly. As non-violent as he was, I am sure he wouldnt mind you changing his name, but it would also be the right thing to do for us. Sorry to be so nitpicky..
Hi
Just a nitpicky note, but I do get upset when people do this. Please spell Gandhi correctly. As non-violent as he was, I am sure he wouldnt mind you changing his name, but it would also be the right thing to do for us. Sorry to be so nitpicky..
Libertarian...
I comprehended most of what you said, but I just can’t see why you described yourself as a libertarian. Libertarians believe the initiation of force is immoral... thus you can’t really support Obama who has fallen in line with the tired (it was used to justify almost all of the vietname war) line “We’re in it so we have to continue it”.
Further, on the issues, its more state socialism with its inevitable results of poverty, tyranny, and increase in the divide between the haves (as in “have political power”) and the have-nots.
As long as we make peaceful revolution impossible, you make violent revolution inevitable. The revolutionary -and anti-tyranny- candidate in this ellection is Ron Paul.
Everyone else is business as usual, increased government interference, increased government control and increased taxes. Since taxes represent literally being forced (at gunpoint)to work for the state... while Obama may be black, he clearly endorses slavery.
Are you really pro slavery?
I comprehended most of what you said, but I just can’t see why you described yourself as a libertarian. Libertarians believe the initiation of force is immoral... thus you can’t really support Obama who has fallen in line with the tired (it was used to justify almost all of the vietname war) line “We’re in it so we have to continue it”.
Further, on the issues, its more state socialism with its inevitable results of poverty, tyranny, and increase in the divide between the haves (as in “have political power”) and the have-nots.
As long as we make peaceful revolution impossible, you make violent revolution inevitable. The revolutionary -and anti-tyranny- candidate in this ellection is Ron Paul.
Everyone else is business as usual, increased government interference, increased government control and increased taxes. Since taxes represent literally being forced (at gunpoint)to work for the state... while Obama may be black, he clearly endorses slavery.
Are you really pro slavery?
Mike Lee
Are you really pro slavery?
Are you really pro slavery?
Well, I mean, obviously.
Colin Barrett
Great entry. I’m EXTREMELY disappointed that I got screwed out of voting in both states (CA and MD) that I could have voted in this primary election. Instead of reporting about my vote for the historic Obama, I will tell some lame story about how “snail mail” was too slow to get me my voter registration information in time.
And to the Libertarian commenter above me -- this is why I cannot stand most libertarians. Does your political movement exist solely to troll blogs on the internet? Jeez.
Great entry. I’m EXTREMELY disappointed that I got screwed out of voting in both states (CA and MD) that I could have voted in this primary election. Instead of reporting about my vote for the historic Obama, I will tell some lame story about how “snail mail” was too slow to get me my voter registration information in time.
And to the Libertarian commenter above me -- this is why I cannot stand most libertarians. Does your political movement exist solely to troll blogs on the internet? Jeez.
A.P.W.B.D
This might sound like a personal criticism of you, but it isn’t meant that way. It’s just a comment on something that bothers me about Obama.
So, this is yet another pro-Obama article that boils down to “I like Obama just cuz.” I don’t get it. Whenever I hear somebody tell me what a great candidate Obama is, it’s not because of anything he’s done or anything he’d do as president — it’s just that he’s so likable. And I agree that he is, but the president’s job involves a lot more than just sitting there and being a charming gentleman. At least the Ron Paul fanatics can tell me what Ron Paul would do when elected. It seems like a cult of personality.
If it were just stupid people, I would get it. But there are lots of smart people like you who appear to be supporting Obama for no good reason, and I can’t help but find that kind of disturbing.
This might sound like a personal criticism of you, but it isn’t meant that way. It’s just a comment on something that bothers me about Obama.
So, this is yet another pro-Obama article that boils down to “I like Obama just cuz.” I don’t get it. Whenever I hear somebody tell me what a great candidate Obama is, it’s not because of anything he’s done or anything he’d do as president — it’s just that he’s so likable. And I agree that he is, but the president’s job involves a lot more than just sitting there and being a charming gentleman. At least the Ron Paul fanatics can tell me what Ron Paul would do when elected. It seems like a cult of personality.
If it were just stupid people, I would get it. But there are lots of smart people like you who appear to be supporting Obama for no good reason, and I can’t help but find that kind of disturbing.
DKM
To A.P.W.B.D:
I think, for me at least, the most appealing thing about Obama is his character. It goes way beyond likability. There is something to be said about being able to inspire and empower others, and I think that is something that has been missing from politics for a long time. The energy surrounding his campaign is not only about the change he promises to bring, but the change we can bring too. To me, this is the difference between feeling like a victim of government and feeling like a part of it.
Policy-wise, he doesn’t seem to be that different from Clinton. However, I find him to be much more trustworthy and genuine than she is. They both claim support for financial transparency; he makes his tax return available and she will only do so if nominated. She denounces the secrecy of the current campaign but refuses to disclose papers from her time as First Lady until 2012. I can’t help but wonder if every action of hers has been carefully choreographed. She may have more experience but it is meaningless if no one will work with her. I feel Obama’s character trumps her experience, and why I want him representing our country to the world.
To A.P.W.B.D:
I think, for me at least, the most appealing thing about Obama is his character. It goes way beyond likability. There is something to be said about being able to inspire and empower others, and I think that is something that has been missing from politics for a long time. The energy surrounding his campaign is not only about the change he promises to bring, but the change we can bring too. To me, this is the difference between feeling like a victim of government and feeling like a part of it.
Policy-wise, he doesn’t seem to be that different from Clinton. However, I find him to be much more trustworthy and genuine than she is. They both claim support for financial transparency; he makes his tax return available and she will only do so if nominated. She denounces the secrecy of the current campaign but refuses to disclose papers from her time as First Lady until 2012. I can’t help but wonder if every action of hers has been carefully choreographed. She may have more experience but it is meaningless if no one will work with her. I feel Obama’s character trumps her experience, and why I want him representing our country to the world.
Mike Lee
I could see how you might think all the talk about Obama’s personality could boil down to liking him “just because,” but it’s deeper than that. Obama represents the idea that the best way to get this country back on track is through unity and hope. That’s vague and unspecific, but that doesn’t make it untrue or unworthy of consideration.
Voting for a president is a lot like hiring a new person. You want results, and you can look at a portfolio or a résumé to try to predict those results, but at the end of the day, the success of a project is a function of the team’s ability to get along.
I’d rather hire someone with less experience and less to show, who I know is going to be a better fit for the team, than to hire someone who seems more mathematically qualified, but who is going to cause personality problems down the road.
Ultimately, President Clinton is going to be stymied at every turn because of who she is, whether that’s fair or justified. President Obama has already proven his ability to inspire people, to bring people across party lines, and to make people get off their lazy asses and do their share of the hard work of running this country.
I think that’s worth my support.
I could see how you might think all the talk about Obama’s personality could boil down to liking him “just because,” but it’s deeper than that. Obama represents the idea that the best way to get this country back on track is through unity and hope. That’s vague and unspecific, but that doesn’t make it untrue or unworthy of consideration.
Voting for a president is a lot like hiring a new person. You want results, and you can look at a portfolio or a résumé to try to predict those results, but at the end of the day, the success of a project is a function of the team’s ability to get along.
I’d rather hire someone with less experience and less to show, who I know is going to be a better fit for the team, than to hire someone who seems more mathematically qualified, but who is going to cause personality problems down the road.
Ultimately, President Clinton is going to be stymied at every turn because of who she is, whether that’s fair or justified. President Obama has already proven his ability to inspire people, to bring people across party lines, and to make people get off their lazy asses and do their share of the hard work of running this country.
I think that’s worth my support.
kenneth
couldn’t agree more
couldn’t agree more
Pocho!
It’s all about the hope, Man. I admire Hillary...I even respect McCain a bit, but Obama offers us a hope we have not seen in decades. The hope of unification, the hope for our children. I watched my 18-year-old daughter, a first time voter, shed a tear when she saw Obama speak. How many people can move us to tears? Not many; that’s the type of emotion that can get things done.
It’s all about the hope, Man. I admire Hillary...I even respect McCain a bit, but Obama offers us a hope we have not seen in decades. The hope of unification, the hope for our children. I watched my 18-year-old daughter, a first time voter, shed a tear when she saw Obama speak. How many people can move us to tears? Not many; that’s the type of emotion that can get things done.
Mike Lee
Regarding Ron Paul, I agree he seems like a guy who’s got his crap together, but he’s no longer a viable candidate.
Regarding Ron Paul, I agree he seems like a guy who’s got his crap together, but he’s no longer a viable candidate.
Sean Reilly
Great article. Messages such as yours (and Obama’s) make me excited about getting back into the US political process again. I’m living in Scotland now (where a socialist-leaning system is working out wonderfully) but am moving back to the US in June, in plenty of time to really get into the ‘08 campaign which will hopefully be supporting Obama. I would also work for Clinton’s campaign if she won the primary, but would be a lot less enthusiastic about it.
As for talking about policy, Obama and Clinton have very similar policies. The difference is that only Obama has the character and diplomatic skills necessary to actually implement those policies.
Thank you for getting involved and writing about it.
PS. Ron Paul is a nut. Just my opinion :)
Great article. Messages such as yours (and Obama’s) make me excited about getting back into the US political process again. I’m living in Scotland now (where a socialist-leaning system is working out wonderfully) but am moving back to the US in June, in plenty of time to really get into the ‘08 campaign which will hopefully be supporting Obama. I would also work for Clinton’s campaign if she won the primary, but would be a lot less enthusiastic about it.
As for talking about policy, Obama and Clinton have very similar policies. The difference is that only Obama has the character and diplomatic skills necessary to actually implement those policies.
Thank you for getting involved and writing about it.
PS. Ron Paul is a nut. Just my opinion :)
Lemur DeLuxe
While I do think the “inexperienced” thing is bullshit, the reason Obama can’t be labeled as a “Washington Outsider” is because he’s a sitting Senator in DC. In other words, he’s an insider. If you’ve read “Audacity of Hope,” you know that Obama isn’t just the vapid, vague empty shell that his speeches can make him seem to be to older and more cynical observers.
I do think that Bush (and half of his administration) deserve to be jailed for life as part of the “reconciliation.” They have used the Constitution as toilet paper and committed high treason, repeatedly, and sometimes just to show that they could. But that’s Congress’s job, not the job of the next president.
I do support Obama, and I’m proud to do so. And, if Hillary should get it instead, I hope she’ll have the humility to ask Obama to serve as VP.
While I do think the “inexperienced” thing is bullshit, the reason Obama can’t be labeled as a “Washington Outsider” is because he’s a sitting Senator in DC. In other words, he’s an insider. If you’ve read “Audacity of Hope,” you know that Obama isn’t just the vapid, vague empty shell that his speeches can make him seem to be to older and more cynical observers.
I do think that Bush (and half of his administration) deserve to be jailed for life as part of the “reconciliation.” They have used the Constitution as toilet paper and committed high treason, repeatedly, and sometimes just to show that they could. But that’s Congress’s job, not the job of the next president.
I do support Obama, and I’m proud to do so. And, if Hillary should get it instead, I hope she’ll have the humility to ask Obama to serve as VP.
Bill
Mike, I agree with you on Obama’s appeal. Hillary Clinton as president scares me. However, I believe if there were no term limits, Bill Clinton would have continued in the office for at least another term.
Mike, I agree with you on Obama’s appeal. Hillary Clinton as president scares me. However, I believe if there were no term limits, Bill Clinton would have continued in the office for at least another term.
John Muir
Be thankful you have the caucuses and primaries. We have no such thing in Britain; not that we’ve anyone to blame but ourselves.
Party bosses run for the top job themselves, and in 649 out of 650 constituencies that name isn’t on the ballot. The top job of Prime Minister is much more like Nancy Pelosi’s than the presidency. You elect congressmen (MP’s) and they fumble it out among themselves.
Salt in the wound is the fact that Tony Blair was ousted for the present fellow – Gordon Brown – without a single vote being cast by the people or parliament. When Blair retired, Brown ensured he was the only candidate with enough seconders in his party so that there wasn’t a ballot.
Mother of parliaments? Motherfucker more like…
Be thankful you have the caucuses and primaries. We have no such thing in Britain; not that we’ve anyone to blame but ourselves.
Party bosses run for the top job themselves, and in 649 out of 650 constituencies that name isn’t on the ballot. The top job of Prime Minister is much more like Nancy Pelosi’s than the presidency. You elect congressmen (MP’s) and they fumble it out among themselves.
Salt in the wound is the fact that Tony Blair was ousted for the present fellow – Gordon Brown – without a single vote being cast by the people or parliament. When Blair retired, Brown ensured he was the only candidate with enough seconders in his party so that there wasn’t a ballot.
Mother of parliaments? Motherfucker more like…
Malcontent Jake
Resume and Qualifications... resume and qualifications... resume... and... qualifications...?!
At my caucus I got up on a table and yelled at people for overlooking resumes and qualifications...I challenged people to convince me their candidates were qualified to be President. I literally pointed and said “Ill be over here!”
I was surrounded by Obamaniacs... and halfheartedly, from the depths of my malcontent, contrarian soul, argued for Hillary.
We got so caught up on “change, change, change..” We got what we deserved. Woman or black Dude... thats CHANGE.
My guy was Richardson. I’m bitter. Okay, Motherfucker, Mr. Obamaniac, sell me. I’m serious... you have my email address. make me feel something...
Resume and Qualifications... resume and qualifications... resume... and... qualifications...?!
At my caucus I got up on a table and yelled at people for overlooking resumes and qualifications...I challenged people to convince me their candidates were qualified to be President. I literally pointed and said “Ill be over here!”
I was surrounded by Obamaniacs... and halfheartedly, from the depths of my malcontent, contrarian soul, argued for Hillary.
We got so caught up on “change, change, change..” We got what we deserved. Woman or black Dude... thats CHANGE.
My guy was Richardson. I’m bitter. Okay, Motherfucker, Mr. Obamaniac, sell me. I’m serious... you have my email address. make me feel something...
Mike Lee
In response to this, I sent Jake a gift certificate to the audiobook of Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope.” That will answer these questions better than I ever could.
In response to this, I sent Jake a gift certificate to the audiobook of Obama’s book, “The Audacity of Hope.” That will answer these questions better than I ever could.
A.J.
Sir,
Not only are you a very tough programmer, you’re also someone who cares about his country and is willing enough to do something about it. I don’t care about your political views as I’m a European and not entitled to vote in the USA. However, I deeply respect you for the fact that you do not only blog about politics, but you actively engage in it to serve your country.
May it bring you what you hope for,
A.J.
Sir,
Not only are you a very tough programmer, you’re also someone who cares about his country and is willing enough to do something about it. I don’t care about your political views as I’m a European and not entitled to vote in the USA. However, I deeply respect you for the fact that you do not only blog about politics, but you actively engage in it to serve your country.
May it bring you what you hope for,
A.J.
A mixed race diplomat from Hawaii who is young enough to actually know what the internet is? Never has a presidential candidate tracked so closely to my personal demographic.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Why I Became a Delegate
