When it comes to politics, I am an independent. However, I have decided to vote straight democratic party line in the coming general election in US. My reasons are simple. I am disgusted by the utter incompetence, hypocrisy, religious extremism, and the divisive politics of GOP during the past 20 years since I have been in US.
Having said that, until last week, I didn't have any favorite in the presidential race. It all changed after I watched Obama's concession speech in New Hampshire and his victory speech in South Carolina primary. Yes, I will vote for Obama. In my earlier entry I said that being on the front cover of the Time Magazine is a contrarian indicator. I hope it is not the case this time and Obama wins the race for White House.
Tuesday, February 5th is the "super Tuesday" of primaries in United States. Voters in more than 20 states will go to the polls and pick their candidate for the president. A week after that (Feb 12), voters in my home state of VA will select their candidate.
One might ask, why Obama and why not Hillary Clinton? I think Hillary is well qualified to be the president. But, I am not convinced that she is the right candidate. A few things about her bother me lot.
1. Her vote for use of force in Iraq (at that time even I was saying it will be big mistake to go after Saddam). This shows poor judgment.
2. very recently she voted to declare Iran's revolutionary Guard as a "terrorist" organization. Really? Since when it is OK to declare legitimate wings of armed forces of a sovereign nation as "terrorists?" Is this necessary? Poor judgment again.
3. When NY Governor Elliot Spitzer wanted to issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, she didn't give a straight answer about what she felt about that law. she didn;t want to lose the votes of either the proponents or opposers of that bill. If you wanted to be president, you have to show more courage than that.
4. Most importantly, her return to the White House will bring all the bitter partisan battles of Clinton presidency. The country and the world could use a leader whose time is not tied up in the battles with the right wing media.
5. While I cannot stand most republicans in power today, I am OK with John McCain. John McCain is the only republican candidate who has a chance of winning the White House again. If it is McCain-Clinton race, I think McCain will win. Another republican presidency could put the supreme court to even farther right. We cannot afford that.
If the contest is between McCain and Obama, the race will bring a lot of excitement in the country and around the world. I am hoping that ultimately Obama will win. The reasons:
1. McCain symbolizes the past and will continue to serve us a reminder about everything that is wrong with the establishment.
2. McCain's win will not end the bitter partisanship cultivated by the so called "Regan" republicans.
3. MCCain will certainly help restore some credibility for America among the world nations. At the same time, America will forever be viewed as a country which always elects a white male for its president and cannot overcome its race and gender biases.
4. Obama symbolizes the youth, future and hope. If there is one candidate who can reunite this country, and restore its dignity among it is Obama.
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