
The Republicans, the Clinton camp, and the media have attempted to "swift boat" Barack Obama on everything from his pastor to his bowling scores. Their efforts to stifle his momentum have been thwarted by his ability to fight back using intelligence, good humor, and eloquence as his weapons. He does not need to play dirty because he knows how to play it smart.
Make no mistake, this contender will not run from a fight. I believe he will win in November without having to crawl into the gutter to do it. That will be a good day for America.
Kathy Rodriguez, Upper St. Clair
Hillary Clinton has been harmed by double standards for both race and gender. The Obama camp threw the first punch before South Carolina's primary by criticizing Clinton's comments on the cooperation that was required to pass the Civil Rights Act. Attacking her sent a clear message that for racial politics it is still "business as usual." Obama continually criticizes Clinton's character while claiming that she initiates the attacks. Ironically, perpetuating this gender stereotype is banned in the workplace by Title VII of the same act. If Mr. Obama wins by using these tactics, is that really a victory for anyone?
Suzanne Matthews, Horseheads, NY
Being a Steeler fan and an educator, I listened to Rooney's remarks about Obama and they echoed my feelings of the refreshing change it is to see the youth of our nation so actively engaged with Barack. Working with young people, it is clear that you can not disguise your mission. They will spot the real deal.
The grass roots movement, accepting donations of $25 from people, while not accepting money from lobbyists that will tie him to indebtedness is the key. Stand up America for the candidate that will lead us forward, not backward to the controversies of the "90s.
Regina R. Urso, Canonsburg
An overseas American, I have seen how the world thinks of America because of Bush's policies. Obama will close Guantanamo, opposes torture, and wants to stop the genocide in Darfur. These are courageous policies, I cannot overstate how much they will improve America's standing abroad. He will carry them out because of his strong principles and will succeed because he listens to people, including those who disagree with him. Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor under President Clinton who has just endorsed him says: "[Obama's] plans for reforming Social Security and health care have a better chance of succeeding [than Clinton's]."
Florence Hodous, London UK
Obama has more years of experience in public office than Sen. Clinton -- authoring tough ethics reform and nuclear nonproliferation legislation -- and more. He's been a public servant for over 20 years -- turning down potential millions on Wall Street, taking $12,000 a year to help thousands in Chicago. Smart, thoughtful, well-suited with brilliant advisers (Sam Nunn, David Boren and many more), he is fully equipped to handle tough problems. He's a man of the people and not of Washington. In this critical time, we need Obama's proven good judgment and strong leadership for the difficult challenges facing our country.
Michal Story, Los Angeles CA
I support Obama because he is a wise and sincere leader. He is the best thing that has happened to American politics in a generation. We are so ready to move beyond the politics of division and deliver our country back to the people. Senator Clinton, while very bright and certainly a skilled politician, is exactly what this country does not need anymore. She will say and do anything to win. While she is correct on most issues, her motivationis is purely to meet her own quest for power. We now have a chance to vote for a Democrat who is a true public servant. I hope our country doesn't miss this historical opportunity.
Brenda Paradiso, Great Falls, VA
My family is Republican, I am an Independent. Of all the elections I've seen I will say I've never been more engaged, or more hopeful. Barack Obama speaks of unity in not only political views, but of ethnic and social divisions. He doesn't waste time dividing people into good and bad, republican or democrat, male or female, white or black. He inspires me, gives me hope of something I've wanted my whole life... a unified, strong, peaceful country. A land of opportunity, a land of vision, a land for hope.
Michael Galloway, San Jose, CA
I support Obama, because he truly gets the pictures about what everyday America is feeling and going through. Yes he is imperfect but he is honest about his imperfection. He is focused on the task and doesn't have the hatred and sense of entitlement that Hillary has. He cares about what happens to all of America all of the time not just when its politically smart to do so.
Kevin Byers, Winston Salem, NC
For most of my adult life I have experienced the increasing polarization of our elections and our country. Improvements in polling and in the conducting of marketing campaigns has transformed how we are communicated to. Our society has been divided into distinct subgroups and most candidates determine what they stand for by what they determine their targeted subgroups want to hear. Senator Obama changes this dynamic. He appeals honestly to all Americans and this new grass roots coalition will have the power at this crucial moment in our nations history to restore sanity to Washington
Russ Johnson, Menlo Park, California
I support Barack Obama because he has all the characteristics of a great leader --intelligence, the ability to generate enthusiasm, and an outstanding ability to communicate his vision. But more importantly, his work and life experiences provide him with unique qualifications. The years he voluntarily spent as a community organizer speak loudly about his passion to serve the greater good. His compelling life story has given him a keen understanding of different cultures and combined with his calm, diplomatic nature, he will be a powerful asset in bringing about peace and stability in the world.
Catherine Flanagan, Williamsburg, Virginia
Sen. Obama does NOT take PAC money or campaign donations from special interest groups. When politicians take money from energy and insurance companies, etc... they govern according to a corporate agenda, which usually does not include the best interest of the American people. Obama understands that our country needs a uniter and someone that is open to working across party lines. The U.S. has been VERY divided since 2000 and look at all the problems we have now. Obama opposed the war when it was unpopular; again he stood up for the people's best interest!
Robyn Donaldson, Illinois
I am for Obama because he believes: More than just winning, we need to deserve to win. There are proven heavy-handed campaign tactics, but winning cannot be an end unto itself. (unless one is a tyrant trying to retain power). And although he's the youngest candidate he is also the most mature. Barack has so much love for Hillary, and I wish she could feel it. Substance: WallstreetJournal prefers Obama's Health Plan
Robert Cook Swansea, MA
Barack has the intelligence and compassion that we need in our leaders. Our problems in this country are so great and they have been made so very much worse by the past 7 years of the Bush administration. We need someone with extraordinary intellect to lead us through this and to help make our country great in the world again. We have lost the esteem of the world and in some ways of ourselves. I think that is why Barack draws such crowds of passionate supporters. He is giving us the chance to be good again. We need to lead the world with the force of our ideas and our ideals, not with threats and weapons.
Sandy Adas, Lady Lake, FL
After having been President of the Harvard Law Review, a community organizer, a Civil Rights Attorney and a Constitutional Law professor, sponsoring or co/sponsoring over 800 important pieces of legislation in the Illinois Senate, and 200 in the United States Senate, Obama has run a brilliant and clean campaign, brought millions of new voters to the polls, and has inspired us with that rare political gift: honesty. Considering the fact that Hillary Clinton has only authored 20 bills in her Senate term, none of which held any importance, and has consistently lied about the rest of her career, and run a despicable campaign, it's been obvious to me for months who the better Democratic choice for president is: Senator Barack Obama.
Adam Stevenson, Philadelphia
I am a 46 year old who has voted in every election for the past twenty-eight years. For the first time in my voting life I feel hope. Not just in a candidate, but that someone is finally not so entrenched in Washington that they can help Washington and our country move past the divisiveness and the whole Red State/Blue State mentality. I believe that person is Barack Obama. His opposition to the war, his background working with the poor, his environmental and economic plans, and his championing right for our veterans are just a few of the reasons I fully support him.
Renee Livsey, Watkinsville, GA
Barack Obama has opened up hearts and minds of Americans across the country. We must stop relying on "someone" to fix all problems. Hillary wants to fix everything; similar to parents that control everything and determine what is good for you, then you live with it. We all know that parents must let their children grow and be active participants in their own lives. As Americans we have to stop the apathy, stop looking for a quick fix, and become part of the solution rather than drowning in the problem. Barack will lead us there and we will all grow.
Sue Shields, Belleville, MI
When Barack Obama announced his candidacy in January of 2007, I was one who believed that his campaign would have a transformational impact on this country. I was an early supporter and have witnessed the legions of supported of the other candidates slowly but steadily come over to barack's side. His leadership and deep knowledge of the issues makes him a once -in -a-lifetime candidate. His election will be one of the greatest accomplishments for this nation in over 50 years. It represents a new beginning for the US and the most profound basis for changing the social relations that bind us together.
Ramon Morales, Santa Clara, Ca
Senator Obama is a positive influence who has constantly tried to keep us on track towards our overall goal rather than divert our attention and divide us with meaningless gossip. We've been left in the dark for far too long, and distracted long enough from the issues that really affect us, our future and the future of our children. Our hopes are monumental, and Senator Obama's message of hope and unity is what we need most now, to inspire us, to work together towards rebuilding a real United States.
David Cutherell Pittsburgh, PA
Barack understands what we are concerned about: losing our jobs, the rising costs of health care, our pensions and retirement security, and the loss of opportunity for our young people.
Senator Obama believes that the next President must be our side.
That is why he does not take PAC or Washington lobbyist money. Barack is someone we can trust to be a voice for our concerns. We need someone who will stand up to the special interests, unite this country and get us moving in the right direction. Barack Obama is that leader.
Join me in the movement for change.
yeffi vanatta, Saratoga CA
"No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it." -Albert Einstein.
Here's our choice: "Same old politics," and negative approaches (Clinton), vs breaking negative cycles in Washington, getting politicans to work together (Obama).
Clinton says, "I'm a fighter," and Bill Clinton says, "I'm proud of my wife for the fights she fought in the 90's." George W. Bush thinks, "It's my way or the highway." Our government gets nothing done except a lot of finger-pointing. I'll end by quoting Barack Obama: "There is a second path. It asks more of you."
Christine Julian, Shaker Hts, OH
If Democrats want to re-take the White House, we need to put forth our best candidate: Obama.
Hillary is indeed smart and capable, but her negatives far outweigh her positives. She is divisive where Obama is truly unifying; she speaks of fighting while Obama speaks of building coalitions; she displays naked ambition and win at any cost 'kitchen-sink' tactics instead of seeking a better way through insight and real strength.
Her self-admitted 'baggage' would polarize the electorate because she would try to demonize McCain instead of leading America through positive example, superior judgment, and humility like Obama.
Dietrich Biemiller, Seattle, WA
Obama understands that what is getting in the way of our making progress in health care, the economy, global warming, etc., is that special interests have bought the government. He will owe only the American people.
He has vision, integrity and courage. He has presented and passed double the legislation that Hillary has, each year that he has been in elected positions. He has taken on issues that senior senators have ignored, such as no-bid contracts for Halliburton and the most important ethics legislation passed in decades. He is a true leader, rejecting the old politics and taking us forward to a better democracy.
Pamela Olsen, Ph.D., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Obama will end the stranglehold money interests have over our government. Hillary is the status quo.
Obama's policies have remained consistent, whereas nobody knows what Hillary's policies will be in a year; they change with the weather.
Obama is a proven uniter, whereas Hillary is a proven divider. United we stand, divided we fall. Leaders know how to listen!
If extremists will really "dance in the streets" when Obama is elected, then it will be next to impossible to recruit suicide bombers. America will be loved again!
Corey A. Robey Gainesville, Fl
Honor, integrity, empathetic - just three words that come to mind the minute I hear Obama's name. The substance to his policies and his willingness to listen to all different points of view leave me feeling inspired. This is America's chance to cross party lines, extend a hand to those we normally bicker uselessly with and help unite us as a country. Obama loves America and wants to help give us the best opportunities not just for us but for our children. He shows us in his actions and in his campaign's actions that the politics of yesterday have gotten us nowhere and that we need to make a change -together -- to help get this country back on the "right track". My family and friends are ready for that change, we are ready to commit to a better future for all of us- one vote at a time.
Sara M. Sorensen, Fall Creek WI
My wife and I are two veterans voting for Hillary.
John Smith Bowie, MD
Like many Americans, I think we're going in the wrong direction in just about every area. To me, Senator Obama's call for change is exactly what we need. But what really excited me about his campaign was that -- like John F.
Kennedy -- he's not telling us to sit back and wait for help from the government, he's asking us to shoulder the load.
I have two young children and one more on the way. If we don't start making changes now, I worry about the world and the country I'm leaving for them.
Michael Gara Burbank, CA
Voters should read "For Love of Politics," by Sally Bedell Smith, an account of the Clinton years in the White House, and the "curious amnesia" that "seems to have set in" about those years. People forgot she's "a master of doing things that could not be traced back to her." She's "the only First Lady to testify before a Federal Grand Jury and to be repeatedly deposed as part of ongoing criminal and civil investigations." They were "the only First Couple to be fingerprinted by the FBI and to have their private quarters searched as part of a Federal probe." Read this first, then vote.
Marge Barna, Canonsburg
My enthusiastic support of Barack Obama began when he first declared that he was running for President. I am 71 years old and have been through so many administrations that have let us down,including the Clintons. Barack's honesty, vision and even tempered personality plus, the answers that he has for solving the problems that we face are what is best for America.
Barbara Snowberger, Knoxville, Tn
I am anxiously awaiting the primary so I can cast my vote for Barack Obama. I am a middle-class white guy in my late 30's. I am ex-Navy, son of a career Navy man. I voted for Bill Clinton, and was very satisifed with the direction he took the country. My main reason for supporting Barack Obama is that he answers the questions. In every interview, in every "debate," even when raked over the coals for a few of his acquaintances, he has never flinched. He hasn't backpedaled, or "mis-remembered" any issue he has been questioned about. And I have not heard him straying across into counterattacks or negative rhetoric. His answers ring of truth. I believe we can all hear truth, if we listen.
I have been disillusioned with politics and the political machine since the end of Clinton's second term in office. Barack Obama's campaign has restored my faith in people engaging in politics. I believe Senator Obama wants to restore the power of Democracy to the people from whom it has been taken - we, the people of America.
Fred Schuldt, Asheville, NC
Barack Obama is a breath of fresh air in the often stagnant world of politics as usual. No one has been more of a catalyst in energizing younger and older voters to participate in the political process. His leadership style is conversational rather than confrontational and recognizes meaningful solutions grow out of dialogue, not polarization.
While confident in his own leadership gifts, this Senator has no "sense of entitlement" in his presidential campaign. Barack Obama recognizes that leadership for this nation and among all nations is more about what we can do together, not what I can do alone.
Gene Degitz, Ligonier
Senator Obama brings the imagination back to politics. We have not seen this in decades. He has displayed grace under pressure, excellent judgment and wisdom beyond his years. In these challenging times, we must let go of the divisive politics, if we are to make progress. Obama is the change agent just by the way he has organized and managed this inspiring campaign. He understands so many different cultures; this world view is not only refreshing but vital for re-establishing our reputation within the global community.
Maria Dlwgosh, Ashtabula, OH
I truly believe that he is the only candidate who can bring change to Washington so that we can finally start solving the problems facing our country. His campaign has focused on what WE can change, not what HE can change. So many Presidents before have failed on their promises because they looked to themselves, their cabinet and Congress to bring about change. Some think it's more important to have a well-rounded Rolodex so you know who to call on day one. But Barack Obama is about grassroots change; bottom-up, not top-down change. Real change, not rolodex change.
Cindy Wren, Salt Lake City, Utah
I really believe that Barack Obama presents us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore the Middle-Class, the Bill of Rights, and our standing in the International community. Hillary would be fine as President. However, the more I see and hear Barack Obama, the more I am inspired to believe that this country can be great again. I love how calm he is when faced with adversity. When others are sniping back and forth, Barack presents a professional, mature demeanor. He was even very gracious the other day when the reporter called him "Osama" instead of "Obama". I admire that.
William Hogg M.D., Madison, WI
I respect both Obama and Clinton. Both of them certainly want to help this country, and to be honest they have fairly similar ideas for policies that will do that. However, Clinton's approach is to do what ever it takes, resorting to using the ugliest political tools to get what she wants. I know that it seems like we need a president who can fight like this, but Senator Obama has a record of bringing people together without fighting dirty--and he still gets things done. If we want the solutions put in place by our next president to last, and not be continuously attacked by future right-wing politicians, we have to bring the country together and prove to people that these solutions are ultimately the best thing for this country, for all of us. I believe Obama can do this, and I don't think Clinton even intends to try.
Keely Chaisso, West Lafayette, IN
Senator Obama stands head and shoulders above Hillary Clinton. We've seen his exceptional ability to motivate new voters. His track record as an Illinois and then a US senator shows his skill at bringing people together to get worthwhile things done. His life choices show his dedication to improving life for others. His integrity is apparent in everything he does: in every debate, you can see he speaks from a consistent, grounded truth that is central to who he is. He offers a clear vision for this country and exceptional leadership skills. And I trust him.
Charlotte Balfour, Oberlin, OH
Obama is the best candidate to win for the Democrats in November and to actually pass reform plans. Unlike Clinton, he has brought new voters into the process.
The close elections of 2000 and 2004 demonstrated that Dems have to broaden our coalition to win -- Obama can do this, Clinton can't. Clinton's constant attack mode shows that, unlike Obama's masterful bringing together of strongly opposed sides to pass death penalty reforms in Illinois, she doesn't have the skills for compromise to get health care reform and economic reform through Congress. Plans alone don't create reform -- you have to build consensus. Susan
Stanton, Casper, WY
To me Obama represents change and transformation for America. He is introspective, inspires and encourages America to try new directions. Obama advocates diplomacy as a means for peace. Some say Obama is just a good speaker. But I want a good speaker. I've waited years for someone to represent the United States in a presidential manner. Someone with the dignity and knowledge necessary to bring respect back to the U.S. As Barack says, "In this election -- in this moment -- let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed. A world repaired. An America that believes again."
Jema Watts, Tell City, IN
Barack Obama is not only a brilliant leader, he is the first candidate who has not played the political games and is not a part of the old school Washington political machine; the machine that the Clintons have shown repeatedly that they're an integral part of.
Patrice Ventresca, Los Gatos, CA
It is time to move away from the political machines behind Bushes and Clintons. This is America where we have presidents, not monarchs. Obama was born to a working class family of multi-racial origin. He came from very little and through hard-work and faith has achieved the American dream, what we all want for our children. He is trust-worthy and able to build the partnerships required to make progress in Washington. I am impressed with his 20-year record of public service, his close family ties, his thoughtful intelligence and his optimistic outlook.
Lynda Woolard, New Orleans LA
Barak Obama has the integrity of running a positive campaign, despite constant attacks by Hilary Clinton and her husband. I once liked the Clintons, but their behavior is embarassing to Democrats. Barak Obama has the clearest plan to end the Iraq War while intestifying the search for Al-Qaida operatives. Barak Obama brings hope to end the toxic atmosphere in Washington so that we can improve our economy, fix education in a meaningful way, and invest in green jobs to save our environment.
Louise E. Harris, Winston Salem, NC
I support Obama because the solutions he offers on important issues are well thought through. Both of them have plans, for example, for health care, but that alone is not enough. A plan needs to make sense as well. Regarding health care, Hillary wants to impose fines for people who do not buy insurance because she does not agree that some people simply cannot afford health insurance. Obama on the other side says, that the costs need to be cut first. That makes much more sense to me.
Christine Potthast, Houston, TX
I support Senator Obama for President for several reasons. I believe he will lead this country in a new and more respectable direction. He has brought so many young people in to the process it is amazing. Everyone should be involved in the process and Obama realizes this, he cares about all states, not just big states with lots of delegates. He has very detailed plans for health care, education, Iraq, the economy, etc. I believe he has the credibility and respect in Congress to get these plans passed. Please Pennsylvania vote Obama!
Tiffany Greenheck, Stoughton, WI
I support Obama because he offers hope and vision for a brighter future and will change the nature of politics by reaching out to all segments of society, not practicing partisan divisive politics.
Joe LoBue Mars, Pa
I support Obama because Clinton appeals to the worst characteristics of American voters. Even if I believed her likely to be an effective President, I would be ashamed to vote for her.
David G. Mathiasen, Washington, DC
Senator Barack Obama is the only candidate in decades who brings hope to all Americans. He has not only the knowledge and integrity to be leader of our great nation; he also has the compassion and common sense our recent leaders have been missing. He doesn't feel he is owed this role, but knows he is the right person who has the ability to bring people together with his ability to understand all sides of an issue and will be able to not only solve many issues currently plaguing us, but to bring us forward and make us proud of who we are.
Brenda Humbracht Sauk City, WI
There are more than a few reasons for me to vote for HIllary making it difficult to put it into 100 words.
There's her civil rights activism,working to change whites-only schools, enforcing desegregation in all white schools, she rated 96% by the NAACP, woman rights here an in China,supporter of energy independence,taxing oil companies to create alternative energy jobs,calls to ratify Kyoto, no drilling in the arctic refuge, says "torture cannot be an American policy"... and there's so much more.
Although Obama shows promise and has voted progressively on some issues his record is yet too thin to turn over the problems of this country to a freshman senator based on hope rather than accomplishments.
Susan Putnam-Jensen, Warren, Or
I am the proud grandmother of two bi-racial children, a boy and a girl who are the lights of my life. I said to my AA son-in-law months ago that a win by either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama would be a huge step forward for this country. My choice is based on the person best equipped to handle the many problems facing this country after eight years of Bush mis-management. It's imperatively clear that Clinton is light years ahead of anyone running in terms of knowledge, experience and just plain know-how to get things done for our country. She understands working-class America, will get our country back on track, end the war in Iraq responsibly, and repair relations around the world.
Carole Johnson, Rochester MN
I have been a strong Obama supporter since early in the primaries. I originally liked Biden but Obama was my strong second choice. I have since learned a lot more about Obama and am now glad that he came to the top. If I knew then what I know now he would have been my choice from the beginning.
The Steelers have endorsed Obama. I think that is HUGE. The Rooneys have a fantastic history of choosing GREAT LEADERS. I think they have done it again. GO STEELER NATION!!! GO BARACK OBAMA!!!
Daniel R. Harkless, Farrell
I believe Barack Obama is someone who will take the country in a new direction. Barack Obama is someone who will lead us back towards a respectful position in the world, give considered thought to any crisis and implement effective strategies to overcome challenges We absolutely cannot afford to continue policies that prolong the war in Iraq and drain our resources. The housing crisis and the high price of oil will be important issues. We need a leader who will work together with political foes as well as allies to find solutions. I believe in hope. I believe in Barack.
Lisa Singh Dayton, Ohio
Senator Obama had the wisdom to oppose the war from the beginning. He has run a completely clean campaign based solely upon the issues and has not succumbed to the same old dirty political games. He supports the rights of the American citizens, not working for the lobbyists. Clinton has taken payoffs before from the lobbyists and she will do so again.
As first lady she has already failed to overhaul the healthcare industry but instead took a large check from their lobby and saddled us with the failed system that still needs to be overhauled.
Ray O'Rourke, Cheswick
Senator Clinton is my choice for our nominee because in these times of doubt, she is the only candidate that has real detailed solutions on how to get this country back on its feet. She has been fighting for the real American families for over 35 years. She has been behind that door at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and that experience is invaluable. Senator Clinton is real!!! She admits when she is wrong and learns from it. The last thing we need is another President that is never wrong!! Senator Obama seems to be talking out both sides of his mouth lately. He calls the people of PA "Bitter", and then says he didn't mean that. He says he never heard Rev Wright deliver hateful speeches, and then he says he did hear some. If we believe he will beat John McCain in Sept., we are fooling ourselves!!! Wake up Democrats!!!!
Robert Sorce, NY. NY
Hey...who are all these Clinton supporters in "Picking Sides?" Look at the states they come from! This "local support" is coming from outside Pennsylvania. Is there anything about her candidacy that is honest? One lady in Picking Sides claims Hillary started SCHIP. A lie. Against NAFTA? A lie. Bosnia landing? A lie. Northern Ireland Peace? A lie. Against Columbia Free Trade? A lie. (In fact, her family took 800 grand from Columbia!) Obama tells it like it is. It's not always phrased perfectly, and not always what we want to hear. But the truth shall set you free!
Dan Evans, Pittsburgh
Hillary Clinton improves America's global reputation. Her response to the death of the Dallas patrolman illustrates how she embodies humanity and wisdom. She cancelled her political rally to accompany the family to the hospital. The rally was about business as usual--trying to win. Stopping the rally was about privileging humanity over winning. She chose to honor life.
We are not just electing a national president, but a global leader. The eyes of the whole world are at this time on the United States. The world expects a high moral standard from the US. That is what she showed.
Nichole S. Prescott, Austin, TX
I support Hillary Clinton for many reasons, the most important being my child's future. He's almost 14. In 2012 he will be 18. The Bush Presidency, its effect on our country, our stature as Americans, our growing national debt has propelled me to campaign for Hillary. The work she has done in the Senate alone is reason enough. She works to achieve the goals she sets. She has vision and a road map. Our next President must know how Washington works. While hope is important, it's work that gets you where you need to be. My son's future depends on it.
Anne Brescia, Medford, MA
Senator Clinton has the experience, good or bad, for her to lead the country. She knows what does and doesn't work in the Federal Government, a difference in Senator Obama's state government experience. Officially or unofficially, she met and worked with people in more countries. Media-bias has been bad. However, she has done pro bono work for children, women, and much more. Hillary probably knows and cares too much. Those two characteristics hamper her "political" performance and stardom appeal, which Obama has. She has to show strength, and possibly a mean-streak, to avoid being considered too weak for the job.
Linda Shaw, Ft. Worth, Texas
My favorite was Edwards, but since his dropping out I studied the remaining candidates and became convinced that Clinton is the superior candidate, especially on health care and energy. Groups Obama has shown insensitivity towards through poor choices in words and associates includes gay, gun-owning, Hispanic, rural and religious citizens. His sexist wisecracks about Hillary drinking whiskey would not have been said about a man. Add to that his sizable donations to an anti-Semitic pastor. He offended General Taguba by comparing campaigning to the Bataan Death March. This is the candidate who some say would represent us better overseas?
Carol Sturman, Dormont
In a government that is rife with spite, and scorn, one that is full of finger pointing and false outrage, Obama stands out as an individual who wants to try to make us better, not only as a country, but also as individuals. He provides both the ideas and motivation for the American people to act. (And as a bonus he's scaring Washington's "politics as usual" insiders to the core by running his campaign from the bottom up. Can we even dare to imagine a government that listens to its constituents?)
Jennifer Szymanski, North Huntingdon
Barack Obama is a breath of fresh air. I acknowledge he is not perfect and when he is POTUS we will not immediately be in a shangri-la. But he has a special warmth that shines through, a calm sincerity that draws and inspires you to believe in dreams again, namely that of the American Dream. Most telling of this is how profoundly effective his campaign has been at enlisting everyman to become a participant in our destiny. His confidence, character and vision, alongside his outstanding public service record and his brilliance, further make him the right choice toward a better tomorrow.
Camille Gonsalves, Oakland, CA
Senator Clinton gets my support because she's a fighter. This country is in a recession; Clinton will get us out of it.
Americans need someone who will stand up and fight for them. Hillary's fought against the vocal minority who command her to give up. She's fighting to get Michigan and Florida's primaries counted.!!
Hillary is a smart, staunch and embolden woman; whom I admire greatly. She is the person who won't stand aside and let others be bullied. A President who stands up for their people is a President who has the respect of all nations.
Lisa Vazzano, CT
Please be honest and show all the people of Penn. what a complete and utter fool and fraud Obama is.He has dazzled the media for one year so that they would not ask questions about his HATING America and especially White folks.The mystery is why so many fell for this?does the US media hate America as he does? He is a joker playing us for fools.
Senator Clinton is one of the brightest and most capable Women in this country.We stand tall behind her, with the deep respect she deserves.No one is more knowledgable on world affairs,as well as the thorough platforms on domestic issues.This country is craving leadership and Intelligence in our President she is the ONE most qualified and ready to handle any difficult situation.
Dee Pierce,West Palm,Fl
Stepping back from the "gotchas" of the Democratic primary campaign, we see a myriad of social groups, all wanting different things from their next President. If "You Can't Please All of the People All of The Time," only some are going to get pleased, especially under the present system. The ears of Government have been bent by special interests, who offer money. Obama is the one who has seen clearly that this huge mistake of a political system that is run by special interests lies at the heart of why our democracy is being corrupted and is falling into ruin.
Nicky Hartzell, Elgin, Texas
My choice for President is Sen. Hillary Clinton. Sen. Clinton's command on the issues is unbeatable. Her knowledge on the many levels of each challenge facing our great nation has been praised for over 30 years by friend and foe alike. Sen. Clinton's office was in the West Wing of The White House for 8 years, and Sen. Clinton was an unofficial Ambassador, as all First Ladies are, for the United States. As First Lady, she served us well and was an acknowledge asset to our country. She knows what it takes to be a successful President, she had a first hand seat for 8 years. Sen. Clinton and her Cabinet will be ready and effective from day one. Experience not Experiment for President, that is why Sen. Clinton has my vote.
M. Egan, New York
I support Hillary Clinton because she brings the experience and knowledge needed to win the White House. During her Senate career alone, she has introduced 357 pieces of legislation, and is the most sought after senator to co--sponsor legislation by both Democrats and Republicans. She has a demonstrated ability to build coalitions across the aisle, a skill that is in short supply, but that will be critical to unifying this nation. Mr. Obama, on the other hand, has missed far more Senate votes in his scant two years than Mrs. Clinton has since her tenure in the Senate began in 2000. Fancy speeches and promises of change will not carry the day. Only the willingness and demonstrated ability to work hard will do that, and on this criteria, Hillary Clinton is the far superior candidate.
Carol Schraft, Brookline, MA
Both candidates have goals. Hillary Clinton has a strategic project plan laid out for her initiatives. These are tough times and we need someone who can take action right away. 34 admirals and generals say she has the best exit strategy for Iraq. Her economic plans have drawn praise. Her health care plan is far more extensive then Senator Obama's. We spent the last eight years with a president who said he wanted to "unite us" and wanted to "change Washington." Those are admirable ideals, but we all see where those words got us.
Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, FL