Obama's the One

I recognize that the four regular readers of this blog will not regularly check back when I post once a fortnight, and yet nevertheless I have not wholly rid (ridden, rode?) myself of the compulsion.

Preambles out of the way, I want to make a pitch for Obama. A couple of weeks ago, I outlined the major argument at BlueOregon, and yesterday I broached the subject of race in the election. Short of reposting the entire pieces (which are lengthy), there's not a way to briefly summarize them, but should you be wishing persuasion, do follow the links. Here's my capper paragraph, which maybe doesn't close the deal if you haven't read everything that comes before. It captures how I actually feel about the guy, though.

With his inclusive approach and personal charisma, Obama has already begun inspiring people. More than 100,000 people have already donated to his campaign, and he attracts thousands of people when he appears publicly. I get it. I haven't been inspired by a presidential candidate since I became politically aware in 1980. Obama strikes me as an antidote to the politics of slickness--he's warm, honest, and personable. We need reality now, not bromides, and Obama seems uniquely trustworthy. And as with earlier candidates, there's no compromise with Obama--he's liberal, smart, charismatic, and electable.

There's also a very engaging five-minute documentary at the Washington Post about his swing through New Hampshire with Michelle and the kids. Note particularly, about 40% of the way through the clip, Michelle's response to a question at a town hall meeting. She's good.

Consider yourself proselytized.