From Oregon: Obama is best for Democrats

Editorial | The Portland Tribune, Apr 8, 2008

Oregon Democrats can do their part to encourage the nation to move forward by throwing their support to Sen. Barack Obama in the May 20 primary.

The fact that Oregon matters at all in this presidential race is something of a small miracle, considering the lateness of its primary. But since Oregonians have a rare chance this election year to influence whom the Democrats ultimately select to run in November, the state’s voters ought to stake their claim on the future and help the nation transcend bitter divisions of the past.

Coming into Oregon and other late-primary states, the Illinois senator is maintaining a small lead in pledged delegates over Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y. Both Obama and Clinton have visited the state (along with former President Clinton) and have ignited levels of excitement not seen during an Oregon primary since the mid-1970s.

The two Democratic candidates have similarities on the issues, and they present an opportunity to break racial and gender barriers for the nation’s highest office. But our support for Obama comes down to a belief that the nation is weary of family dynasties in the White House and is in search of new ways to resolve old battles – domestically and abroad.

Obama, McCain have wide appeal

Obama’s campaign already has proven transformative in many ways. He has engaged and motivated younger voters who are willing to put aside the cynicism held by many of their elders and to believe again that government can be a positive force for change. Obama also represents a singular opportunity to unify this nation around the strength of its racial and ethnic diversity.

There also are practical considerations that registered Democrats should weigh when deciding which candidate to support for president – with the main one being electability.

Republicans already have settled on Arizona Sen. John McCain as their candidate. In doing so, they chose perhaps the only GOP candidate capable of mounting a highly competitive campaign during a year when most voters are unhappy with the Bush administration and are tilting toward Democrats.

McCain’s maverick reputation and moderate voting record appeal strongly to independents. But that same group of voters has been attracted to Obama, as well.

The contradiction here is that Clinton may, in fact, be more moderate in policy and in action than Obama. And certainly during her visit here, she displayed an impressive fluency with issues – right down to the regional level – that was reminiscent of her husband’s ability to grasp policy details and relate them to a local audience.

A chance to move beyond the past

We clearly recognize that Hillary Clinton is a skillful politician. But let’s face it – she also is polarizing. If she wins the Democratic nomination, the nation risks reopening wounds from the 1990s and merely enlarging its current political conflicts.

Obama doesn’t carry the baggage of someone who’s been to the White House before. For Democrats whose main concern is the ability to win in the fall, we recommend Obama.

But in the end, this isn’t just about Democrats. All voters will have a chance to vote in November, and a McCain-Obama matchup would provide the best forum to debate the future direction of this country, including monumental issues of war, an ailing economy, sustainability, decaying urban infrastructure, terrorism and a dysfunctional health care system.

After 20 years of Bush-Clinton-Bush, the American public deserves two candidates – McCain and Obama – who aren’t tethered to the orthodoxies of their parties’ recent past.