Presidential Politics

I have been wanting to get this post out all week, but it's been too busy. "Stop with the excuses and just get to it!"

I have become very invested in this Presidential election. I have decided on which candidate I am supporting. Initially I didn't want to commit so early, and waiting to see how things shake out before buying into a specific candidate might be a more prudent decision.

I believe Barack Obama represents a unique opportunity for this country to elect someone who could rewrite how campaigns, politics, and government is led. Not to mention how we are perceived as a nation to the rest of the world. I think he brings a clean break from the 20 year war of attrition between the Bush and Clinton political dynasties. Policy wise I think Hillary and Barack are fairly close to one another, but who surrounds them is completely different. And if there is anything I have learned as a two time Bush supporter it's that the people you surround yourself with almost matter more than who gets elected president.

As a registered Republican I am locked out of the primaries here at a time when my vote might actually help my candidate win the nomination (NYS law says that I cannot switch parties and vote in a primary in the same year). Since I cannot vote I have elected to get involved in other ways. I donated (a very small) amount of money, joined Barack's website, and am looking to volunteer when his focus turns to New York. I want him to win the Democratic nomination and become our 44th president.

Ok, great for me...but so what! You see I have come to this decision and these actions not just because I like Obama, agree with all his policies (which I don't), or because of a political ideology. I have come to choose a candidate now because it's necessary for me to keep my inherent cynicism of the presidential process this country goes through at bay. As a Christian I believe that I am called to live a life of engagement not a life of sideline cynicism. Sometimes that can be very difficult for me, especially since living in NYC almost requires you to have a bit of cynicism about almost everything. I believe that being engaged with the poor and oppressed, the rich and powerful, the sick and healthy, and the sinners and saints is how I can more fully see the Spirit of God at work in the world around me. And since electing a U.S. President has the biggest impact on the most people in this country and around the world it's vital for me as a citizen and believer to be involved in the process.