Two candidates remain to represent the Democratic Party: Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, and as the race grows increasingly close, the candidates grow increasingly friendly to one another. However, despite their sudden amicability toward one another, distinct differences separate the two, and the Optimist endorses Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic candidacy.
Clinton seems to change her tune as she aims to attract voters, which currently sees her criticizing the war in Iraq and promising to bring home the troops. Obama, on the other hand, has shown a consistency we respect, opposing the war at its inception and continuing to do so today. We also applaud Obama for his foreign policy plan in Iraq, to set up a new Constitution by convention involving the United Nations, thereby ensuring the effort receives more than just U.S. backing. Iraq needs support and pressurefrom the world to stabilize.
Although domestic policy impacts Americans perhaps more closely, foreign policy must play a key component in selecting a candidate.
President Bush has left many parts of the world with a negative view of America; the next president must remedy the world’s disapproving view of Americans.
We recognize that a woman can possess as much leadership skill and tenacity as a man, and we do not mean to suggest otherwise.
However, in light of our efforts in the Middle East, we also recognize that Clinton would not garner the necessary respect from Middle Eastern leaders. Obama, on the other hand, possesses an international presence that will serve him well in diplomacy.
Finally, Clinton’s campaign has raised questions as she leans heavily on support from her husband, former President Bill Clinton. We find this practice questionable. Obama’s campaign has not used money from special interest groups or lobbyists, which means if elected, Obama retains no ties to interests for money. This is not the case with Clinton.
Clinton’s questionable campaign methods and chameleon acts render her a candidate whose actions in the White House cannot be predicted. With Obama’s consistency and direct approach, we know what we’re getting.
