Reasons enumerated
1. He's relatively new to the washington scene and has already risen to the top on leadership ability.
2. He's made that rise through grass-roots public support, not a well-funded political machine. As far as I can tell, he's nobody's placed puppet.
3. As the election has progressed, he has for the most part remained true to what he's always said was the best track for our country. McCain on the other hand started towing the party line :30 after he clinched the nomination
4. He's a candidate looking to bring practical transparency back to government. To bring accountability. To talk to the countries (like Iran) that we're having difficulty with.
5. He's noticeably uncomfortable with prepared remarks and contrived rhetorical situations. However when it comes time for him to speak from his mind, what he has to say is not only poignant, but relevant, inspiring, and actionable. I don't know if he will follow through on his aspirations for national change, but he has yet to put forth an idea that we couldn't actually achieve as a country under actual, dedicated leadership.
In a nutshell
I'm not voting for him because of his stance on any one issue, even though I agree with most of his stances, but rather because he consistently demonstrates a leadership ability with inherent good judgment. The reality of a presidency isn't following through on campaign promises. Rather, it's about what that leader does with the policy hand he's dealt and how he chooses to steer the country when unexpected situations arise.
Bush's stance on tax breaks, education, or even national defense didn't mean anything when 9/11 happened. What does matter is that he used his leadership position not to act in the country's best interests, but to prove something to his daddy and make his buddies lots and lots of money.
Issues matter, but I'm much more interested in his leadership ability and his philosophy as a human being. If he's guided by a desire to make this country better and to serve and protect the people that live here, that's what I need.
Any thoughts on the Republican party as it is now?
"What used to be a party of small, responsible government, has turned into a fear-mongering, nearly fascist, imperialistic dynasty."
