Obama's potential

Barak Obama has been collecting a slew of newspaper endorsements, the latest being the Washington Post yesterday. Their editorial said:

But Mr. Obama's temperament is unlike anything we've seen on the national stage in many years. He is deliberate but not indecisive; eloquent but a master of substance and detail; preternaturally confident but eager to hear opposing points of view. He has inspired millions of voters of diverse ages and races, no small thing in our often divided and cynical country. We think he is the right man for a perilous moment.

Not only are we at a perilous moment -- our freefall economy, our dimished standing in the world, our debacle of two wars, the politicization of our justice system, our regulatory agencies dominated by the industries they are supposed to police, the cynicism of our people -- but new problems must be addressed as well: global warming, renewable energy sources, health care, global economy, world hunger.

Not since the Great Depression and World War II produced FDR has our need for great leadership been so imperative. The Washington Post concludes: "Mr. Obama has the potential to become a great president."

Millions and millions of us agree. But we have to get him elected before he can become our next great president. McCain has lost on the issues; he has lost the advantage of "experience, leadership, and confidence." His only hope now is destroying people's trust of Obama, fanning the flames of racism, suppressing the vote, initimidating voters, and manipulating the actual vote counting.

But Republicans are formidable at just those dirty tactics. We have to get out the vote in such overwhelming numbers that they won't matter.

And Yes, We Can !

Ralph