I've been trying not to get overtly political in this forum, but as anyone who knows me will tell you, this Democratic Primary has become my favorite topic of conversation. I've made reference before in this blog to my support of Barack Obama (whose name I'm sure spell checks everywhere absolutely LOVE), and recently my partner at work, BG, got me a pimp Obama poster that can be seen here. The story that goes along with the picture is pretty interesting too, for what it's worth. Gar Joseph, columnist for the Philly Daily News suggests that Obama is relying on a "cult of personality," calling him "Orwellian" and cites a Time magazine article calling the campaign an exercise in "mass messianism."

I understand that it has been an awful long time since a candidate has moved people the way Obama does, but I am exceedingly confused why so many seem so eager to attempt to strike him down. Personally I believe he has run an outstanding campaign, and weathered many storms that should have crushed his effort. I mean, I can see the similarities of his poster with lots of Soviet propaganda, just Google it if you’re interested, but don’t be silly about it. Give him credit where it is due. Since his DNC speech in 2004 (Part 1, Part 2, Text Here), his rise has been meteoric, but deserved. He wouldn’t still be in the race, much less in the lead, if he wasn’t.

If you want to look at the reality of the situation, you just have to look at the tv spots being used by both campaigns. The one (that I’ve seen) Clinton ad running in PA is her now famous 3 am spot, where she tries to scare voters, in the amazing American political tradition. Of the two Obama ads I’ve seen, my clear favorite is quite simple, straightforward and honest. He stands in front of the camera at a steel mill, dressed in a leather jacket, nice pants and an open collared shirt, explaining to voters how he got started in politics and how he plans to help blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania. Awesome, non-threatening, and relatable. It also explains one of the main reasons I like him so much. Not only do I find his politics appealing, but he’s treating the electorate with dignity and respect, rather than scare tactics and newspeak (HA! Another Orwell reference!). I appreciate how he treats us as a people, and I can’t wait to see how this all shakes out. And remember, all of you out there, please vote, for whomever, whenever you can. It’s the foundation of our democracy, and it’s so much more important to vote, rather then who you vote for.

Ok, off the soapbox for now.