Joe Is for Obama

I saw Barack Obama for the first time when he gave the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. I knew immediately I would one day be supporting his campaign for presidency.

I believe in my generation. I know that's an odd thing for an Xer to say, but it's true. Xers, also known as the 13th Generation, are going to lead the world. For a decade and a half I've believed it would be our destiny to clean up the mess created by the idealist generation before us.

From the 1990 book "Generations: The History of America's Future" by William Strauss and Neil Howe:

"Their Elders don't see it yet, 13ers themselves only dimly sense it, but this streetwise generation does indeed bring a bag of savvy tricks their elders lack - skills that may come in handy the next time America gets into real trouble. More than anyone, they have developed a seasoned talent for getting the most out of a bad hand."

I have sensed Obama's directness over the years in interviews. He actually answers questions. He responds with an intellectual honesty that treats the American people with respect for their intelligence.

I have always hated how Boomers treat politics like a game instead of the means to govern. And now that their politics of personal destruction have scorched the political landscape, the American people are ready for a new way to run their own government.

Obama thinks he can bring the country together, be direct with the American people, and get citizens back in the process of running their country. It's a very Xer message: Cut the crap, and just do it.

"I think there is a great hunger for change in the country–and not just policy change," Obama told U.S. News...

... On December 10, in his debut speech in New Hampshire, Obama said, "America is ready to turn the page. America is ready for a new set of challenges. This is our time. A new generation is prepared to lead."

I believe American society will only progress when citizens take responsibility for their government. I believe Barack Obama knows this and is capable of bring Americans there. And that's why I'm for Barack Obama for President of the United States of America.