First, Obama has spent 2 full years in the Senate, not one. He was elected in November, 2004 and took office in January, 2005. He did not start campaigning for President until February, 2007.
Second, Obama, as an incoming Senator, played an absolutely pivotal role in the Senate Ethics Reform bill. Sure, it's not perfect, and we can do better, but as a software developer I believe in not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good, and I apply that philosophy to most things in life. Obama campaigned for a lot of Democratic senatorial candidates in 2006 that ended up being successfully elected. He was one of the first people to call them after being elected (before taking office) and called in his markers, not for political favor, but to get a meeting with them just days after the election and convincing them of supporting this ethics bill. He told them that very soon, and even moreso after taking office, they will be abutted by a fierce lobbying effort to resist this bill. He knew that capturing these votes before they ever had a chance of being lobbied was his best chance at securing their support. And with the help of these incoming freshmen, the bill was passed.
Yes, Obama's contributions so far to the NATION are few, but that's not the question. Only a portion of the work of a Senator has national scope. Obama has done an awful lot for his constituents, the people of Illinois, as both US Senator and while serving--for more than a decade--in the Illinois Senate.
Now tell me, what has Hillary Clinton done for the American People?
And, really, what has John McCain done for the American People?
With Obama, it's much more about what he can do, what we all can do, than what he has done. Hillary clinton is more 50% + 1 politics. It's more gridlock. More partisan bickering. More special prosecutors, Clinton scandals, talk of Blue dresses, Whitehouse interns, Whitewater investigations, and quid pro quo for the Lincoln Bedroom.
Sure, we can build a bridge back to the 20th century and elect another Clinton. And we can enjoy 4 years of incrementalism that will feel like progress after 8 years of George Bush. Or we can nominate Obama, who will, for the first time since 1984, gather votes from a wide array of the electorate. An Obama candidacy is the only one that would being together Labor and blue collar support, African Americans, young people, educated and professional people of all stripes, a large percentage of independants, and more republicans than any other Democrat has attracted in an awfully long time. This coalition would probably result in a lot of 47-53 type victories over McCain, but an absolute blowout in the electoral college.
This sort of mandate and wide appeal will demand the attention of a congress that is equally progressive thanks to Democratic gains in 2006 that are likely to be reinforced this year.
Is Obama a perfect candidate? Far from it. But politics, like comedy, is all about timing. And now is the time for Barack Obama.
