Obama's Wrap-Up Recap

"He is not a maverick. He is a sidekick." Obama's newest catchy phrase to describe his opponent came from his speech today in Colorado. There, the always-brilliant orator made a total recap of his platform in "plain language", trying one final time to convince the voters of the swing state to cast their ballot for him in 3 short days. Watching the rally, and listening to his words was a wonderful overview even for someone not in need of convincing. After all the mess and muddiness of the wild campaign season it was a reminder: "Ohhh, that's why I want this man to be President!" Obama systematically went through all of the important issues: John McCain, taxes, health care, the war in Iraq, and education. Interestingly enough, he highlighted how his plan was like that of Bill Clinton several times. Here are the facts and positions that stuck:
*John McCain is indeed a "sidekick". He has consistently voted with and supported the Bush administration. In fact, Vice President Cheney endorsed McCain today, a show of support that likely harmed the maverick's campaign more than it helped it.
*Taxes for 95% of the population of America will not increase "one single dime". Anyone earning less than a quarter-million dollars a year will not see an increase in taxes... and when Obama asked his crowd for a show of hands who fit that income bracket the result was very clear. Also, as he pointed out, if lower income people have more money, they will be able to be more active consumers and actually bolster the wealthier corporate few.
*Careful to first reiterate that no one's health care would increase, Obama laid out his new plan whose main focus was to stop the injustice of insurance companies who would not pay for those who need it most, such as cancer victims like his own mother.
*On the war in Iraq, he could not have been more clear... he said that as President, "I will end this war in Iraq. I will end it." Not much question about his views there.
*Wonderful words were spoken in defense of education. Obama repeated that our country needs to make education more accessable, and promised that any young citizen participating in any kind of national service would be enabled to attend college; in this fashion, they were an "investment" that the government would pay off with college tuition. Also he voiced the need for higher pay for teachers, something that is often overlooked and fogotten! Thank you Obama!

Watching the candidate on CNN, it finally felt like I got the whole truth, the whole plan, no political twists or fear of manipulation clouding the bare-bones of his plans. It was almost like the beginning of the election all over again, with the candidates trying to be voted in on thoughts, ideals and merit, not just because the other choice has been portrayed as worse.

I can not believe how fast this election is coming... hang on tight!

xoxo heN