VOTE
For the past few weeks I have been considering whether to endorse a candidate on this blog.
It isn’t something that would have occured to me to do in the past: 1) because this is not a political blog; 2) most importantly, because there was no one I particularly wanted to endorse; 3) because an unsolicited political opinion is a gigantic pain in the ass.
However, I am finding it increasingly difficult to separate my politics from my motherhood. I am a Republican, an offical former Party Operative, with strong libretarian views and faith in capitalism.
I am horrified by my president, by his war rhetoric and his lack of attention to domestic problems: New Orleans and surrounds remain unrepaired while we spend our resources wrecking more destruction in the Middle East. As a Republican I believe in small government, low taxation, low spending, minimal intervention in the private affairs of citizens and the public affairs of other nations. As a Republican, there hasn’t been much for me to like in this president.
I believe in universal civil rights, and the legal protection of all life-partnerships, whether they are like mine or not. I am horrified by the very un-Republican idea of giving the government the power to determine which marriages — which loves — are legitmate.
As the mother of two young girls I want to offer them leadership they can believe in — not perfect, not mythical or inerrant. Just full of hope and integrity. Or at least grounded in the idea that it serves the people and not its own arrogance.
Many people argue that Barack Obama is too young, too inexperienced. He is. He sits comfortably at a desk with John Stewart at the Daily Show, sipping coffee and laughing at his gaffes of the recent week and how much the media has made of them. As a former press secretary, I can tell you, you’re not supposed to do that. The more hardened candidates wouldn’t. But Senator Obama is self-effacing, genuine, refreshingly un-laminated.
He does not bring with him a cadre of experienced policymakers, a ready-made administration that already knows what he’s all about. He’ll have to start from scratch. He’ll have to work his way along, ask a lot of questions, humble himself, and make some mistakes.
And it’s just about time we got someone in there who was ready to do that.
Maybe my party will find its way better if they have someone like Senator Obama to contend with: a thinker, a fighter, a guy who got there on the love of his people rather than the spit-and-polish of his arsenal.
In thinking about all of these ideas I concluded that I could not sit back and remain silent about a candidate in whom I so strongly believe. I think Senator Obama has the potential to change the world, to unite America, to be a beloved president and an honorable one. I believe it enough to feel dishonest and cowardly in not enunciating it here.
As a registered Republican, I can’t vote for Senator Obama in the primary. If I am to have the thrill of finally casting a vote for a candidate I am excited about, it will be because Democrats go to the polls today and vote for him in their primaries.
That’s what I am asking registered Democrats to do — consider going to your polling place and casting your vote for this remarkable man, and for the hope of idealism returning to American politics. We’re counting on you.
Either way, whether you support my preferred candidate or not, if there is a primary in your state today, please remember to vote in it. Democracy thrives when people are impassioned enough to say what they think — with their voices, their written words, their vote. It isn’t agreement that unites us, but a passion for the principle of having a say.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:07 am
=) I”ve sorta been hoping you’d get political on this blog-it’d be nice to hear from a Republican who DOES NOT think homos are a threat to democracy and torture a fine and dandy way to handle them thar foreign savages.
So. When exactly was it that the R stopped having anything to do with personal freedom, and became a party of enforcing religious zealots and protecting the right of multinational corporation to torture and enslave people in third world countries?
(Thanks for NAFTA, Bill. Thanks a lot.)
And what do you think about the actual Libertarian party? A newer party that could still be molded?
(I vote dem RIGHT NOW because they are the lesser evil, because I believe in a social safety net and the right to live outside the influence of someone else’s Imaginary Friend in the Sky. But both parties can bite me. I tend to think the party system is the biggest problem with our political process- every election is a tribal war, as opposed to a discussion of actual issues.)
February 5th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Well put Liz. My husband, who has always been a Hilary man (okay he likes Bill) casually said to me last night “I think I’m on the Obama fence”….I just laughed. I have been listening to Obama for a while now, and I think he might just be exactly what we need.
We have some of those fun primary rules here in Utah, if you are independant or undeclared you can vote in the democratic primary, but if you want to vote in the republican one you have to change your affiliation right there to do it. I have always thought that was kind of silly and goes against the principle of voting for the best man (or woman) for the job.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I already did my part for Obama on Jan 3rd. You, my dear, never cease to give me hope for this world.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:27 am
As another registered Republican, I’ll second DaMomma’s plea, but only because I’m afraid my guy won’t get the nomination and I cannot vote for McCain. I would vote for Obama, though.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:48 am
wow, it’s really cool when a total stranger can put into words and publish them EXACTLY what is in your own mind. t
hank you for your post–no matter the political affiliation (but i do happen to agree with you on the candidate), the important–and humbling–thing is that we get to choose, we get to VOTE. not all are so lucky.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I’m absolutely with you on this one.
I’ll be voting today for Barack.
So will my boyfriend. We’ve done our best. 
February 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I just got back from voting for Obama…haven’t voted in a long time because I’ve been so disgusted with the choices. You put what I was feeling in words perfectly Liz! Here’s to being idealistic again!
February 5th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
This post is very timely, as I just this morning saw this: http://www.dipdive.com/. Very moving, I think, no matter one’s political affiliation.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
DaMomma — just for you I will go vote in my primary today, for Obama, so you can cast a vote you’re excited about in November. Here’s to being idealistic again!
February 5th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Yeah!! It’s DaMomma for Obama! I am impatiently waiting for my state’s primary next week! Go O!
February 5th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
As a Democrat who has been in love with Obama since the 2004 Democratic convention, I am pleased beyond words to read this blog. Thank you for being an open minded HUMAN and not just a label of Republican or Democrat.
Here’s to hope and to voting for Obama! As the wise man has said “Yes we can!”
Thanks again!!
February 5th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
As a staunch Republican who has been disappointed in the offerings of this group of candidates, all I can say is rather Obama than another Clinton.
February 5th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I voted straight Republican for years. Then I grew up. Now I pay attention to the person and not so much the party. We should all do so, then perhaps the best man or woman would really win.
This is a hugely historic day for America, for all political parties. Our children will finally REALLY be able to believe they can be whatever they choose to be, even President.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I voted for Obama this morning. I look forward to your being able to cross your party line to do the same in the fall.
February 5th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Wanted to Liz, really I did.
Unfortunately the Dem party here in MI decided to get into a p*ssing contest with the national party over the date of the primary. We lost all our delegates and all the D’s except Hillary took their names off the ballot in deference to the DNC.
Hopefully I get another chance in November…
February 5th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
I appreciate your comments. I am a registered Democrat but have tended to vote
Republican as I have matured. However, Obama has captured my imagination. We do need a change from what has become “the politic” and nothing else.
So, I voted for Obama by absentee ballot some time ago. Funny thing is, I feel stronger for him now than I did at the time.
gramps
February 5th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
[…] VOTE TODAY!! All you Super-Tuesday primary folks, get out and vote! Charlie and I will be pulling the lever for Obama! […]
February 5th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
It’s refreshing to hear from someone who’s a “real” republican, who agrees with what the party originally stood for and not what it’s come to mean today. I expect no less from someone with your history of involvement in the core of politics. It’s sad that the American public can’t hear a meaningful debate because the electoral issues have been hijacked into a pro or con of the religious right and its agenda.
I’m still sad that Al Gore didn’t run again. In him I see a real future, one for the earth, not just for America. I already cast my vote for Obama in today’s CA primary.
February 5th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Bravo! I’ve always suspected you were a closet Democrat - your values are too good to support the current Republican party! ; )
I can’t vote in this election!
February 5th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
OBAMA, BABY!!! Proudly cast my vote with my 2 little people right beside me!
February 5th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Obama all the way!!!! I pulled the lever this morning with all three kids by my side. Glad to see so much support - I just hope it will continue when he gets the nomination. This country is in dire need of a change and he is just the person to do that. We all need a fresh start.
Get out and vote - because there are many men and women serving in the armed forces risking their lives so that we can have the freedom to choose our president.
February 5th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I just want to say that for so many reasons I adore you and think you are fantastic!!
I know many days you may not feel like it but you rock a New York City actress’s world!
You are so funny and normal. (Crazy, I know! What is normal)
Keep on keepin’ on!
February 5th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
From a like-minded registered republican..Thank YOU!! Thank you for eloquently crafting this post explaining exactly how I feel. Glad to know I am not alone!
February 5th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
All I can say is, HELL YEAH!!! I live in North Carolina and we, unfortunately, do not have the option of voting today, but as soon as I can, I will feel honored to cast a vote for Senator Obama. He is a real person (just check out his answer, and those of his contenders, current and former, to the infamous “what’s your biggest flaw” question) with real morals, real values, real hope, and real ideas. It’s about time America had a leader like him.
February 5th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Just did! I really haven’t ever been more excited to vote…
February 5th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I love how full of hope he is. We need hope. I sent in my ballot Saturday.
February 5th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
i did it today too!
February 6th, 2008 at 12:41 am
We’re slowly drawing you to the dark side
On a serious note, this is one of the things that I love about you. You seriously consider the candidate, regardless of party, and make decisions accordingly. And I do so enjoy your political commentary.
February 6th, 2008 at 2:06 am
As a dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, I really admire you for crossing party lines to vote for Obama. I was that way about Isaacson, before he went national and ditched everything he stood for while he was in state politics.
Seriously, Liz, my respect for you doubles, nay, trebles, as time passes. You are a class act!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Here’s two more from New Jersey… I hope to do it again in November!
February 6th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I’m a lifelong democrat, husband is a lifelong conservative. I voted for Obama yesterday (unfortunately, that did not help him in Hillary’s home state : ( ). Then last evening, I took my 3 year old out, and we stood with other organizers at the train station imploring people to vote and to vote for Obama. My husband was behind me all the way.
For the first time in over 20 years, I feel like there is hope that politics will not be just more of the same old, same old. I quit the whole political scene shortly after college after being disillusioned one too many times, but Obama has drawn me back. That is real power, and that is what America needs.
Thanks for sharing.
February 6th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Another Obama mama, but I have to wait until next week to show it. You rock, Liz!
February 6th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
This is exactly why the (obsolete) party system needs to be really examined and totally rehashed. It’s the person, not the party.
February 6th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Liz,
Somewhere along the line, as I was reading and loving your writing, you mentioned being a Republican, and I went “hmmm…,” and I said to my husband, “But I think she is (what my husband and I call) a Real Republican,” ie, the old-fashioned type who, like my stepfather, stand for just what you describe above, and who are disgusted by the current regime that is Republican in name only. I went to a rally here in Santa Fe when Kennedy came and stumped for Obama, wearing my home-made “Obama Mama” t-shirt, and Emily wore the “This Baby Wants a Change, Barack Obama 2008″ shirt I made for her (iron on transfer paper is the best), and we tried to see Obama himself, but there were thousands of us inspired to see him at a college gym that would only hold 3000, so we had to go home…. But it is people like you that make me want to see Obama go on and on and on up the steps of the White House- he is a man who inspires the best in all of us, who makes us want to do our damndest for our country and our children no matter what party he is from. That you will cross over and vote for such a one is what gives me hope, joy… it brings me to tears. If your state has voted, and you have cast your vote or can’t because you aren’t a Dem, then give, give, give to his campaign- all I can do is give small amounts, but that is what so much of his campaign is built on, millions of us inspired to give what we can, even $3 from an elderly woman, as Obama mentioned… it all matters, and this time, after the hell this regime has put us through, it matters beyond all measure.
February 6th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Another well-thought post that I adore….
I’m an ObamaMamma ever since”Dreams From My Father” and thank god Alabama did something I wasn’t ashamed of yesterday… he won the state!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Thank you. I’m already an Obama supporter (and a registered dem so I voted for him yesterday) and whenever I read posts like this it just makes me even more excited and reaffirms my belief in him.
I just hope that people can get past the false rumors and such. I finally had to talk politics in my blog yesterday because I’ve heard too many lies about a good man from people who don’t follow up and do their homework.
February 8th, 2008 at 12:53 am
I am a not-registered-as-anything conservative-ish slightly libertarian-ish indecisive voter who will be caucusing for Obama tomorrow. Partly because the Republican side is decided and mostly because it seems like “healing” is transcending all of my other actual concrete issues. He seems like the guy who could do it. This post was helpful- thanks!
February 10th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
I am a registered Dem who voted for Obama on Tuesday. I came across your blog today and was glad to see (as I have often, these days) that Obama can reach across party lines. Thanks for the post, and for your no-holds-barredl approach to motherhood ( I fear I may be a wimp!)
February 11th, 2008 at 12:55 am
I love Senator Obama and can not wait till I can vote in the primaries for him.
February 11th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
You know, this Obama obsession is getting a little disgusting. Sure he is nice and handsome and eloquent, but all of these glowing endorsements seem to be based not in fact or by record or in history, but simply because of how good you “feel” when he speaks. I am surprised to hear you endorse someone who has a 100% far-left liberal voting record, further left than Hillary; further left than Pelosi; further left than Ted Kennedy. How do you suppose he’ll “unite the country” once his empty rhetoric has to be replaced by action?
February 12th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Amanda, It’s a fair question. For me, it boils down to: 1) I am horrified by my party’s actions of the past five years; 2) I have hope that Obama is a person of great personal character; 3) I think character matters more than policy; 4) I think my party will benefit by losing the presidency and being forced to reevaluate itself.
February 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I could not of said this any better… I had given up on the inspiration that I feel with the Obama campaign and run in this race, and for those who call it empty rhetoric, I ask,what makes it empty, is it that YOU have lost all hope?
Honestly, folks, character does not have a specific age, gender, race and does not have to wear a uniform and carry weapons. The way we have been doing things in this country has not been working well, we do need major changes, someone who might be ‘inexperienced in running this country’ (though I am not sure where or how you get that experience short of actually being on the job), someone who is open, honest, and humble enough to realize what a huge responsibility it is not only to the citizens of this country but to those of the world.
And, oh, I think nice, handsome , intelligent, smart, capable and eloquent are just the icing on the cake
February 15th, 2008 at 3:05 am
[…] who wish to have this woman as their President. On to better things, today I read a blog by a Republican Mommy who endorsed Obama. She felt that he is the best candidate she has seen in years. So I guess she is […]
February 15th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Amen to that! As I watch and read about the talking heads, pundits and politicians, I am thrown by those who actually believe one can possess an adequate amount of experience to fill the position of President of the United States. Folks get one crack at this job. And unless anyone was a VP before, or a high-ranking cabinet member, I doubt seriously if one has a clue as to what being “presidential” is all about. As to the folks who say Obama gives no details about his plans — how can anyone without knowing all of the facts? I have never voted a straight ticket in my life, but I’m proud to say of the two opportunities I had to vote for our current president, I failed, determinedly and joyfully, even though in the end, it did not matter. I will just as joyfull case my vote for Obama.
February 16th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I am a dem surrounded by republicans, including my husband. It’s so nice to see someone who can see the issues and not the party! I HATE it when people (certain members of my family) say “I can’t believe you married a republican”, like that is the only word to describe my husband. A small part of me was hoping Huckabee would win the rep’s nomination because I would have had a chance in bringing my husand over to my side just this once, but he is sure to vote for McCain. And it actually makes my skin crawl even thinking about Pres. Huckabee so I am happy that doesn’t look likely, although I do think McCain has a better chance in beating Obama.
And it does seem like fate…What’s better than “DaMomma for Obama”? I love it!
February 17th, 2008 at 2:25 am
[…] VOTE […]
February 17th, 2008 at 3:43 am
[…] http://damomma.com/2008/02/05/vote/ […]
February 18th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I am a USMC vietnam veteran / caregiver to two elderly people. One is an 85 yr old woman who turned me onto Barack Obama in December 2006. I have since been an avid supporter. I have learned much and made lots of great friends. It seems like minds like Obama and these are the kind of people that make life worth living. Oh helen who is 85 switched from republican to Democrat so she can vote for Obama this coming april 22nd in Pennsylvania.
February 18th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Dear Da Momma,
Thank you for your thoughts. Many republicans feel as you do, after weighing the candidates carefully. It’s a great thing for our nation that people are starting to look beyond party and look at the candidate him/herself. The stakes are too high to play old-school partisan games any more.
Elise in NH
The Obama Minute: quick, easy actions to support Obama
http://www.obamastraws.blogspot.com
February 20th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
“What is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular.”
Sorry, but I agree with Amanda’s comment above. Sure, supporting Obama is the “popular” even “trendy” thing to do at this time. Heck, all of Hollywood, including Oprah is on the Obama bandwagon. But, as much as you like his personality, he still stands on extremely liberal ideologies. He was deemed the “most liberal senator” last year. The economic plan that he has laid out is all together scary and will take us the way of other nations who have paid the price of letting government become too much a part of their lives. I have lived abroad and have seen first hand that redistributing wealth only serves to make everyone poor. This is the land of opportunity and I’d like to keep it that way for future generations. Obama’s ideas are not new and therefore shouldn’t give us real hope.
I’m not too pleased with any of the remaining candidates. The ideal president to me is Ronald Reagan. There is, unfortunately, no Ronald Reagan in the race this time. I refuse, however, to react to that by suddenly voting for someone on the extreme left,who is running on words alone. Change is a bumper sticker.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Thank you for your inspiring message. Motherhood is more than a notion. So is politics. I love your website. I love being a mother of two fine sons.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
BTW, I am a Republican voting for Barack Obama. I guess that makes me an Obama mama!