Yes. We Can

I've been thinking a lot about the Get Out the Vote effort and the argument some make that the main reason to vote for Barack Obama is because John McCain is an atrocious candidate and would be a terrible president. While I'll grant that a McCain administration would be a total disaster and an uninterrupted continuation of the train wreck that is the George W. Bush presidency, I would argue that there are far better reasons -- more noble reasons -- to support Barack Obama's candidacy with pride and enthusiasm.

The real reasons to vote for Barack Obama are all about the positives. Who doesn't want -- finally -- to have the opportunity to cast a ballot for a candidate who makes us feel proud of our country again? Who doesn't want -- at long last -- to have a president who radiates gravitas and dignity, who can speak intelligently and with reason and empathy? Who doesn't want to pull the lever for a candidate as likeable and decent as Barack Obama?

Who doesn't want -- historically -- to be able to say that they cast a vote for the first black president of the United States of America?

So when you find yourself talking to people about the election, talk to them about the positives. Don't ask them to cast a vote against Bush/McCain, encourage them to cast a vote for Barack Obama.