His [Barack Obama, Illinois candidate for US Senate] politics are left of center, but he said he is committed to working honestly with officials from a wide range of perspectives.
Differences can be framed and addressed in ways that are positive and constructive, he said. He doesn't believe in the "slash and burn" tactics that have such a hold on today's politics, and he hasn't allowed any in his campaign.
"There's a certain tone in politics that I aspire to," he said, "that allows me to disagree with people without being disagreeable."
In a political era saturated with cynicism and deceit, Mr. Obama is asking voters to believe him when he talks about the values and verities that so many politicians have lied about for so long. He's asking, in effect, for a leap of political faith.
-- Bob Herbert
One person described Barack Obama this way: "Even the conservatives in the state like him while disagreeing with his positions." This is refreshing and hopeful. As some accounts of Stephanie Herseth winning the recess election in South Dakota note, the best hope for the Democrats is finding people who can connect to the people themselves so that even in "Republican" sorts can at the very least accept them. Or maybe even vote for them. The disdain many have for Kerry is on that level one of his biggest battles.
In fact, this is our best hope for future leadership in general. Though Rep. Herseth got help from her family's roots in state politics, she lost big in the 2002 election for the seat. Thus, there was more to her ability to win a seat that was in the hand of Republicans for years. A look at her website shows a record of public service even though she is not even thirty five. This includes time in the South Dakota Farmers Union, where she went to work after losing in 2002.
Thus, her "homey campaign embraced populist economic messages about the need to protect family farms and revitalize rural America" rang true. And, check out her "Talk With You" campaign ad on her website in which says that she will not be negative, since her opponent does not deserve it, but still gets in what she stands for. Such new and positive voices are what the voters desire. Again, a perusal of other ads suggest some negativity, but overall her positives appears to have brought some dividends. Hopefully, it will again when she runs for a full term.
Legal Fiction once noted that modern electoral politics have twisted the original role of the House of Representatives. The original purpose (and benefit) of the body was to provide a cross section of the nation with individual representatives that address our needs and can be removed by frequent elections if they fail us. In some sense, this principle holds true -- the Democrats lost power in the House in 1994 in part because the people determined they were in power too long and did not meet our current needs properly. If candidates provide what the public needs, they can win, even if the other party or candidate determines the seat is "safe." Also, if one desires to win statewide (or nationwide) offices, it is important to gain the respect of even one's natural opponents.
A record of service, a platform honoring what the public needs, and respect -- three things all candidates should have. I'm Joe ... and I support that message. It's a message that might just lead to a Democratic Congress once more. Or presidency for that matter.