Primary Place Online

So, still not quite convinced of who I should support (I’ve been leaning toward Richardson), I was glad to get an invitation to hear Obama speak today at the Portsmouth Public Library. Before Obama gave his speech on energy, the campaign played a powerful video of excerpts of speeches given by Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, H.W. Bush, Clinton and G.W. Bush all stating the need to end our dependence on foreign oil. Obviously none of those administrations were able to even stabilize or decrease that dependence. Obama articulated the now dual challenge: Global climate change and dependence on foreign oil.And he emphasized the need for NEW leadership, not from people who have been in and around Washington for a long time (who have clearly not made real progress to address these problems.

He proposed specific, strong measures to respond to both facets and made clear that this dual problem is the “greatest challenge of this generation”. It is the issue that requires leadership willing and able to say “not what you want to hear but what you need to hear”. This included a variety of ways to make “dirty energy more expensive and clean energy more affordable”.

Obama has already gone to Detroit and told the auto manufacturers that they must retool to improve efficiency standards. He says that has to happen. Obama stresses that we need to tell the truth, and take action rather than just use caution when it comes to energy use and sources.

Afterwards, I picked up an 11 page “summary” of the specifics of Obama’s “plan to make America a global energy leader”. It covers specifics large and small that include:


An economy-wide cap and trade program, $150 billion investment over the next 10 years to develop and implement (not just leave in the R&D stage) climate friendly energy technologies and supplies to protect both our environment and our manufacturing base what must be phased out and phased in. It all makes sense and has depth and breadth of ideas, recognition of sources of problems and variety of strategies to solve the problems: cause and effect on many levels without harm to anyone.That is a refreshing change from the present.

Obama’s speech today, gave me the impetus to sign up and volunteer for his campaign. In several conversations with Obama supporters the last couple of days, I realized that if I want someone other than Hillary Clinton to win the primary in New Hampshire (and I liked her when I saw her but am clear that she is not my top choice) then I need to get to work for the candidate I now believe should be the next president of the United States. Obama would be the most likely to actually bring change to Washington and the world.

More details that you might want to read:

A:  While this is my first posting, I’ve been to see many of the candidates. I thrive on hearing them all, regardless of party. I’ve now seen Barack Obama in large and small contexts. Each time I’ve had a different feeling. First, at the Center of New Hampshire before declaring his candidacy, Obama’s words and delivery dissolved my cynicsm (no small feat). At an elementary school in Hampton he was less charismatic and more nimble in answering questions ranging from education to the constitution to the farm bill. At a house party on Labor Day, where we were privileged to also hear and meet his wife, Michele, I heard more of his broad and deep range of knowledge and ideas. That time I also had the opportunity to speak to him individually about some of my personal concerns. Senator Obama gave me his undivided attention and thoughtful answers before he did the same for others. No mindless handshaking/baby kissing. He really communicated.

B:  Obama noted that after President Bush’s recent “energy summit”, which further diminished America’s leadership in the world, we are now struggling to stay relevant. The U.S. needs to regain and re-earn its status as the leader in innovation and bring back constructive economic development globally. For example, if the U.S. developed viable clean methods to get energy from coal, we should not only use that here but also share that technology with China. China’s soaring use of coal for energy is now spreading pollution problems all the way across the Pacific Ocean. Global energy demand is a global challenge that requires leadership that will be willing to involve and work with all of the players. Obama is clearly about bringing all sides and angles together, regardless of what side of the aisle or ocean. That really sounds like the right approach to me.