2008 Elections: Whose Really Listening?

With the current state of the U.S. economy some cannot help but feel disparaged by the problems of our great nation. But there has been one constant thought that has comforted us through it all. President Bush will be leaving office soon. With it comes the hope of a better president, better prices, and mostly stability.

In the past 8 years citizens of the U.S. have lost faith in the system. With the presidential election we have whittled down the candidates to the top three we believe will represent us and our country to the fullest potential and most favorably. So we look at the experience, the backgrounds, and the ideology of our candidates for clues as to who is most fit for the job.

Non-the-less, the elections have turned to smear campaigns and mudslinging directing attention away from what matters most, which is America. But I have to admit through it all one candidate has kept his nose to the grindstone. That candidate is Barack Obama.

This is not a Barack for President' article but a factual look at the actions, words, and plans that each candidate has laid on the table. The more I read, watch and listen to what each candidate has to say I am more interested in Barack Obama and Change'. Why?

Barack Obama has sincerely reached out to people all over America, regardless of race, socio-economic standing, or opportunity. He has not singled out one group. Even in an excited crowd somehow you feel he is speaking to you.

I have looked at Hillary Clinton. Honestly, I like her, and if Barack Obama didn't make such a strong impression I would have voted for her. But Hillary Clinton comes off as trying to win the race, to be everything to everybody.

There is no focus except to win. So she misses the point. America is in dire circumstances and we need someone to help, to make it better, to bandage the wounds.

Senator McCain is clearly from the old school. This is why Barack and Hillary lead in the polls. It's only a hand full of people who want to see McCain win.

Barack Obama has reached out sincerely. From early in his campaign he toured, he spoke to people one-on-one. He got realistic responses. If you look at his plan for office it is not only viable but it includes EVERYONE. No one is left out. That is where he and Hillary differ on the issues.

Barack has honestly taken the opportunity to connect with people and that's why so many connect with him. The other two have missed the mark on the issues. Hillary is intelligent but to some extent, she leaves out the poor and minorities in her plans. That comprises a high percentage of the country. This indicates that she does not, and has no interest in reaching out to this group. They are clearly not her base.

Barack Obama, on the other hand, has consistently been merited with reaching across party lines, race, and socio-economic status, and gender taking the initiative to get things done'. As further proof he even plans to implement a website where the people, that's us, can give their opinions on bills before they are signed, if he becomes president. How's that for listening?

As a citizen this is important to me. It's important to us. Why? Because we are not the only country armed with nuclear weapons and someone somewhere has an itchy trigger finger for this country. We are not popular right now.

Furthermore, the world has its eye on this election. From the responses it seems the world wants Obama too. No one has reached out to the world or more demographics than this one particular candidate.

McCain has reached out none but the rich and rural, evangelist populations. McCain has reached out to neither of the above categories the way he sincerely could if he weren't interested in continuing the war in Iraq for another 100 years.

So when faced with the question of whether or not the candidates have taken the opportunity to connect with voters I have to say that, with the exception of Barack Obama, no they have not. So regardless of race or gender, I look at who will improve my standard of living. I feel only one candidate has been listening.