EDITORIAL: The Pitt News Endorses Barack Obama for President

‘ ‘ ‘ In the nation’s most historically significant election, Americans will soon choose a… ‘ ‘ ‘ In the nation’s most historically significant election, Americans will soon choose a president to take charge of a nation that has changed dramatically in the past eight years. Under the leadership of the Bush administration, we have witnessed the continual disregard of a weak health care system, the deterioration of the economy and an unnecessary, costly and deadly war in Iraq. It is clear that the United States needs a new direction. ‘ ‘ ‘ Both Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain have claimed to be candidates for change. But only Obama has the policies and the outlook that can truly revitalize America ‘- both at home and on the world stage. ‘ ‘ ‘ Throughout his political career, Obama has displayed poised and responsible leadership skills that can serve to unite the country and put the United States on the path to success in an uncertain future. ‘ ‘ ‘ Unlike McCain, Obama presents a government-run health care plan that would expand coverage to more Americans. Today, millions of U.S. citizens are without health insurance. Under an Obama administration, health care will be available to all Americans if they opt for it. Because the plan is government-run, it will operate more efficiently than McCain’s policy, which will give every family a $5,000 tax credit to buy their own insurance. Amid the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, it is important that Americans elect a candidate who understands the economy and the steps that must be taken to ensure that such a financial calamity will not happen again. Obama demonstrates the best insight in financial policy. By surrounding himself and cooperating with economic experts, Obama can lead the U.S. economy on the path to recovery. When it comes to foreign policy, the differences between Obama and McCain are drastic. While Obama has always opposed the war in Iraq, warning of ‘an occupation of undetermined length, with undetermined costs and undetermined consequences,’ McCain aligned with Bush in supporting the war and has stated his willingness to keep troops in Iraq indefinitely. For eight years, the Bush administration has remained unyielding in its opposition to talking to America’s world foes. Obama, however, has promised to change this. He has emphasized the importance of meeting with global leaders. In a world inching closer and closer to globalization, a diplomatic policy that opens the doors to discussion also opens the doors to opportunity and global progress. It will forge new partnerships and strengthen old ones. On energy and the environment, Obama’s policy will make the United States a frontrunner in climate change. While both candidates now support offshore drilling, Obama has stressed the need for a comprehensive energy plan, one that includes measures for alternative energy methods. He will implement a cap-and-trade program that will auction all pollution credits and invest the proceeds in energy reform programs that will guide the United States to a cleaner, greener future. During Bush’s two terms in office, America’s image abroad has worsened dramatically. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Abu Ghraib controversy and Bush’s refusal to engage in diplomacy have fueled anti-Americanism throughout the world. With Obama as president, the United States will show a new face to the world ‘mdash; the face of a global citizen. This past summer, Obama traveled throughout Europe and drew large crowds of supporters. His popularity in Europe was a hopeful sign that the United States can shed the negative image fueled by eight years of failed foreign policy. But the Obama appeal is not restricted to Europe, however. The New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote that people in the Middle East were also experiencing ‘Obama-mania.’ Obama’s nomination, Friedman wrote, shows ‘how much many foreigners ‘hellip; still hunger for the ‘idea of America’ ‘mdash; this open, optimistic and, indeed, revolutionary place so radically different from their own societies.’ That open, optimistic place is precisely the America Obama represents. If elected, he will be the first black president of the United States. A true representation of the American Dream, he is a symbol of hope and opportunity not just for Americans but for people all over the world. The United States needs a leader who has sworn off the politics of the past and will bring major and much-needed changes to the way our nation is governed. That leader is Barack Obama.