Obama has the potential to unite, lead our nation

Janis Cromer
Published: February 8, 2008

Virginia Democrats (and, for that matter, independents and Republicans) have a clear choice on Tuesday in nominating our candidate for president.

We can choose someone who will unite the country and, hopefully, the world.

Though I remember fondly the economic growth and relative peace of the '90's, I also remember the rancor on Capitol Hill.
Barack Obama does not bring the baggage of the past to his candidacy and, in fact, has proven since his college days that he is adept at bringing people together for a common cause. The inspiration he offers is unparalleled in modern politics.

Regarding experience, he actually has more years in elected public office than Sen. Clinton. He has chosen public service over high salaries time and again in his life and has proven that he will work tirelessly, often reaching across party lines, for the voiceless, whether it be for civil rights, fair wages, health care, ethics reform, global warming or fighting nuclear proliferation and government waste.

We cannot afford four or eight more years of the bitter partisanship we have experienced under the Bush or Clinton administrations.

Sen. Obama is truly a "uniter" and possesses the inspiration, experience and judgment to lead us into the future and heal our wounded nation. He offers a stark contrast to Sen. Clinton and Sen. McCain and is the best candidate for for our country.