Our Vote

You’ve heard many people saying the same thing for weeks now – America has never seen a time quite like this.

The United States is in the middle of a largely unpopular war. We’re in the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Uncertainty has become one of the biggest aspects of American life.

On Nov. 4, uncertainty will remain. History will be made regardless of which ticket wins the 2008 presidential election, but in these unsure times, educated Americans have to make a decision as to who will perform best as commander in chief.

One candidate has been able to energize so many Americans once disinterested in politics, especially college students. Throughout his campaign trail, Sen. Barack Obama has offered a message of hope to his followers.

Certainly, hope is not the only factor Obama can bring to the Oval Office, nor should it be the only factor Americans vote on. As college students, we care about affordable education. As green enthusiasts, we care about environmental activism. As concerned citizens and peers, we care about our troops overseas.

Obama has the goals and ideas best suited for America at this time. The Temple News endorses Barack Obama for president.

In the spring, The Temple News Editorial Board announced it would not endorse any candidate in both the primary and general elections. However, since the nation, and college students in particular, now face so many unexpected pressing needs, we feel it is incumbent upon us to endorse a candidate who we believe would address those needs.

Obama’s education plan is practically a gift to young Americans – investing in 100 hours of community service in exchange for tax credits so their tuition bills are more affordable.

Both Obama and Sen. John McCain favor research in alternative energy, but Obama’s plans are more strategic and realistic. And though foreign policy may be McCain’s primary strength over Obama, it’s likely the unsuccessful war will continue.

None of this is to say that McCain is a poor leader. He’s proven it through both his service in the Armed Forces and the U.S. Senate. If elected, he would undoubtedly fight pork-barrel spending and use his knowledge and experience to correct the deficit.

But by his own admittance, he has voted with President George W. Bush 90 percent of the time. More of the same for the next four years will leave our country in worse condition.

The McCain campaign’s choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin briefly energized the Republican ticket, but the enthusiasm quickly faded. Palin has brought success to the executive branch of Alaska, a state with less than half the population of Philadelphia. The question remains whether she has enough executive experience to lead an entire country through the many issues we face right now.

For the challenges our country faces right now, the Obama-Biden ticket will more successfully restore the United States’ reputation internationally through innovative foreign and domestic policies.

Our country can’t afford to wait another four years.