Kennedys for Obama

This Saturday, when I was out canvassing for Barack Obama, I ran into a woman walking her dog, who stopped us and asked for some literature on Obama. She said, "you may not like me because of it, but I normally vote Republican on fiscal issues, but I just haven't seen anyone on the Republican side I like, but Obama, I think I like him." I told her I didn't hate her, but in fact loved her...unlike some, I actually get excited to hear that a Republican is voting in the Democratic primary, so long as its not some Machiavellian decision to try and pick the worst Democrat.

Enter Martin Kennedy, a Republican economist at MTSU, who has decided to vote for Barack Obama in the Democratic primary.

Dignity too is indivisible. When one group’s dignity is undermined or dismissed it threatens everyone’s dignity.

[JFK in Berlin]All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin, and, therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words “Ich bin ein Berliner.”

All men who realize that it is important to guard one another’s dignity, regardless of policy differences, should support Barack Obama. As a registered Republican I can vote in the Democratic primary in Tennessee. That is what I will do.

Kennedy made his decision in response to Fmr. President Clinton's attempt to diminish the results in South Carolina by invoking the candidacy of Jesse Jackson, when referencing Obama's overwhelming victory in South Carolina. A predictable, but nonetheless thoroughly disappointing move on behalf of the Former President.

Another Kennedy, Uncle Teddy, will also be endorsing Barack Obama today, largely because of the words and actions of Bill Clinton over the past few weeks.

Personally, I want to thank Bill Clinton, because he has helped to make the distinctions between the candidates very clear. The Clintons will continue a politics of divide and conquer, while Obama will seek to build broad coalitions to move this country forward in the right direction. I can't say there is a single thing I'm ashamed about when it comes to the words and actions of my candidate and his spouse; I wonder if the Hillary supporters will be able to say the same thing when all is said and done?

Regardless of what happens in terms of the nomination, I won't regret for a second my advocacy (and sometimes overzealous advocacy) on behalf of a candidate who is seeking to fundamentally change the way we do politics in this party, and in this country.