by Rita Chaney

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2008

Although Barack Obama's campaign and election has been a blast to watch, the best is yet to come in terms of observing how he will lead our country and make it a better place to live and work. Plenty of reasons exist for voting for Barack Obama. Here are my ten reasons for voting for our new President-elect.

1. Obama doesn't seem to fit the mold of a politician. He comes across as more interested, involved, and compassionate. And I like those qualities in a leader.

2. How a candidate conducts his campaign says something about the measure of a person. And I think Obama showed a lot of integrity, character, and grace during his campaign. He didn't seem to have a strong need to "fight dirty," which I appreciate.

3. Obama has championed the causes of women and families for years. His history of fighting for the rights of victims of domestic violence, for example, demonstrates he understands the strife many women experience.

4. Taking a strong position against powerful lobbyists doesn't seem like it would be an easy thing to do. I've just got to respect him for doing that.

5. There's something to be said for growing up poor and having to find your own way in the world. Making it through law school and moving on from there indicates he has made it through many trials and tribulations of his own. I believe that, therefore, he is better able to understand struggles in the lives of middle-class men and women.

6. Who doesn't like a brilliant orator? Regardless of what you think of Barack Obama, you must have noticed his incredible speaking skills.

7. Even though he is obviously passionate about his work and his calling to be President, Obama demonstrates a most remarkable temperament. During his campaign, it was rare to see him appear angry, flustered, or embarrassed by anything. I believe this type of temperament shows great maturitysomething we haven't seen lately in our leaders.

8. Obama seems to believe in the strength and promise of the American people. He expects us to pull together and become a greater nation. And that confidence in us is enough, all alone, to have earned my vote.

9. Although he doesn't have years of senate experience under his belt, Obama is clearly smart enough to make sure he has knowledgeable people with varying degrees of expertise to assist him in his duties to run the country.

10. Obama's candidacy and subsequent election to the presidency of the U.S. has certainly infused this country with excitement, curiosity, and hope about the future. Finally, we can all look forward to a brighter day.

It is for all these reasons and more that I voted for Barack Obama to be our next President.

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