Stephen Yeargin

With the “Super Tuesday” primary coming up, I am offering my endorsement to Barack Obama to become the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. My search for a candidate to support was not incredibly difficult, and I knew that Obama had the inside track since he announced his decision to seek the nomination. I like many Americans had questions about whether a junior Senator from Illinois was the best pick to be the leader of the free world. I knew after his victory speech in Iowa that his time was now. I voted early to make sure I did not miss this chance.

Other Notable Addresses:

• New Hampshire: Yes We Can
• South Carolina: Our Time Is Now

“Change” has become the cliché of the campaigns so far on the Democratic side. Democrats are seeking more than just a catchy slogan but a new attitude in our nation’s capitol. We have witnessed in the last seven years corporate and special interest influence having a greater voice than the average American. Where policy is shaped by those responsible for the most harm to our economy and our environment. Where every event labeled a crisis, whether it be in energy, health care, education or national defense can be traced directly back to the political donors of the current administration. Where votes are bought and sold for kickbacks and guaranteed income on the speaking circuit when a lawmaker leaves office.

Obama brings the promise of ending the politics of division by sealing the ethics loopholes and restoring accountability in government. His pledge to refuse donations from special interests and PACs may have put him behind his opponents in the primaries, but he overcame that to become a national front runner. I am excited to be a witness to history, because I know that leaders like Barack Obama do not come along very often. Obama has already demonstrated his ability to energize thousands of people who have long been disenfranchised by the political process. I believe that will only grow as the rest of America gets the chance to hear him speak.