By Beacon Editorial Board
Correction Appended
Much of the debate surrounding the Democratic Party's primaries has centered around whether experience or hope can bring much-needed change to the United States. The Beacon's Editorial Board believes Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) message of hope can bring change and endorses the junior senator's nomination and candidacy for president of the United States.
A vote for any of the Republican candidates is a vote for the status quo.
We want to get out of Iraq sooner than later. We want health care to be a viable option for all Americans. We want to reduce the gap between low- and high-income families.
Although Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) is a brilliant and talented leader who gets things done, she isn't the president that America needs right now.
Voters should not look only at a person's résumé to determine if he or she is the best leader. If that were the case, Gov. Bill Richardson's (D-N.M.) extensive but largely unknown background would have made him the best candidate before dropping out of the Democratic race.
Voters must also consider a candidate's ability to inspire and unite people. Of course, we can't simply rely on empty rhetoric. We look at the values of a candidate, too.
Clinton and Obama differ very little on their progressive policy positions. But the two candidates differ the most on their message to Americans. Obama's often nebulous but rousing rhetoric contrasts with Clinton's responses that are articulate but seem duplicitous.
Clinton has been the target of many undeserved attacks - like dynastic politics - from Democrats and Republicans. Unfortunately, these external attacks undermine her ability to lead as a president, much less a senator.
A candidate's ability to effect change doesn't necessarily come with experience. Clinton brings much more baggage from her marriage with former President Bill Clinton and tenure as senator from New York.
Clinton's knowledge of the political game in Washington doesn't negate the problem that the game is stacked against her. Although this is an unfortunate situation, we need a leader that can best represent the ideals of the American people.
Obama not only touches the hearts of millions of young voters. He is seen as someone who better represents the core values of the American people, including an increasing number of social conservatives. He respects and promotes the best values of both parties.
Obama's appeal also extends far beyond our borders. His upbringing in Indonesia and in Hawaii should not be easily dismissed. And although Clinton isn't likely to squeeze the shoulders of German Chancellor Angela Merkel like a silly frat boy, we believe Obama would be better able to understand the needs of other people in the world and help our nation reclaim much of our lost dignity in the last seven years.
Regardless of the outcome of the party's nomination, we should take pride with our choice between a woman and a black man. It shows how far we've come since the Civil Rights era of the 1960s.
The editorial incorrectly stated that Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico was a senator.
