Why I Support Senator Barack Obama
Two years ago in the Summer of 2005, I was reaching out to the netroots community for the first time, blogging to support fellow Iraq War veteran Paul Hackett. Then, over a year later, it was the netroots community that vehemently came to my defense when my Republican opponent attempted to swift-boat me during the campaign. It was the netroots and grassroots effort in OUR campaign – highlighted by 140,000 doors knocked on election day – that overcame being outspent by over $2 million to win what was once considered a relatively safe Republican congressional seat in one of the closest races in the country. (We won by just 0.6%. or 1,518 votes.)
Today, it would be easy for me politically to sit back and see who wins the Democratic presidential nomination. We have some wonderful Democratic candidates. But the netroots saw a fighter in me back when the establishment didn't give me a chance and that is why today I want to let you know that I have decided to support Barack Obama for president.
Why? I'm inspired.
I'm inspired by Senator Obama's call to action. I am one of over 250,000 proud supporters in what I believe is a movement for change.
I also value Senator Obama's judgment. He, like me, believes America should be a "Reluctant Warrior." He knows in his heart what we all do – that our country only fights as a last resort, when diplomatic efforts have failed as we reach out for peace.
In February of this year, in my second month as the Congressman from Pennslyvania's 8th District, I was proud to stand side-by-side with Senator Obama as we pushed the Iraq De-escalation Act of 2007. This bill would have brought our combat brigades home by March 2008. As the escalation of troops continued and calling for a timeline wasn't popular, we stood together to demand a change. We spoke from the heart, and I talked about how 19 of my fellow paratroopers in my combat brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division didn't come home with me in 2004.
I can no longer sit on the sidelines. I believe that Senator Barack Obama represents our best opportunity to bring about the change our country needs.
