Email From Indiana

A reader writes:

Like you, I’ve been down-in-the-dumps regarding all the peripheral noise (Rev. Wright controversy) regarding Sen. Obama. I decided to go downtown yesterday to hear him speak.  Let me tell you, once I came back from the event I feel even more enthusiastic regarding his candidacy. While I waited in the crowd (around 10,000 or so) I talked with a number of younger voters.

The repeating theme I heard was that Obama had drawn their interest into the political process and that he was the only candidate who they didn’t feel was the same old politician. When I was their age (I’m 42) I voted but was never overly enthusiastic about any particular candidateok, maybe Reagan.  I told them a lot of pundits don’t think they’re serious and won’t show up to the polls.  Something tells me from all the support I witnessed, and the young people I talked to yesterday, this will change. This is something Hillary Clinton or John McCain lack: a link to the future generation. 

Clinton especially needs to tread lightly on these newly potential voters.  If she and Bill take this fight to the convention and some how take the nomination by force over the super delegates I’m afraid that not only will the Democratic Party falter but they’ll alienate a new generation of voters. It’s amazing how much positive influence I felt yesterday.  Emotions swept over me as I witnessed the crowd embrace the senator.  Not once did I hear any divisive arguments from Sen. Obama.  I could see from the gathering many different people from all walks of life.  Perhaps I’m being naive or emotional but what I felt yesterday did in fact give me, what you call “know hope!”

And of course, it was great to hear Stevie Wonder.