As I write this, America is hours away from what is likely to be an historic, even an amazing day. Twenty-two states will hold Democratic Party primaries and caucuses, so for the first time in American history, millions of people will be voting for an African American or a woman as the party's nominee for President.
That men of all races, ages and classes will vote for a woman, and that people of all races will vote for an African American, is already a giant step towards the kind of change required for a world in which peaceful means become the default method for solving problems and disputes.
But what excites me, and frankly amazes me, is the opportunity this nation, and this world now has in Barack Obama. He is a transformational leader. He and his wife Michelle and his campaign are talking in ways that this country has never heard before.
Obama spoke at Dr. Martin Luther King's church about the national deficit--but not the budget deficit or the trade deficit.
"I'm talking about an empathy deficit. I'm taking about an inability to recognize ourselves in one another; to understand that we are our brother's keeper; we are our sister's keeper; that, in the words of Dr. King, we are all tied together in a single garment of destiny."Michelle Obama spoke about it as a change of soul. When has a presidential candidate talked so much about the inner change necessary to create outer change? Empathy is a a matter of the individual heart, supported by community and social structures. Now we're hearing a potential President supporting it, calling it forth.
It is manifested in the outer world in cooperation, altruism and the working knowledge that we are all in this together, which requires social justice and communication. Obama talks about how there is more than unites us than divides us. He talks about bringing people together to solve problems. He speaks of his comittment to principles of social justice and equality. He speaks of shared responsibility, and calls upon everyone to join in these endeavors.
In terms of the outer world politically, he calls for diplomacy first, and for America to take its place again in the community of nations. As an African American who has lived in the Third World, he begins with a new credibility, and embodies a new image of America. Much of the world is watching this election with great interest.
Barack Obama opposed the war in Iraq from before it started. He will end it, and he will not repeat the abomination of making war as an instrument of policy.
He is the most compelling communicator in a generation. And this is what is perhaps even more amazing--the response to his message has been overwhelming. The enthusiasm among young people in particular has doubled the number of voters in early primaries and caucuses. He has won major endorsements and support from more than 100 newspapers across the country.
"Yes, we can!" is the mantra of his campaign, an affirmation with its own renewing power.
I frankly did not think I would ever see a transformational leader like this. Someone who understands what I've called "the skills of peace" and can communicate and touch so many people. As President, he could be the transformational leader I've frankly not even allowed myself to dream would emerge.
I'm voting for Barack Obama in the California primary tomorrow. It may be the most meaningful vote I've ever cast.
