Joe Turnham: Obama has edge for number of reasons

Our country faces tremendous obstacles today. Obstacles that, only several years ago seemed unimaginable, are now a reality for millions of Americans. Our choice for president must reflect considerations of a leader’s raw and unique talents, in addition to their policy platforms. Here are a few issues and challenges that our new president-elect will face next Wednesday morning:

* The need to inspire American voters to action in tackling our own problems including a mortgage and housing crisis all while living within our means, saving money and delaying instant gratification.

* Demonstrating the calm intellect and strong resolve that can conceive and enact strong public policy in a bi-partisan partnership with Congress and the private sector and rescuing our economy from a deep recession.

* Reforming a bleeding health care system that is crumbling under straining budget deficits yet still leaves 47 million Americans without coverage.

* Coaxing and demanding that Americans lead healthier lifestyles.

* Beefing up American homeland security at our borders while building a more potent and nimble armed forces that reward veterans all while bringing our Iraq mission to a time-certain close.

* Restoring America’s standing in the world through disciplined diplomacy and through new strategic partnerships that more carefully and skillfully seek peace through strength rather than military conflict.

* Healing the cultural, racial and economic divides that still exist in America and building consensus on how to tackle and deal with illegal immigration.

* Crafting an immediate energy policy for a greener and more energy independent economy that creates new, high wage jobs and manufacturing and reduces our carbon footprint.

* Educating our children and workforce in more dynamic ways that creates an American worker that is the most vibrant, efficient, well-compensated worker in the 21st century.

* Bridging partisan, regional and religious divides through selling a shared vision for an America that can bring everyone into a society that rewards work and innovation and respects the law.

* Investing in basic research, technology and rebuilding America’s infrastructure so we can maintain our worldwide lead in high-end manufacturing, basic science and bio-medicine.

* Honor the faith and values of every American through a shared humanness that respects each person’s individual liberties all while demanding accountability from each of us for our own lifestyle and moral decisions.

* Reforming government operations and the political process so we can deal head on with record budget and trade deficits that make us a weaker and dependent nation.

* Surround yourself with a competent, experienced vice-president and bi-partisan group of advisers who will challenge the president to make bold decisions and correct choices.

* Replacing fear and rhetorical divisiveness with new hope and a call to action.

In every case above, Barack Obama has demonstrated his superior ability to craft clear public policy proposals (http://www.barackobama.com) and to inspire and unite each of us to a higher common good.

In fact, the Obama campaign’s models of efficiency, discipline, and its strong work ethic has shown that only in America can persons rise from impossible odds and achieve the American dream.

Obama has enlisted the lost and forgotten of our land to join others in a common purpose. This is called presidential leadership.

As we prepare to go and vote across America on Tuesday, give Obama an unfettered look with an eye to the challenges I have outlined above. Slice through the negative attacks and hateful rhetoric and see a candidacy in Obama that appeals to our better instincts instead of to our fears.

John McCain is an American hero and a true public servant. But our choice calls for change from a new leader. Obama for President! God Bless America.

Joe Turnham is the Alabama Democratic Party Chairman.