We're all Hussein

I just read an intersting article in today's NY Times about Obama supporters informally taking his middle name as their own in order to show solidarity. I like it.

Chuck Hagel as VP?

I heard Friday evening when I got home that Chuck Hagel would be willing to consider running as Obama's VP in the general election. I've always respected Hagel's record, especially his firm rejection of Bush's Iraq war. Obviously, Hagel, being overall much more conservative than Obama, would be an awkward fit on several issues. But being on the ticket would be a huge statement that Obama really is serious about reaching across the political aisle. I know it's not likely, but I can hope can't I?

Andrew Bacevich's case for Obama

Andrew Bacevich is one of my favorite writers, writing as he does from a traditional conservatism that hasn't eaten from the poisonous neocon apple. Back in March he wrote an essay in the American Conservative arguing why it makes sense to vote for Obama over McCain. It's good to see others out there who struggle with the same issues I have struggled over. Is Obama ideal? No, of course not. But he's far better than McCain on key issues that are too far reaching to ignore. I say this as someone who used to support McCain. I even gave money to his 2000 campaign. The John McCain of today is nearly unrecognizable from who he was eight years ago. I would still vote for the earlier McCain, but I can't in good conscience vote for who he is now.

Being an Obamacon

I just read an article in The New Republic that descrides various conservatives who nonetheless have decided to support Barack Obama. I like the crowd, and I think they're describing what has made me move towards Barack too.