A Perspective on Barack Obama by David Brooks of the New York Times

A very thoughtful perspective by David Brooks, a right of center columnist for the New York Times, on Barack Obama's appeal and his ability to transcend partisan bickering:

"Obama's great skill is his ability to perceive and forge bonds with other people.  Everybody who's dealt with him has a story about a time when they felt Obama profoundly listened to them and understood them.  One of mine came a few years ago.

I was writing columns criticizing the Republican Congress, but each time I'd throw in a few sentences slamming the Democrats, subconsciously trying to make myself feel good.  One morning I got an e-mail message from Obama that roughly said: David, if you want to critique us, fine.  But you're just throwing in those stray sentences to make yourself feel good.

I felt like a bug pinned down in a display case."

This is exactly why I support Barack Obama's candidacy on the Democratic ticket.  He may have views almost identical to those of his opponents, Hillary Clinton (who I will be reasonably happy to vote for if she is the eventual nominee) and John Edwards, but Obama has a very special way of bringing people together and inspiring them to be less partisan and more American.  For similar, albeit slightly different reasons, this is the reason that I support and have always supported John McCain's candidacy (since 2000) for the Republican nomination.  I feel like he would bring our country together, and even though I may not agree with him on every issue, just like I don't always agree with Obama, I trust him to make the best decision.