Throughout the primarys I have been a John Edwards supporter.  While it was disappointing to see Edwards drop out, it was gratifying to see how both Clinton and Obama gravitated toward positions staked out by Edwards.   If Hillary is nominated I would definitely support her, but I have to admit I am beginning to get caught up in the fervor that surrounds Obama's candidacy.  He has the ability to bring people into the system who would otherwise tune out of elections.  This quality gives me hope that a progressive agenda, as initially defined by John Edwards, actually has the chance of being pushed through despite the domination of corporate influence in the political process.  While I think Hillary Clinton is an incredibly capable individual she does not have Barack Obama's ability to inspire her supporters.

Whether the Republican nominee is McCain or Romney, if the Republicans win the next election we are doomed to 4 more years of the politics of fear, in which we are pushed to ignore the principles on which the country was founded in order to feel safe.  Obama promises to redefine the debate.  Instead of identifying the things we should be afraid of he focuses on proposals that would make us a better country.  It is an optimistic message that has been shown to have a unifying effect - a quality that is sorely needed in this era of devisive politics.