The Top 5 Reasons Why Barack Obama Could Be The Next President

Over the next week, I will be posting various Top 5 lists in response to the Group Writing Project posted on Problogger. So check back sometime throughout the week!

In watching the news, listening to radio, and checking on some political blogs, it’s become apparent to me that Senator Barack Obama has become a serious contender in the race for president. I’ve gathered some thoughts as to why an Obama presidency is a possibility, and here they are:

1. Republicans. Thats right. According to this article from timesonline.co.uk, there are some big name Republicans. Even President Bush’s Chief Campaign Strategist for the 2004 election is throwing support towards the Obama camp, as well as others who were part of the Bush “inner circle.” Obama seems to have a way to bridge the gap between party lines.

2. Young People. There has been a surge of student activism, and the campaign staff has been brilliant in their social networking campaign with sites like facebook.com, where his network has 325,000 friends, as well as his own campaign website, which is referred to as my.barackobama.com, in which users can discuss issues with friends, track fundraising amounts, and even submit policy suggestions. His pro-activism message he sends encourages many college students that change is local.

3. Christianity. Though Obama id pro-choice and pro-gay marriage, he is extremely blatant in the fact that he is a christian. He explains his conversion experience on his website (the video is 39 minutes long) in a speech to a group of evangelicals, in which he states that “because of my religion I may not feel urged to vote for certain moral issues, such as abortion, but we have to find a common moral ground with those who do not share our beliefs other than stating our religion says it’s wrong.” Again, he is able to bridge the gap, not only between parties, but also between religions.

4. Fundraising. Any candidate who is able to raise $25 million dollars in a quarter is going to be a serious contender. With only being 1 million short of Senator Clinton, but with nearly twice as many donors, the support that is being shown Obama overwhelming. Not only is there a strong support for the senator, but with his fundraising now neck-and-neck with his strongest opponent, Senator Clinton isn’t able to enjoy the confidence of being on top that many expected she would have as a front runner.

5. Hope. Starting with the rise to celebrity status from his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, people have seen a hope that has long been lost in Washington. Along with his book, “The Audacity of Hope” released in 2006, his idea that there is always a hope for a better future is appealing to all Americans, no matter what your political compass or upbringing is.

And those are the top 5 reasons why Barack Obama could be the next president of the United States. If you have any more reasons, please feel free to submit a comment.