Democrats have skills to help us

Katherine E. Slaughter Charlottesville
Published: October 23, 2008

When I was a child growing up in Virginia, I decided I liked Ike. Then, my father sat me down: “You shouldn’t vote for someone just because he’s a war hero.

“Besides, the Democratic Party stands up for people like our family — small businessmen, small farmers. The Democrats helped us survive a Depression and the Second World War.”

I became a Democrat that day.

In past elections, I have not always thought that the candidate cared about me, a middle-income (way below $250,000!) single working woman. This year, I know the Democratic ticket understands the economic plight facing millions of people like me.

Yes, I was a Hillary supporter in primary season, working for her in South Carolina and Virginia. But when Barack Obama became the nominee, I agreed with my heroine Hillary: If you care about rebuilding the middle class and the American dream, you will support Barack Obama for president.

During the months since his nomination, Sen. Obama has proved he understands our economic plight, the war against terrorism and the energy issue, all complex issues that cannot be reduced to sound bites.

He has demonstrated time and again that he comprehends the needed steps to resolve each issue: helping the middle class with tax relief, health care and affordable college education; responsible withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and handing the reins over to the Iraqi government while stepping up military and diplomatic action to defeat the terrorists in Afghanistan; a multi-faceted plan for energy that includes conservation and auto efficiency rather than deluding the public that “drill, baby, drill” will reduce gasoline prices.

We have the opportunity Nov. 4 to elect a new generation of American leaders: Barack Obama for president, Mark Warner for U.S. senator, and in the 5th Congres-sional District, Tom Perriello as representative.

Now more than ever, we need their cool heads and steady guidance, their intelligence and commitment to help the middle class through the economic hard times and to lead our country to a better future for all.