Think positive — but think!

As tempting as it might be to engage in ad hominem attacks against the opposition in this Presidential election, I’m gambling on the notion that folks may be more likely to read what I have to say if I don’t, so I won’t.

There’s no doubt some satisfaction in going after the person rather than the idea, especially if we feel clever in doing so, seeking the cheap thrill of a zinger over the effort of a point finely made that might actually inform.

To this end, with the election just a week away, I’d like to offer information about developments in favor of electing Barack Obama.

Last Sunday, on Meet the Press, Gen. Colin Powell set forth his reasons for supporting Obama, ranging from his concerns about where the Republican Party is headed (he is a Republican) to the way the McCain campaign had been run in the preceding several weeks; from his concern about McCain’s lack of direction as the current economic crisis unfolded, and the selection of Sarah Palin to be his running mate, to his trust in Obama’s “way of doing business” and judgment.

Gen. Powell said it came down to which of the two candidates would best serve the needs of the nation for the next period of time. He said,

I have come to the conclusion that, because of his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign, because he is reaching out all across America, because of who he is and his rhetorical abilities – and you have to take that into account – as well as his substance, he has both style and substance, he has met the standard of being a successful president, being an exceptional president.

According to Editor & Publisher, a website that follows such things, editorial boards across the country have so far endorsed Obama by a margin of 3-to-1, contrasted with an almost even count in 2004. And before anyone hollers “liberal media,” let it be noted that, in addition to the usual suspects (the New York Times, LA Times, Boston Globe, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun), the Bryan-College Station Eagle made its first-ever presidential endorsement, for Obama. Furthermore, at least 38 papers that endorsed Bush in 2004 have switched this year to Obama, including our own Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The Chicago Tribune endorsed a Democrat for the first time ever, and while you may be tempted to think, “Well, of course a Chicago paper would endorse Barack Obama,” think about the fact that they probably know Obama better than most of the rest do.

And speaking of hometown perspectives, the Anchorage Daily News, in its endorsement of Obama — “Sen. Barack Obama, the Democratic nominee, brings far more promise to the office. In a time of grave economic crisis, he displays thoughtful analysis, enlists wise counsel and operates with a cool, steady hand,” the paper had this to say about Sarah Palin:

Despite her formidable gifts, few who have worked closely with the governor would argue she is truly ready to assume command of the most important, powerful nation on earth. To step in and juggle the demands of an economic meltdown, two deadly wars and a deteriorating climate crisis would stretch the governor beyond her range. Like picking Sen. McCain for president, putting her one 72-year-old heartbeat from the leadership of the free world is just too risky at this time.

Colin Powell may be the most recognized in what has begun to look like a Republican mass defection; other notables to endorse Obama recently include Scott McClellan, Ken Adelman, William Weld, Christopher Buckley, and Susan Eisenhower.

Ever since he was accused of being too famous, the attacks on Obama have been relentless and have ranged from truth through implication to out-and-out lie. No, he’s not a Muslim (and as Colin Powell said, What if he were? This is America!) and no, he’s not a terrorist, and no, he’s not in favor of turning murderers loose (the Republicans’ latest robocalls, recorded by Rudy Giuliani, are Willie Horton redux).

And no, Obama is not a socialist, unless you consider wanting to give a tax cut to folks in the middle class, tax credits to small businesses and tax incentives to companies who don’t send their jobs overseas to be socialism.

If you do, it’s well past time to get out the dictionary.

Throughout all the attacks a calm and imperturbable Barack Obama refused to reciprocate, despite urgings from some of his supporters and a slew of pundits to “get tougher.” According to conservative TV host Joe Scarborough, speaking to Newsweek recently, “He doesn't attack Republicans, he doesn't attack whites and he never seems to draw these dividing lines that Bill Clinton [does].”

Finally, and inexplicably, his opponents complain that Obama is an intellectual, an “elitist.” As if that were a defect.

Let me say this about that: When I fly, I want my pilot to be one of the elite that make up the best; I want my surgeon to be of the medical elite; I want my lawyer to be unbeatable; I want our troops and their generals to be the best of the best, and by golly, I want my President to be.