MILIARD: Why I'm voting for Obama

Because he's smart. Because he's curious. Because he thinks about things instead of reciting talking points. Because he's run an astonishingly innovative, effective and disciplined campaign. Because his VP selection was thoroughly thought-out. Because his economic policies aim to help the people who need it most. Because he recognizes that we attacked the wrong country in 2003. Because he'll help develop alternative energy. Because his administration will be filled with decent and competent public servants. Because he'll keep the Supreme Court from tilting too far right. Because his call to national service is a way to help this country get past entrenched ideological divisions and find a common purpose again. Because his life story gives him a unique outlook on the rest of the world. Because I'm sick of the rest of the world hating us. Because we need to send a message to the rest of the world that the past eight years are not who we really are. Because those responsible for the past eight years need to be shown emphatically that they were wrong about everything, and that their chapter is closed. Because he appeals to our better selves, rather than to fear, bigotry, and xenophobia. Because he's the sort of forward-thinking president we need for the 21st century. Because he's young and compassionate and empathetic and open-minded and knows how to use the Internet and has Dylan and Jay-Z on his iPod. Because he's just inarguably the right man for the job.

-- Mike Miliard