While I was canvassing for Barack Obama last week, two McCain supporters stopped me on the street, demanded to know how I could vote for a candidate who supports baby killing and angrily dismissed the idea that I, as a mere 19 year old, could possibly be capable of making an informed political decision.

I can respect reasoned opposition to abortion and I certainly do not mind being asked to defend my political views. What I deeply resent about this exchange, however, is the implication that I am naïve and that my support for Barack Obama is unfounded.

I have a bit of an obsession with politics and public policy. The NY Times is my favorite form of procrastination and my last beach read was about the history of al Qaeda. Yes, I know, that’s kinda freakish, but I share this to illustrate that I am reasonably well informed. After spending so much time learning about the candidates and the issues, it is frustrating that people assume I support Obama simply because I do not know any better.

Obama supporters are routinely mocked as mindless celebrity worshipers who, when pressed, cannot offer a single reason for their loyalty. One recent Student Life editorial cartoon depicted an Obama supporter who, when asked why, said “uh…” Another writer claimed, “I have yet to hear any Obama supporter, whether student, pundit or campaign manager, give just one example of a major accomplishment of his.”

Barack Obama has reached across the aisle to pass crucial legislation to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists or rogue nations. He stood up against the Iraq war when it was popular to support it. In Illinois, he passed tax cuts and forged an important compromise on capital punishment reform.

More important than any of his accomplishments, however, is that Obama has a better understanding of the true challenges facing this country and the steps we must take to address them.

I am not naïve enough to believe that John McCain’s platform offers any meaningful change for this country. I am not naïve enough to believe that offshore drilling is the solution to our energy crisis. I am not naïve enough to believe that America has the resources to police the world without support from our allies. I am not naïve enough to believe that eliminating earmarks alone will balance the federal budget or solve our economic crisis, particularly if we combine a $700 billion bailout with an extension of the Bush tax cuts. I am not naïve enough to believe that social issues like abortion are more important than our current economic disaster or our national security needs.

I do not think that Barack Obama is the Messiah, nor do I agree with him on every issue. Yet I support Obama because I like his ideas, not because he has a cool logo.

And while I may be a bit more informed than the average voter, I have heard many unique and compelling reasons from other Obama supporters about why they support their chosen candidate. It does not take a political rocket scientist to realize that eight years of Republican rule have not been good for this country. Whether they are struggling with health care costs or concerned about America’s global reputation, change is simply a convenient label for what Obama supporters seek in a new president. Certainly they are no less informed than the multitude of McCain supporters who believe that Obama is a Muslim terrorist.

I am also not naïve enough to think that hope alone can win an election. If you are an Obama supporter, I urge you to prove that your support goes beyond joining the latest facebook group. Canvass or volunteer on Election Day. And of course, do not forget to vote.

We cannot afford four more years of naiveté.

Eve Samborn, sophomore in Arts and Sciences, [email protected]