Nancy Guzman

When I heard Barack Obama deliver his unforgettable "One America" speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, I remember going to bed that evening thinking this is the person we need as president for (as he put it) these United States. So you can imagine how excited I was when he announced he was running for President on the Democratic ticket and then when he received the nomination…well, I was out of control!

It should be known that I was raised as a Republican. My father was an elected official for 16 years. But, like many other Republicans, I changed my affiliation and became a devoted Democrat after the first term of the Bush administration.

Ok…here come some strong words, but this is how I feel.

I (We) have watched the abuse, partisanship, disregard for the system of checks and balance, promises without action, lack of leadership, and the same ole politics. These last four years especially have demonstrated that we desperately need a change. I see Barack as energetic, authentic, committed, diplomatic, intelligent. He understands the need for reform in our health care system, our education system, energy independence and reform in government. I love his story and believe he will govern to the benefit of all the people of this great United States.

I believe this needs to be done because I’ve traveled and watched our oversees relationships collapse, I’ve seen my health insurance almost double after a surgery, I see friends struggling to put their children through college, I see cracks in the immigration system and penal system, and I see our inter-structure badly in need of maintenance…the list goes on and on.

That speech stuck in my mind because as he spoke of individual dreams and challenges but noted that we are all one American family. I am optimistic and believe we can meet this great challenge in front of us. Most challenges are here to make us better people and, by confronting them, I'm sure, a better world.