Why I Support Obama by Judy Blume

[Maureen Johnson]

We are kicking off with the first author post in a big way. We begin with Judy Blume.

Judy Blume is the author of dozens of groundbreaking books for children, young adults, and adults—including the classic novels Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Forever, Summer Sisters, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Blubber, and Superfudge. There are over 75 million copies of her books in print. She has won awards too numerous to mention, and she is one of the most challenged, banned, and beloved authors in the United States. For many of us, she is the fairy godmother of all YA literature.

Judy was one of the first authors to sign up for YA for Obama because she is eager to get out the message of hope and change. This fall she will be out working for the Obama campaign. She has some words of wisdom to put this year's election in perspective:


Why I Support Obama

The first time I was old enough to vote in a presidential election John Kennedy was running against Richard Nixon. I was 22, married, expecting my first child and living in suburban New Jersey. My husband, a lawyer, belonged to the Young Republicans club. He expected me to help his cause by making phone calls urging people to vote for Nixon.

I never made those calls. And on election day I was thrilled to pull the lever, casting my vote for Kennedy. I’ve never responded well to being told what to do. I prefer to make up my own mind.

Like so many others, I was inspired by John Kennedy and excited about the possibilities for our country. Coming out of the sleepy, complacent fifties, he made me believe that change was possible. I believed in him the way my parents believed in Roosevelt. I remember the night Roosevelt died in April, 1945. I was seven years old and just recovering from chicken pox. When my parents heard the news on the radio, they fell into each other's arms, crying. I cried, too, although I didn't have a clue.

My generation wept the same way when we lost John Kennedy. Then Martin Luther King. Then Bobby Kennedy. We mourned what might have been. In the dark days that followed, those of us who were young and idealistic were forced to grow up fast. I watched the Vietnam war unfold on TV as I played on the floor with my two small children. I became a skeptic about politics and politicians. Yet there was never an election when I didn’t vote. For me, voting was both obligation and privilege.

I’ve never spoken publicly about my politics. But I’m speaking out now because at last we have a candidate who makes me believe again. A candidate who I see as America’s best hope, a candidate who inspires not just my grandson’s generation, but my own, and my children’s.

Whoever is elected in November is going to face a daunting challenge. No one person can clean up the mess it took 7 and ½ years to create. That's why I want the calm, thoughtful candidate I believe will surround himself with the best and the brightest. I believe the decisions Obama makes will be made based on what’s best for this country.

I want a president who can make us proud as Americans. How great would it be after 7 and ½ years to have an articulate leader, an eloquent speaker, one who is not only willing to talk, but to listen? I believe Obama will be that kind of president. Plus, he has a sense of humor. He has two young daughters and a working wife. He's smart. And let's not forget the magic. Nothing wrong with having the ability to connect with people around the world --young, old, and in-between.

In some ways an election is like life – a lot of muck comes your way. It’s hard sometimes to slog through it. It’s exhausting. It can be scary. You can feel like you’re drowning in it. You’ve got to work hard to pull yourself up and out of it, then to rise above it. We need a leader who can help us do that. That's why I'm supporting Barack Obama.

All I ask is that you make an informed decision. It's about the issues. It's about health care, the economy, education, the environment, a woman's right to choose, equal pay for equal work -- it's about who will be appointed to the Supreme Court, and it's about never rushing into war again - not without all the facts, not without trying everything we can to prevent war first. This election is too important for all of us to decide in any other way.

Tell your parents, tell your grandparents, it's not just about them this time. It's about you and your future. It's about my grandson's future. That's why I'm speaking out.

Thanks,
Judy

[Pamela Ross]

Does this link work?
http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/10/the_difference_between_a_pit_b.html

[Pamela Ross]

Judy's YA FOR OBAMA blog noted in TIME MAGAZINE'S online column THE SWAMPLAND:

http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/10/the_difference_between_a_pit_b.html

Judy Blume's going to be famous! ;}

Forever a fan,
40something Pamela

[Running2Ks and Parrothead]

Thank you, Judy. Your books were a huge part of why I was a voracious reader since childhood. As a mother of 2 wonderful daughters, your literary legacy will happily live on. And I couldn't agree with you more. I believe that intelligence, along with a willingness to work with a good team of advisors, are the top reasons why Barack Obama should be the next President. He shares our values. Honesty, willingness to learn from the errors of the past, and the ability to think policies through are something this country has lacked for 8 long years. I appreciate that Barack Obama is smart and capable, and I will not support the opponents who want to win on the basis of lying, cheating, and selling out their beliefs. Our freedom as American citizens is too precious to be squandered any longer. Our economy, health care, and educational systems need reform. Useless wars need to cease. Our family is counting on Barack Obama and Joe Biden to save our country.

[Bobbye]

Thank you so much Judy, I grew up with your books, many of them taking me to a wonderful place being female. I too feel hope and am inspired by Obama. I am ready to go to the polls in Nov and vote for Change! OBAMA for President 2008 and again in 2012

[IzzoRizzo]

This makes me see why so many people are so crazy about Obama. I think I'm finally starting to get it!

[Susan Conner Banchs]

Your words have meant so much to me throughout my life. This is another great example of your positive influence. I introduced my daughter to your books and she introduced me to this website - what a world.
Thank you so much.

[Diana Rodriguez Wallach]

It's very surreal to be commenting to Judy Blume, whose books I grew up reading and now here were are on the same site. I so admire you speaking out. A lot of people in my generation have longed for our "Kennedy." We've envied our parents for having had a cause and president they believed in. Now, finally, we see inspiration heading toward the White House. I believe in Obama, and I hope his legacy inspires another generation.

[Nicole]

I love this blog, Judy. I remember when you posted a blog similar to this a few months ago. I knew I supported Obama, but was a little confused because I am a feminist, expected to support Hillary. Then I read your blog: "Feminism means we get to make our own decisions. We get to decide who we’re voting for based on our belief in who will make the best candidate, who will make the best president." And I never questioned my choice to support Obama again. Thank you, Judy.

[AMomTwoBoys]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You put it so beautifully, as only you could!

[judy blume]

Lynn Phifer -- where did you hear this interview with Sarah P actually citing book titles? The list that was going around the internet was bogus -- yes it had the usual banned books on it but as far as anyone knows she asked the librarian about banning books but that's it. If you know more, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks to all of you for responding to my post. It means a lot to hear from such a thoughtful and energized group.

Oops! I have to apologize for mistakenly starting up a page then not following through. I'll try to check in this way as often as I can. Off to Chicago tomorrow for a Banned Books Week "celebration." Will check back in when I return.