Choosing a Candidate: The Native Voice Endorses Barack Obama

Summary

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In conversations with him over the past year, [Tom Daschle]'s request for "consideration" of [Barack Obama] has turned into assurances that Barack Obama has in-depth knowledge of tribal issues and has become "deeply committed to fixing what is broken in Indian country." Daschle is now serving as the National Campaign Co-Chairman for Obama for President.

Tucked inside the back halk of the spacious Sioux Falls Arena, down a quiet corridor, inside white double doors guarded by the US secret Service. Obama looked people in the eye, shook their hands warmly. and thanked them for coming to meet with him. This was a fact-finding mission. He wanted to hear directly from people who are in the trenches, dealing with the problems in Indian communities face-to-face, every day. When asked "Why hold a private meeting?", Obama repled that he wanted to hear "straight talk" from the tribal leaders who were gathered together, to hear about the issues that matter most to them, and the people they represent, !here was concern that a public meeting would cause people to "hold back" and maybe not be as willing to express their true feelings and experiences. This reportedly substantive conversation went on for almost 90 minutes, as 6.500 people - who had stood in line for hours to get a chance to see and hear Barack Obama in person - patiently waited.

After Clinton's speeeh, I was introduced to [Hillary Clinton] as "Lise King, a publisher of The Native Voice newspaper." My hostess was one of the event's organizers, and a prominent fundraiser for the Clinton campaign. I had the opportunity to ask one question, so I said "So what is your stance on Indian gaming these days?" Clinton's smile turned dim, and her response was "I don't want to talk about that right now," and she turned away and avoided answering the question.

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Extract

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Choosing a Candidate: The Native Voice Endorses Barack Obama

When we talk about endorsing a candidate, we are not talking about a personal choice. Rather, we take on the responsibility of making a decision based upon the best interest of our readers. And, it is not a decision we take lightly.

In the case of The Native Voice newspaper, our choices are based upon what we find to be in the best interest of our readers. And, in our case, our readers, our "constituency" as it were, are Native American people. We analyze candidates and elections based upon facts and the needs of the voting public. We analyze candidates based upon what they offer to the tribes and the people they represent.

For the 2008 Presidential Democratic primary, the candidates are S...

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