America deserves to have the best leader we can. We deserve a leader who is a fighter--who will fight for universal healthcare, better treatment for veterans, making America's schools the best, and championing human rights. That leader is Hillary Clinton.

The day to day work of being America's president matters. Knowing what to do and being ready to do it- not simply because it reaches toward a dream- but because it will make a difference in American lives and move America toward greater goals is what we need in our president. We need Hillary Clinton.

Sara Masucci, Belmont, MA

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As a former Illinois resident, I am very familiar with Senator Obama's record and how he conducts himself in his position as an inspired representative of the people. When I contacted him with concerns, he quickly answered me, explaining why he was following an issue and asking for more information on my viewpoint. Of the three candidates seeking to be president, he is the one we will be able count on to be responsive and responsible. I believe that Senator Clinton will be too wrapped up in insider politics and that Senator McCain is really too old for this job.

Virginia Lazar, Saint Petersburg, FL

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I support Senator Clinton for President because of her solid ideas on health care, on the future of working-class America, and her understanding of today's foreign policy landscape. In addition, what has been lacking from the conversation, and from these pages specifically, is the impact that having a woman President would have on our society and on America's image in the world. The impact of Senator Clinton's success on every American girl's vision of her future would be tremendously powerful. Her achievements and ambition are an inspiration to me and to millions of women worldwide.

Tatyana Margolin, Shadyside

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I have supported Obama since that hot day in 2004 when he spoke in Boston. I bought a now very faded OBAMA for PRESIDENT bumper sticker the next day--and have followed him since. Perhaps I am the latte drinking liberal from a small selective college whose vote, according to his opponents, shouldn't count as much as others. Yet I am also a public servant, volunteer, city dweller, believer in civil rights & liberties and believe that Barack Obama brings a face to our Presidency that has been lacking for far too long.

Cate Reed, East Liberty

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I formerly supported Hillary Clinton. But now? How many lies can she tell? Only expediency motivates her. She once cared for the people but now she only cares for her career.

Barack Obama started about as disadvantaged as anyone possibly could, biracial with a single mother. His own hutzpah and student loans got him where he is - his wife too! No silver spoons there! They know the hassles of the working people unlike the anyone in the Clinton or McCain camp. Win or lose - me and mine are all for Obama.

Julie Kallen, Big Stone Gap, VA

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It is my growing believe that Clinton has a far better chance to beat McCain than Obama in November. First we discovered Obama went to a radical church filled with hate for the past 20 years, and now he thinks small-town America "cling" to guns/religion. I am deeply offended by that. I grew up in a working class family. My parents had to work 12 hours/day 7 days/week. We don't "cling" to anything in our family. We have our faith and each other; that's all. Anyone failing to recognize this basic value in life doesn't deserve to be our President.

Amanda Lee, Cambridge, MA

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The last 25 years have not been good to anyone I know. Good jobs have been lost as well as healthcare benefits. Big companies are able to escape their responsibilities to injured employees and those who earned a pension. While taxes have gone up, our educational system and the benefits extended to veterans and students have decreased. Simply put, we are less competitive on the International scene both in technology and economy.

Barack Obama IS a Community Organizer. That is exactly what we need right now on a national scale.

Julie Hensley, Big Stone Gap, VA

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Funny that it was the person with $109 million in her piggybank to be the one to call Barack Obama "elitist". If Hillary Clinton had ever been out-of-work, it must have been as a comedian in a former lifetime.

One has the audacity to hope for the Pennsylvanian who is out-of-work, and the other has the audacity to throw insults at him for doing so.

Guess who is who, and you will know why I am supporting Barack Obama for president.

Cedric Guss, Montreal, QC

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Barack Obama is the only real agent of change in this election. I do not want to revert back to the Clinton days of the 1990's. Hilary is the old politics as usual candidate. We have a unique opportunity to seize the day and elect the Robert Kennedy of our generation. Senator Obama is a man of vision and hard work. He has held elected office longer than Mrs.

Clinton and he is clearly ready to take charge from day one. It is time for our country to move forward and heal the scars of the past.

Michael W. Silvestri, Murrysville

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If anyone should be labeled an 'elitist', take your pick from several genuine ones: President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, and/or Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. I know because I grew up in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, with a silver spoon in my mouth. Fortunately, my 12th grade world history teacher along with many other outstanding teachers at Swarthmore High School taught me how to think. I think Senator Barack Obama has the moral character, the judgment, and the willingness to face tough problems. These assets will make him a great President and help set this Country back on the right course.

Ann McDowell, Ozona, Florida

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I see Hillary Clinton and John McCain as lifelong politicians who will try the same solutions to the same problems. We have had 20 straight years of Bush and Clintons running our country. If Hillary wins that means 24-28 years of only 2 Families in the White House. Our country needs a change and in my opinion Clinton and McCain are not a change but a continuation of the status quo. McCain will fight forever to win the war and Hillary will divide the country to win the nomination, neither benefits the country. I want our country to change for the better so we can once again be the proud and honorable country I learned about in history class. Obama '08. "Change" I personally believe in.

John Goepfert, Mount Washington

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We are former Reagan Republicans who only need 5 words to explain our support for Barack Obama. There is only one simple over riding issue that triumphs all others. "It's the war stupid."

Gerald and Else Schiller, Verona

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Hillary Clinton's knowledge, education, and experience make her the best choice for President. Her lifelong involvement in politics and government are what we critically need. She has the ability to address the issues of Iraq, the economy, health care, trade relations, and foreign affairs.

Her involvement in the Irish peace process was indispensable. Her frequent meetings with the people in Ireland from both traditions was essential in building support for implementation of the peace with justice program in Ireland that was voted on by people north and south. The "Good Friday Agreement" is in process thanks to both the Clintons.

James L. Caldwell, Pleasant Hills

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At a certain level, no one is ever experienced enough to be President of the United States. It is a job that requires unique talents and abilities. So I will be voting for the candidate who I believe has the intelligence, compassion and strength of conviction to make hard decisions. I will be voting for the candidate who is honest with the American people and demands the same from those around him. I will be voting for the candidate who envisions a better world and who wants all of us to share that vision. I will be voting for Barack Obama.

Andee Lowenstein, Squirrel Hill

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As a family who is looking for fresh ideas, we support Obama. Plain and simple, we trust him to do what is right and if he makes a mistake, he owns up to it. He's honest and doesn't "owe favors" to any of his contributors. When something is wrong in the world he's not afraid to talk about it. People are bitter - it's true. Bitter over the economy...bitter over lost jobs...bitter over paying $3.50/gal for gas...bitter over the countless needless deaths of hard working members of our military. In Sen. Obama, we see a way out of this mess, not another President who is beholden to the special interest groups. Vote for Obama for a way out of this MESS!

Grochowski Family, Venice FL

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After years of rampant cronyism, the favoring of special interests and campaign contributors during the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton administrations, government is in dire need of change. Favoritism has reached a level unprecedented in recent history, as has government corruption and failure to compromise in Congress. Senator Obama primarily worked at the grassroots level for the disenfranchised, while the Clintons are part of the entrenched political establishment tied to special interests. Senator Clinton's divisive campaign, contrasted with Senator Obama's, also highlights that he is a more effective agent for compromise and change. I believe that Senator Obama has demonstrated that he is a leader with intelligence, empathy and a real commitment to improving the lives of the people and this country's future.

Joyce Bernstein, Washington, D.C.

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We desperately need someone like Barack Obama as President. Yes, he and Hillary Clinton have basically identical stances on the issues, but he will be able to reach across the aisle and forge true compromises in a way that Senator Clinton most likely will not.

People may be tempted to look at his recent remarks and label him an elitist, but I think he is the least elitist candidate out there.

Zachary Bernstein, Washington, DC

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Both Democratic candidates represent needed change but Obama's race, freshness, frankness, honesty and poise make him the superior choice. Why? Because all Americans needs a symbol to counter inequalities still with us, a lightening rod to empower our marginalized people. We need a strong honest leader who respects the law, someone not bound to entrenched special interests. We need someone who can speak frankly and do so with great eloquence. We need someone who is not afraid to admit mistakes and correct them. Above all we need someone who can bring back the admiration and respect of our friends, and enemies, so we can again lead by example the way to Democracy and Freedom. We need Obama.

Chris Forbes, Edgewood

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A true leader has been called, raised up and anointed with the gift of intuitive observation and wisdom, has the confidence to delegate authority to those more gifted in areas he or she may not be knowledgeable in, has intelligence and sincerity to recognize strengths and talents in others, surrounds themselves with passionate ordinary people who do extraordinary things and gifted to lead and direct this team of talent with an inclusive passionate spirit to a greater cause vs selfish interest! This is why I support Senator Barack Obama- a called and gifted leader for today, tomorrow and for our history.

Denise L. Norris, Robinson

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Hillary Clinton has the nerve to call Barack Obama an elitist and a candidate who looks down on voters. This coming from a candidate who has been consistently (at least since she dropped to second) advocating that the vote of the people should be secondary to the will of Democratic party insiders. I think I sprained my sense of irony.

Jason McDonald, Edgewood

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I just finished doing my taxes. I made $19,000 this year. In looking over old tax returns, I see that I used to make $30,000+. I have no medical insurance. I am BITTER! And, yes, I have returned to my religion -- because God is always there for us, and he is the source of all HOPE and TRUTH. We keep catching Senator Obama telling the TRUTH! How refreshing! He restores my FAITH in our country and renews my HOPE that our country can truly become of, by, and for ITS PEOPLE! He LOVES our country. So I'm voting, in the spirit of FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE, for Senator Obama. God Bless Senator Obama! Sign me: BITTER, AND THAT'S WHY I AM AN OBAMA MAMA,

Carol Diethorn, Carrick

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If you listen to Barack Obama speak or read his words (not just sound bites or his opponents' ads), you will hear that rather than arguing that we should follow him blindly, he instead argues why we should work with him. Obama's opponent suggests that it is unrealistic to believe that someone can transform disagreement into discussion. Barack Obama asks us to try to fight to solve the problems, rather than to simply fight dogmatically for our own solutions. It's not what Barack Obama believes, but in whom he believes: the American public, their intelligence and their hope.

Russell Steele Montreal, Quebec (formerly of Trafford)

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Barack is the face of the world. With his racial and ethnic backgrounds, he has the understanding and experiences to work with varying political and world perspectives, in forming coalitions for problem solving.

Obama's idea to give people a choice of affordable health care options allows them to have ownership for their own health care, and with that a sense of accomplishment.

As a man of intelligence, with a good sense of humor, and as a Washington outsider, Barack will consider all viable solutions, before making his decisions. Please join me in voting for Barack Obama our next President.

Patricia J. Warrick, Beaver Falls

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It all comes down to who is electable. Hillary Clinton has what it takes to be voted into the White House. When it comes to election time, who will the typical mainstream swing voter choose, a black man or a white man? However, the majority of the population is female. If the Democratic candidate is an experienced woman, female voters will rally around her. Racism or sexism will decide the final election race. After 43 male presidents, the ultimate goal of winning the presidency can only be won by a woman, the woman, Hillary Clinton.

Kathy Martwinski, Ellwood City

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I am an Independent voter and I (if I vote) for anyone who is a Democrat, would have to support Obama. He is not experienced in many ways, and most of them are favorable to my point of view. He is "not for sale to the highest bidder" as are 99percent of the rest of the politicians in this country. He has yet to make his contacts. I would hope that honesty and integrity would still be uppermost in his behavior.

As far as Hillary is concerned, #1 I am sick of DYNASTIES in office. #2 Anyone connected to Edward G SPENDELL, is NOT someone I want running things in this country. Who SPENDELL supports is a liar (as she has proven she is).

So, I am going to vote for BOBBY Obama. I am sure if his name was Bobby, more people (older people) would be in his corner WE NEED FRESH IDEAS, YOUNG IDEAS. They will beat him up in Washington, but he is young enough to take a whipping and still keep ticking

Janet Dowden, Bethel Park