This is rather good news. I'm very skeptical about Obama's foreign policy, which is not dramatically different than anything we've seen before and I am also worried about some of his economic picks - although I'm more hopeful on the economy.
Progressives have rightly been critical of several recent statements from the president elect and many of his cabinet picks http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/us/politics/09obama.html?em
I have, however, been optimistic about the incoming President and his administration on two fronts: Health Care reform and Global Warming.
I've blogged previously and will again on Obama's health care plans, but here I will say a word about Obama on Global Warming.
Today Al Gore met with Barack Obama in Chicago for about 45 minutes, and the two men declared themselves in "fundamental agreement" about the reality of global warming and what must be done to combat it. http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/obama-meets-with-gore/
Given the Bush administration's massive neglect of and even outright hostility to combating global warming, and given Gore's incredible efforts to wake people up to this global catastrophe, this is a good sign.
In addition, Obama's rhetoric in announcing himself as an ally of those who wish to solve the climate crisis and vowing "green jobs" is very encouraging.
I voted for Obama for three reasons: 1) his opposition to the invasion of Iraq, 2) his passion for health care reform, and 3) his positions on the environment. So far, and despite his centrist and hawkish cabinet picks, he gives me solid hope that he will make significant strides in the areas that earned him my vote.
Note: For those out there who might still be doubtful about the reality of global warming and/or the human contribution to it, please familiarize yourself with the basic science: http://www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/global_warming_101/
