Four years ago, I left the Republican Party of which I was a lifelong member and became an independent. Not long after, I supported Barack Obama in the 2008 election for president. I made this decision determined to look at the issues not as a Republican or a Democrat, but as an American.
It is through that lens that I consider my choice in the 2012 election. Like many other voters who crossed party lines to vote for Barack Obama in the last election, I have watched the 2012 campaign carefully and listened closely to what the candidates have said. I believe that President Obama should be re-elected.
Very few American presidents have been truly prepared to assume that job. Four years ago, Obama, a relatively inexperienced public servant, became the 44th President of the United States during one of the most difficult times our country has faced. The nation’s economy was on the brink of collapse. Our image overseas was tarnished, and our military was bogged down in two unpopular wars. I supported Obama then because I thought that he was unflappable. I saw him as a man with a keen intellect and a cool analytical head. I believed he would also be able to inspire those who had suffered most from a recession unparalleled since the Great Depression. In doing so, I reasoned, he would go a long way towards reuniting a nation deeply divided.
Obama was elected and took office, building on a number of stabilization programs initiated by the Bush administration. He took many other vital steps that reestablished our economic footing, including saving America’s automobile industry.
In the last four years, and despite the global downturn, America has come back from the brink. While pain is still being felt in far too many sectors of the economy, from a macroeconomic standpoint the situation in the United States is better than it is among our allies. According to the International Monetary Fund, today the United States is poised for 3 percent growth, which would make our economy the strongest of the other richest economies, including Canada and Germany. Other influential studies, cited in a recent column by Fareed Zakaria, show that debt in the U.S. financial sector, relative to GDP, has declined to levels not seen since before the 2000 bubble. And consumer confidence is now at its highest levels since September 2007. The housing market is also slowly coming back. While there is still an enormous amount to do to assure a recovery, the president deserves credit for a steady hand during this dangerous and unpredictable time.
In the last four years, President Obama has also had to contend with a rapidly changing international environment. He ended the war in Iraq, was the first Democratic president to ratify an arms control treaty with the Russian Federation, and rallied global leaders to put nuclear security at the top of the international agenda. The Obama Administration has also been responsible for decimating the top leadership of al-Qaeda and introducing biting sanctions on Iran. Today the president has significant experience in managing foreign relations, experience that GOP candidate Mitt Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, do not have.
As a result of this campaign I am more confused than ever about what Mitt Romney stands for. I know little of his core beliefs, if he even has any. No one seems to agree on what they are, and that’s why I do not want to take a chance on finding out.
Given Romney’s shifting positions, he can only be judged by the people with whom he surrounds himself. Many of them espouse yesterday’s thinking on national defense and security, female/family reproductive rights, and the interplay of government and independent private enterprise. In this context, Barack Obama represents the future, not that past. His emphasis on education is an example of the importance he places on preparing rising generations to assume their places as innovators and entrepreneurs, workers and doers, and responsible citizens and leaders. He recognizes, as many of us do, that access to opportunities must be open to every American, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. This is not an entitlement, but a sound investment in the future.
Barack Obama’s record as president has not been perfect, and there have been frustrations for all of us during this time. Nevertheless, I believe that he deserves four more years in the White House. If the voters on November 6 give him that chance, we should expect and demand, if necessary, that members of both parties work closely with him to find a way to avert the “fiscal cliff” and other pressing and possibly destabilizing problems.
As I said in 2008 and will say again: “Unless we squarely face our challenges as Americans—together– we risk losing the priceless heritage bestowed on us by the sweat and the sacrifice of our forbearers. If we do not pull together, we could lose the America that has been an inspiration to the world.”
SusanEisenhower 
Excellent analyses Susan and how are you? It has been a long time. Sherry
Susan-
Clear and sober good sense. Thank you. I think our education system needs bolstering, as a frighteningly small percentage of today’s electorate seem able to reason, or to discern cant from logic.
John
Susan
Using my own name and url, I have BLASTED this everywhere & will continue to share, tweet, pin and post this outstanding essay.
Thanks again,
Marla
I want to thank you for such a well constructed comment. While I vote Democrat most of the time, I have voted Republican. But the state of affairs with the Republican Party leaves me worried with what our future portends. Your commentary leaves me hope for our future. Thank you.
You have sugarcoated Obama’s last four years. I’ll take on a couple of the reasons you gave for voting him in again.. First of all, GM’s bailout is a perfect example of Obama’s desire to nationalize private / for profit risk. And he’s done it over and over again. These company’s have nothing to lose if the gov’t bails them out.. But we the people and our ever growing deficit and debt do. As I am a volunteer in the neo natal icu at our local hospital, I disdain that 3rd term abortion is ok with Obama. This is not a war against women. This LIbya cluster is an example of politics over the nation’s best interest and coincidentally we won’t get a truthful answer until after the election. If this turns out to be a political cover up….like I believe the evidence points to, I believe he should be impeached if he gets reelected. And lastly, I don’t see any evidence that he can work across the isle, and bring us together. The hatefulness coming out of his campaign, lying and lack of transparency has made our country more divided than ever.
Sorry, aisle.
I agree with veryslowwriter. I can imagine Ike taking many of the actions that Obama has taken. And, since I watch and read news from various sources, I cannot fathom what Martin meant when he said that the president apologized for America. He needs to move away from his jingoistic stance and understand that we live in a global society. Susan Eisenhower has it right. I have already voted for Obama!
Thank you for a very thought out post.
Apparently none of you are willing to look at Obama’s record over the past 4 years. Have another glass of koolaid and cast your vote. How sad
I disagree with this author, on many of her points, it is hard to choose which ones to discuss. In defending Obama, she state “Very few American presidents have been truly prepared to assume that job. Four years ago, Obama, a relatively inexperienced public servant, became the 44th” Well Mr. Romney has experience, in running a state; in successfully running the Olympics; in running businesses; in being a loyal husband and father of 5. He is a religious person who actually attends services. He is qualified to become our president more than Obama was. On economic fronts, Obama has and will do more to and will hurt our country’s economic prospects in the future. He will not reduce debt; he believes in spending more than we should. What steps has he taken to create a balanced budget, and what has he done to get the U.S. Democrat controlled Senate to present a budget, nothing is the answer. In foreign policy, all he has done is run from our adversaries. He has left our world image as weak and vulnerable, the attack that killed our American ambassador is just the beginning of his lack of control and poor leadership. He will reduce our defense budget and ability to protect our borders. Obama does have a future vision for this country, one that is socialist by general standards, what is mine is his to share with everyone. This type of thinking and policy stymies entrepreneurship and growth, it does not create jobs. As for what Mr. Romney stands for is easy to see. He believes correctly government does not create jobs, only more tax supported employees. Bailing out GM and the other automakers will only hurt them in the future. Those basic business decisions that got them in the mess they are in have not changed. It will come back to haunt us not only in the waste of tax dollars we used to bail them out with, but also in the lack of competitiveness that should have been a lesson learned when they failed. He believes in hard work, controlled spending, investment, sound conservative economic policies, good religious beliefs that guide moral principles, working across the political isles and follow through with what you say you will do. It is easy to buy into the author’s comments, but Obama is not the savior, he is not the right person to bring back a strong economy or to continue to be our President. He will only continue to erode our standards of living, will create a weaker health care system, reduce our country’s morals, and hurt us with tax you more policies. He is not the future. Romney is.
I will not be voting for President Obama, but I will not be voting Republican this year either. My choice is Gary Johnson. I didn’t leave the Republican Party. The Republican Party left me, and today it is nothing like it was before the year 2000. I miss Ronald Reagan, who undoubtedly is rolling in his grave right now.
Four years of Obama’s financial debauchery and political treachery haven’t been enough? Four years of lies, distortions and obfuscation haven’t been enough? Judging by the polls, it has been enough for most Americans.
Very well said. Factual and true statements. I totally agree.
Susan, I appreciate your eloquence and intelligence. I, too, have already voted for what I believe to be, one of the greatest presidents we have ever had, Barack Obama. He remains a man of vision and integrity. When I hear the opinions of Americans, like Martin, it frightens me to think about their short memories and their ability to be persuaded by Gov. Romney, Paul Ryan, and FOX News. We must go FORWARD, and as a white, female voter in North Carolina, I am optimistic that we will have another four years of Barack Obama as the president of our United States. Thank you for your editorial!
Excellent points! Obama deserves more years. The Mitt does not have foreign policy experience ans does affiliate himself with people who live by the social issues of the past as well as the foreign policies of the cold war era. On a host of issues ranging from women, to foreign policy, Mitt Romney is not that guy. One thing came out of this election is that Obama will put the economy and jobs as the real number issue in his second term, not that it’s not important in his first term… but with so many important issues and the republican filibustering everything that’s Obama related, Obama had to do what he had to do. In his second term, jobs and the economy for Obama. I believe Obama will get it done.
For anyone who is questioning what the president has accomplished, here is a VERY short li http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/10/26/1150909/-50-Top-Obama-Accomplishments-So-Far st:
If you are so distressed about how the “extreme conservatives” hijacked the party, what do you think happened to the Democratic Party? They have gone so far left, the people who were dems years ago do not even recognize it. I agree with everything Martin stated. Good job Martin.
In contrast: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/slacktivist/2012/08/29/mitt-romney-tells-533-lies-in-30-weeks-steve-benen-documents-them/
Susan has stated all the reasons why Obama should be elected! As the granddaughter of President Eisenhower, she knows that Congress must stop their foolish ways and start working together to rebuild our nation. A nation that stands tall in the whole world. There is no reason to continue the disrespect for the president’s office and the hatred that is being felt by the whole world. If our foundation is NOT the Constitution then we have nothing to build on. Mother Nature herself is telling the people that we must work together regardless of the situation or the end result will be devasting.
…very well said…thank you…
Well said Susan! Counting down the days to the election.
There is NO contrast-the radical right made sure of that when they gave Grover Norquist control over their decision making. Mitt’s lying his way through this election-that’s not contrast-that’s a character defect-a man who could be making decisions about me & mine & yours. I WISH there was a contrast- a moderate GOP candidate with guts to take back his/her party from this fringed bigoted misogynist homophobic cavemen/women hypocrites…Really, I do.
Thank you Susan for thinking hard and speaking out. You are a leader. I am happy to follow.
I amend my last comment-sorry- the link took me elsewhere—though i stand by my words-in case, anyone here does think there’s a contrast worth considering-:) …sigh–
I find it interesting that some Eisenhower, Nixon and even Reagan family members have divorced themselves from this new version of the GOP. Even centrist Republicans like Jon Huntsman and Colin Powell now find themselves at the GOP’s left margins. I could not agree more with the arguments you make in the third paragraph from the end. The new GOP is clearly the party of yesterday’s think on a number of issues.
Thank you very much for a sensible, cogent, and civil argument endorsing Barack Obama. I have shared your endorsement.
I’ve never read your blog before, but found this piece to be thoughtful and fair. Thanks for sharing your analysis. You focus on the “cool head” and this is so rarely noted and appreciated. I agree, and would simply add, he accomplished what he did under a heavy rain of constant attack, and mostly, an utter lack of cooperation — much to the detriment of the country. It’s a miracle he got anything done. I hope and pray that should he win, everybody in Washington will take a deep breath, roll up their sleeves, and get to work.
I used to be a Republican. I always say that I’m an Ike Eisenhower Republican. If President Eisenhower were alive today he’d be sad about what has happened to the Republican Party. He was one of the last truly great Presidents, IMO. Thank you for your honesty and your courage.
Thank you Ms. Eisenhower, for your insightful blog. If only more of us could vote as you have; as an American objectively looking at the facts and records of the candidates, rather than on mere party lines. I see the Eisenhower tradition of character still lives on.
Most powerful statement in your very thoughtful and insightful endorsement: “As a result of this campaign I am more confused than ever about what Mitt Romney stands for. I know little of his core beliefs, if he even has any. No one seems to agree on what they are, and that’s why I do not want to take a chance on finding out.” Thank you for the courage to step out and say publicly what many of us have been thinking and feeling.
Thank you for your honest and eloquent essay. I too do not believe that Obama has done everything right but he has accomplished a lot. I would like to see what more he can accomplish over the next four years. Even more so, I am terrified about what Romney represents and his lack of honesty and conviction. As an American and as a compassionate human being, I support Obama.
Thank you for a very well-reasoned and heartfelt endorsement of a very good man, the best man, for President. I hope it helps elect President Obama to a second term. It’s great to see your endorsement added to that of Colin Powell and CC Goldwater, Barry Goldwater’s granddaughter, who nominated Obama at this year’s Democratic Convention from the Arizona delegation and who, with her mother, Joanne, has endorsed Richard Carmona, the Democratic Senate nominee in Arizona (for Barry’s old Senate seat). My dream — my almost impossible dream, I fear, but perhaps not — is that you might be able to bring on board some other prominent Republicans to endorse President Obama, certainly Julie and David Eisenhower (who of course endorsed Obama in 2008) and other Eisenhower and Nixon family members, other members of the Goldwater family, members of the Bush family, and perhaps even Nancy Reagan herself (with Ron’s help). There must be many former and current Republicans who are horrified by the sharp right turn taken by the Republican Party and the cynically opportunistic and conflicting yet often frightening “promises” of Romney/Ryan, and who know President Obama better represents their concern and love and vision for our country. Hope to hear more from you and other Republicans and former Republicans and Independents in this close and consequential race. And thank you as well for your other thoughtful and impressive articles here. As others have noted, I’m sure your grandfather would be very proud. As someone who started as a Republican as a young girl in Arizona because President Eisenhower was a Republican and who stayed Republican for another decade or so, I’m proud of you, too. And hopeful that voices and intellects such as yours will before too long return the Republican Party to its once honest and honorable and constructive roots and heritage. Thank you.
Thank you for this effort. I have for years felt that there is an element to the GOP who can be classified as neo-fascists. As we have seen a resurrgence of fascism in eastern Europe, the same groups have been expanding their sphere of influence here in the US… again. I wonder if Karl Rove is not the new Oscar Pfauss of American politics.
I have rarely seen a president take such a deeply divided country and wedge it even further. I am afraid of what his next 4 years will bring. And, if we are to judge those by whom we associate, my fear of our current president grows deeper. From what kind of distorted prism do you view this world?
Right on…Sista Sue. ~
Intelligent, well reasoned and insightful endorsement. It must run in the family. I, too, am a former Republican who is now an Independent. I wish we had more leaders like President Eisenhower today.
Dennis, NDAA started as the Internal Security Act of 1950; it’s gone through many changes & updates since it’s inception.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is a United States federal law specifying the budget and expenditures of the United States Department of Defense. Each year’s act also includes other provisions.
President Obama didn’t add the 2 passages for indefinite detention, that was the R run Congress who added those in, in the name of “national security”. In President Obama’s signing statement he said that he would not use those 2 additional powers; we can trust him on that – if Romney gets in he has shown he would have no issue using them.
Obama/Biden 2012
Susan, where was Obama when our Navy seals needed help, he turned his back and went to bed, then went on The View and partied with Beyonce and Jay Z, I’ve cast my vote for ROMNEY RYAN 2013
It is a welcome sight to see you write about President Obama with such a thoughtful and sincere endorsement. I agree with veryslowwriter, Audrey H. Sharpe and everyone here that knows without a doubt the good our President has done…. how he must continue on the path that he has started. How tired I am of the people that keep passing along all the trash and slander towards a man that is working so hard for all of us. I have come to believe that rather then searching for the truth they would rather believe the lies. It’s always easier to sit back and do nothing. I have certainly already voted for President Obama and I remain loyal and so very optimistic!
Excellent and reasoned presentation with the obvious conclusion for the best decision for our country. Obama has earned our respect, our thanks and our votes. The misguided comments by the opposition are frightening and lost too intellectually twisted to deserve a response. Thank you Susan. You enhance the ever-rising stature and legacy of your grandfather.
Thank you for your courage in sharing this information. Many of us have devoted a lot of time trying to make the right decision, and we arrive at this same conclusion. Your research is impeccable.
Our President, clearly follows your father, the General who was also one of the few leaders who really understood what it takes to lead a democratic Republic.
Emilie – Ms Eisenhower focused on the exact point you raise–that “we are to judge those by whom we associate”. Ms Eisenhower has seen through the lies said about Our President.
His cabinet is peopled with men and women of great experience and intelligence, and even includes Republicans and political opponents. None of them are communists, or Islamicists, although it is significant that we hear the accusations frequently.
Far from “dividing”, the President sought to draw proposals from the other side of the aisle — the ACA being a classic example (did you forget that the arch-conservative Heritage Foundation made the first draft of “Obamacare”?).
On Romney’s part, he has peopled his campaign with the SAME folks who brought us the Economic Collapse of the century. And not a single economist of any stature among them.
Reblogged this on cadesertvoice and commented:
Why I Am Endorsing President Barack Obama
Excellent letter, Ms. Eisenhower!! Having been a lifelong Republican and leave that party speaks to your sound mind and ability to reason who is best to serve this country. You are a true patriot. Thank you.
You must have voted for Ronald Reagan, now he was an actor. He was a lousy president and governor What history are you reading? The dollar is already worthless. We are no longer on the gold or silver, it written on the note. It is an IOU.
@ Bruce Krupke – The facts you apparently rely upon are not in evidence. For example, you state that “Mr. Romney has experience, in running a state; in successfully running the Olympics; in running businesses.”
Governor? The State of Massachusetts disagrees with you. They support Obama by double digits, and even the GOP in Massachusetts has refused to endorse Romney. The GOP in the State joined the Democrats in over-riding over 800 vetoes from this “my way or the highway” Governor. He was absent much of the time – not in his office or even in the State.
Olympics? The corrupt Salt Lake City officials asked Romney to take over the disaster they had created. Using his Government connections in Washington DC, Romney brought $300+ million Federal bail-out money and gave it all away. He fails to mention this in his campaign. In the history of the Olympic Games there has never been a larger tax payer subsidy, in all of the Winter Games combined.
Businesses? The Bain Method involves using borrowed money to seize control of legitimate businesses, then stripping them of their valuable assets, laying off workers, using the proceeds to pay high benefits to the Bain “investors” who immediately sell the company to new investors who acquire a company on the verge of almost inevitable bankruptcy. Romney never “operated” a single business. Hiring a professional terminator to lay off workers and encumbering companies is not “doing business”.
I wouldn’t vote for someone who I do not feel identifies with, understands nor represents the concerns of most Americans, and whom I feel would be unable to build successful international rapport and working relationships. Your post conveys how I too feel on so many levels – I’ll give it the promotion it so deserves.
Ike is turning over is his grave!
Thank you for lighting the path that reasonable Republicans can and should take. It is time to face the facts: the Republican Party has been hijacked by intolerant fear-mongerers. The only way to rebuild the thoughtful tradition of conservatism without which no democracy can survive, true Republicans owe it to their country and fellow citizens to do so from outside the realm of the current circus that passes for the Republican Party. I am an independent, but it has been a long time since I have been able to vote for anyone in the Republican Party.