I emailed a friend (my writing partner) some of Barack Obama’s words from a speech he gave the other night.
She has been having an ongoing dialog with a neighbor, a Christian woman who just could not wrap her mind around voting for the Democratic nominee.
I’m copying the email thread (without the names, of course) to illustrate the point of how we don’t just have to preach to the choir.
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Now this is presidential and inspiring. The tail end of Barack Obama’s
remarks at last night’s Al Smith dinner (transcribed from video):

The fact that each October, in the closing weeks of a hard-fought campaign,
people of all political persuasions can come to this dinner, and share a meal
and honor the work of this foundation, underscores the reality that no matter
what differences or divisions or arguments we are having right now — we
ultimately belong to something bigger and more lasting than a political party.

We belong to a community. We share a country. We are all children of God.

And in this country, there are millions of fellow citizens, our brothers
and sisters, who need us very much. Especially now. We are being battered by
a very serious economic storm, and for many Americans it’s only deepened the
quiet storms they’ve been struggling through for years.

Beyond the walls of this hotel, on the streets of one the greatest cities
in the wealthiest nation on earth, there are men and women and children
who’ve fallen on hard times and hard luck. Who can’t find work or even
a job that pays enough to keep a roof over their heads. Some are hanging on
just by a thread.

Scripture says God creates us for works of service. We are blessed to have
so many organizations like this one, in the Catholic diocese that perform these
acts of God every day. But each of us also have that responsibility. Each of
us has that obligation. Especially now.

So, no matter who we are or what we do — and what I believe is each of us
in this room asks for, and hopes for and prays for enough strength and wisdom to
do good and to seek justice, and play our small part in building a more hopeful
and compassionate world for the generations that will follow.

Before Al Smith was a candidate who made history, he was a man who made a
difference. A man who fought for many years to give Americans nothing more than
a fair shake and a chance to succeed. And he touched the lives of hundreds of
thousands, of millions as a result. Simply put, he helped people. And
that’s a distinction we can all aspire to. And we can all achieve.

Young or old, rich or poor, Democrat or Republican or Independent. And I
have no doubt if we come together at this moment of crisis with this goal in
mind, America will meet this challenge and weather this storm. And, in the
words of Al Smith, "walk once more in eternal sunshine."

Remember when presidents called us to public service, to working for the
greater good, to ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do
for your country? Get out there and vote…
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I know Obama is not your candidate, but I thought you might find some comfort in knowing (if he does get elected) that he holds G-d in his heart…
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My Dear Little Sister Neighbor-

Thank you so much for the Obama email. I really loved it.

I also want you to know that I am perfectly comfortable with the fact that Senator Obama will probably become President. I respect and admire him in many ways, and I am certain that if he wins, it will be because he is God’s choice and that He will guide him in the way that will be His best for our country. Many of Obama’s policies make more sense that his opponent’s do!!!

I just have the one issue, and, saying that, I’m still not sure what I would have done if I had been young and had needed to make that choice. It was a different time and a different social culture.

I’ve watched some of this political stuff on TV and I see the anger exhibited by some of those involved, and I cannot help but be grateful for the gift of your friendship. In a very short time, it seems, we have build a foundation of trust that allows us to be open and honest without fear, and yet be confident that we can have differing opinions on some things but know that we will still be friends. That’s a precoius thing. Thank you!

Take care.
Love,
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I love you so much. I really do. I feel like G-d really smiled on me and my family in getting us here, across the street from you. I hope He will see fit to allow us to have many, many, MANY years of friendship (here on earth), together.

Love,