Dear Sen. McCain,

As we approach what many will call the final stretch of an historic campaign, I would like to formally commend you for your valiant effort. You may be aware, as it is widely accepted, that I posses a significant lead in all polls, to be the next President of the United States. Now let us not get ahead of ourselves; the race is far from over. However, I believe that the American people are ready for change and that I will soon be elected President of the United States of America.

John, it is natural that following a loss you may ask yourself, “Where did I go wrong?” The simple answer is that the American people recognize the failed policies of your campaign, and do not want another eight years of George W. Bush. Along with your running mate Governor Palin, you have attempted to cast me as an extreme liberal, not to mention a Muslim terrorist. It is clear that this negative campaign, and the lack of an actual plan for change, have cost you any chance at this election.

As an effort to unite our country and reach across the aisle, I would like to comment on a few aspects of your campaign. I believe that it is absolutely necessary for Democrats and Republicans to work together. I will therefore discuss where your fatal errors occurred, and provide some advice as to what Republicans should avoid when attempting to run a successful campaign in the future.

In what appears to have been a premature move, you decided to choose Governor Sarah Palin as your running mate. Although Hillary and I have had our differences, it was foolish of you to believe that Gov. Palin could actually attract the female vote. During my time as a community organizer, I was able to connect with the average American. Not once during my efforts to create jobs, improve education, and generate social welfare did I hear talk of “hockey moms”, “pit bulls with makeup”, or of this “Joe with a six-pack”. It was also questionable to choose a running mate who had actually never, not once, traveled outside of the United States. She seems to have become an extreme distraction, and has generated negative publicity for your campaign. America does not want an unrefined “Maverick” hunting around the White House.

Let me now discuss the only issue of substance that has been brought up during your campaign. John, you are absolutely right that the surge has had a positive effect on the war. However, you like to pretend that the war started in 2007. Unlike you, I voted against the war from the beginning. Meanwhile, violence in Afghanistan is escalating, and we still have not captured Osama bin Laden. Had you actually voted against the Iraq war, your party might not have such abysmal approval ratings. I fully support our troops; however, it is time to help them return home.

Today, Americans are actually faced with two wars. Although you have claimed that our economy is fundamentally sound, the people I confer with, including my friend Warren Buffett, disagree. From Wall Street to Main Street, Americans are feeling the pain of the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Along with President Bush, you have voted continuously for the deregulation of big business. It is time to aid the average American, not the privileged American. I am talking about the police officer, the schoolteacher and the farmer who are trying to save their homes and their pensions. Perhaps it would have been useful to actually speak to these Americans or anyone besides Joe the Plumber.

The last critique that I have is somewhat more personal, something that has directly offended me and my campaign. It appears that Mr. Ayers and Acorn have become the centerpieces of your campaign. Unlike what you would have people believe, Mr. Ayers is not running my campaign, and will not be advising me in the White House. I have clarified, on numerous occasions, that I supported Mr. Ayers in his educational efforts, not his radical beliefs. Furthermore, my ties with Acorn are in no way connected to the recent improprieties by a few individuals that organization. I am extremely disappointed, and did not believe that you, a man of such character, would turn to such negative and untruthful tactics.

As November 4th approaches, I felt it necessary to speak with you directly. You are a respectable senator, and I am honored to have run beside you. However, the American people are ready for change, and I will be the one to bring that change that we desperately need. Under my leadership, America will move forward. I will fight to restore the values and beliefs of this great nation. I would like to praise you again Senator McCain, and I wish you well in your future political career. It is time for a new page in politics, and it is time for a new era in Washington. God Bless America.

Yours Truly,

Sen. Barack Obama

Shaun Werbelow is a senior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He can be reached at swerbelow@cornellsun.com. Second Opinion appears alternate Wednesdays this semester.