November 4, 2008

Former Republican Aide Votes For Obama

PHOTO: The New Obama Symbol

Many of you know I started my career in politics before switching to public relations and reputation management. For those who don't know, I was a former aide to several Republicans in the New York State legislature, a former top aide to former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato (R-NY) and later a former top aide to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

In addition, I am a talking-head with several national T.V. news stations regarding reputations in crisis, but for the election cycle, I have also provided weekly commentary regarding the reputation and communications messages of both presidential candidates. However, I have usually been labeled a Republican consultant, which is not accurate. Ironically, I have worked with both Democrats and Republicans for many years. To be accurate, I am a former Republican consultant who backed John McCain early in the campaign.

However, during the campaign, my opinion started to shift. John McCain's message became more and more weak and I saw Barack Obama getting stronger and stronger. I also saw myself in Obama. I am a black man of mixed heritage like him. Like Tiger Woods and others of mixed heritage, I am Barack Obama. In fact, that is something I mentioned in a blog post a few months ago. I also believe our nation needs a change from the politics of the past, especially the recent past. Over time, I began to personally question McCain's judgment, including his choice of Sarah Palin.

PHOTO: Colin Powell on Meet the Press

THEN CAME COLIN POWELL

Colin Powell has been one of my heroes for quite some time. In fact, he is Godfather to one of my good friends. So when Secretary Powell speaks, I listen. I greatly trust his character, his judgment and his overall opinion.

On NBC's Meet the Press in mid October, Powell said he had some concerns about the Republican Party in recent years, moving more to the right and becoming much more divisive. He also said McCain was unsure how to handle the economic problems we had and several times changed his opinion and plan of action to try to help the economy. He also questioned his choice of Sarah Palin as vice president.

Obama crosses lines (which foster further understanding) including ethnic and racial lines. Powell questioned the attacks on Obama's relationship with Bill Ayers by McCain and the Republican party. McCain's campaign strategy, especially in late fall troubled him. He was also troubled at Republicans calling Obama a Muslim, even when they knew Obama was clearly a Christian.

Powell also said Obama inspires all with the inclusive nature of his campaign. His style and substance make him a transformational figure and a new and powerful leader on the world stage. Similar to Colin Powell himself, in my opinion.

Colin Powell said John McCain was a true patriot and an amazing leader, but not necessarily a leader for this time. Both are qualified to be president, but one is more qualified to lead now.

When I heard Powell clearly voice his support for Obama for many imporant reasons and highlight his concerns, but still great respect for McCain, he echoed my concerns and beliefs and it helped me tremendously.

I WAS WRONG.

I made a few assumptions early in the campaign that proved to be wrong:

1) I said many times that I thought America was not ready to vote for a black president. To be blunt, I really thought white Americans, especially white men, were not ready to vote for a black president. Well, our country is changing more quickly than I expected. Americans are becoming more open minded about voting for candidates that don't look like them. That is progress! Our nation is still quite racist and we have many miles to go regarding race relations in our country, but progress is being made, especially among younger Americans. We can learn quite a bit by watching children, teens and young adults. They are breaking through racial barriers every day, even as some parents and grandparents frown upon it.

2) John McCain's message during his campaign, especially during the last two months, was like bird shot flying in all directions and not really sticking to anything. He also took some big risks that were the story of the moment, but did not hold water for the length of the campaign. Largest among the mistakes was the pick of Sarah Palin as his vice presidential candidate. Bottom line: the more we got to know her, the more we wanted to laugh at her experience or put her back in a box in Alaska. Just the opposite happened with Barack Obama. The more you get to know Barack Obama, the more you want to know more about him and his policies, not just rhetoric, but a plan of action and inspiration.

3) John McCain is a patriot. He is also an amazing leader, but he is not the man to best help us with the economy and the troubles we have home here in America. He would make a great commander in chief, but we need a commander in chief to end the two wars we have now and not continue them for the next decade or more.

PHOTO: Obama's Color is Red, White and Blue

I VOTED FOR OBAMA!

As you can imagine, I thought long and hard about my vote and prayed about it. As a result of all the issues mentioned in this blog and more, I voted for Barack Obama this morning and was quite proud of it. Those who truly know me might not be surprised. I value character, ethics, inclusiveness, confidence, a solid plan, inspiring words and the ability to build great teams. Barack Obama has all of these attributes and more. It took some time for me to make a final decision, but ultimately, I know I made the correct decision for my vote and my country.

Those of you who still have not voted, please do so as soon as possible today. Every vote is extremely important. Remember, people around the world die for the right to vote every day. Please don't take it for granted.

Remember, do the right thing with your reputation and seek the counsel of an experienced strategic public relations and reputation management expert. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything!™

About Mike Paul

Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, Court TV (now TruTV), ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, CNBC, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding corporations, CEOs, celebrities, athletes, politicians and other public organizations and public individuals with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.

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