I encourage all Pennsylvania Democrats to vote for Barack Obama in next Tuesday's primary election. He has inspired thousands of the formerly uninvolved to get involved in presidential politics, and he has cross-over appeal to Republicans. His willingness to speak to the most difficult issues (e.g., his speech on race, available as video or as text) has earned him respect here and around the world. His ability to inspire respect, and to inspire, will help the United States repair relations around the world. And his well-run campaign is proof of his ability to be the chief executive of a sprawling, organic organization that draws from the grass roots.

I respect and admire Hillary Clinton. She would make a great president. And, yes, it is in some sense "her turn", which means "our turn" for all women who have taken it on the chin (and elsewhere) for following their passions into professions and institutions shaped mostly by men. Right now she reminds me of Salieri, in Schaeffer's Amadeus (a play, then a movie). Salieri was the court composer, a consummate professional at the top of his game. Then Mozart showed up, a kid who without paying his dues simply wrote music more beautiful than anything Salieri could produce. It was supremely unfair. But it doesn't mean one should choose Salieri's music over Mozart's.

So get out there and vote on Tuesday, April 22nd!