The presidential race for the White House is on! It's been an exciting year, and I know that the excitement has just begun. Up until now I've been reserved about announcing my support for any particular candidate. While I've been leaning toward one for some time, I've been good about listening to what all the candidates have to say about issues that concern me and even some that don't. But after witnessing the historic turn of events in Iowa, I am now unwavering in my support for Barack Obama as president of the United States.

Now before folks go jumping to the conclusion that I am only supporting Obama because he is Black, let me say that being a woman is just as much a part of my identity as being Black. And I wouldn't support any candidate simply because of their race or their sex. My support of Obama as a presidential candidate is based on his character, his ideas and his experience (or lack of it). But I will admit that his being Black is a bonus. Not because I believe that he is necessarily a reflection of the Black community (though he is in part), but more because American's acceptance of him is reflective of us as a nation.

Where character is concerned Obama comes across as authentic, passionate and trustworthy. His ideas are timely and even better, they are his own. He is nobody's flunky. He's not afraid to deviate from mainstream thinking or challenge his own beliefs about certain issues.

So what about his experience? I say what about it! I'll take his so called limited experience over their heap of BAD experience any day. Obama is a smart man. I trust that he has the humility and the common sense to know his weaknesses and surround himself with advisors that can compensate for them. Isn't that what smart leaders are supposed to do?