Today is Super Tuesday! That means that voters will go to the polls in twenty-four states, including New York, California, New Jersey, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut and Tennessee, amongst others.

And for the first time in forever, the New York primary elections matter! So we hope you are registered and get out and vote today.

Later today, I will go to my polling station and cast a vote for Senator Barack Obama. While I must admit that I once worked for the honorable Senator (I took the above picture from the floor of the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston while Obama was giving his now famous speech), my motives go far beyond the simple fact that I find him an extremely intelligent person and rational politician. I am so thrilled to be able to vote for someone, as opposed to voting against someone else. Here's why I suggest you vote fot Obama:

::IRAQ WAR: Obama has always been against the invasion of Iraq. That said, his detailed plan for troop withdrawal and diplomacy in Iraq is in line with current Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, a plan that current President Bush is not strictly following.

::IRAN: Obama has stated, said, "I think that military options have to be on the table when you're dealing with rogue states that have shown constant hostility towards the United States. The point that I would make, though, is that we have not explored all of our options...We have not explored any kind of dialogue with either Iran or North Korea, and I think that has been a mistake. As a consequence, we have almost no leverage over them." Unlike Hillary Clinton, he voted against classifying the Iranian Quds Force as a terrorist organization, saying the measure could enable Bush to launch military action against Iran the same way his resolution on inspections allowed him to go to war in Iraq.

ISRAEL / PALESTINE: Obama is a strong defender of Israel. He has talked at length about how an Israeli and Palestinian peace accord is essential to the entire Middle East. He defended Israel's response to the Zar'it-Shtula incident, saying, "I don't think there is any nation that would not have reacted the way Israel did after two soldiers had been snatched. I support Israel's response to take some action in protecting themselves."

EDUCATION: Obama is in a tough position here. He has voiced many issues with No Child Left Behind, which is a bill co-sponsored by Ted Kennedy, one of his biggest supporters. While Obama has not stated if he will dismantle that failed program or not, he has stated that he will mandate a higher pay for teachers and will work "with teachers" to create a merit pay for teachers based on standards. He also opposes education vouchers.

ABORTION: While serving in the Illinois Senate, Obama had a 100 percent rating from the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council due to his consistent voting in favor of legalized abortion, family planning services, and having female contraceptives covered by health insurance. Since his election to the United States Senate Obama has maintained a 100 percent rating from Planned Parenthood and NARAL.

HEALTH CARE: Obama's plan isn't exactly "universal health care," and in my opinion still works in the favor of healthcare providers, but it should still lower costs.

GAY RIGHTS: Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment which would have defined marriage as between one man and one woman, but personally believes that marriage is defined as a religious bond between a man and a woman. He supports civil unions that would carry equal legal standing to that of marriage for same-sex couples, but believes that decisions about the title of marriage should be left to the states.

STEM CELL RESEARCH: Obama supports embryonic stem cell research and was a co-sponsor of the 2005 Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act which was passed by both houses of Congress but vetoed by President George W. Bush

GUN CONTROL: Obama is rated an F by the NRA. He supports toughter gun control legislation and the banning of semi-automatic firearms.

On top of all these positions, which I almost completely agree with, Obama has surrounded himself with one of the most amazing teams of advisers. He is the real deal. He is what America needs right now in a leader. He is getting my vote..........