In my work as a strategist, it's incumbent upon me to look at a question, problem or situation from a 360 degree perspective. I gather as much data as I can, connect the dots in the smartest and wisest way I'm able, kick around ideas with people smarter than me and then I create scenarios.

After doing this, it's pretty clear which scenario's are most likely to occur, and it's apparent which strategies I collaborate on with leaders (for companies for whom I've worked and now for clients) are ones where we should place our bets.

Though this is probably a risk for me in the circles in which I run and for those that follow this blog, my chips have been laid down on a 'blue scenario' for months and I'm endorsing and voting for Obama. 

As I've moved from slightly right of center to slightly left politically — mainly by reading everything I could get my hands on for the last 8 years through my struggles to stay on top of every issue — I've rarely come across such a cogent case for ones endorsement as the one released today by a deep, strategic thinker, Tim O'Reilly.

Considerably troubled for over seven years (though long considering myself a Republican and someone who didn't identify with populism thought or the Democratic party), I long ago decided on change, and that decision has only gained strength in recent months as I've witnessed how Obama has gone forth exhibiting leadership, surrounding himself with world class advisors and releasing sound fiscal and public policy positions, being open and transparent (and yes, leveraging social media and engaging the next generation wisely), and just barely dipping-his-toe in the waters of push-back when he's been character-attacked.

One thing O'Reilly didn't mention in his post is something that I've been puzzled by for eight years, and see as THE problematic continuation of the last eight years if there was a McCain presidency. The lack of vision and leadership.

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