In recent blog postings and comments to them about the presidential election and the candidates, I was offered the “right” to be for Obama. Of course, I have never said who I was for although I have commented on what I consider the strengths and weaknesses of many of the candidates and their campaigns. Following Edwards pathetic showing in Florida and his subsequent dropping out, there are two Democrats left.

On most issues of substance, there is little that separates Obama and Clinton. All the talk of “change” and “experience” hides much more than it reveals. Each has supporters that I distrust and admire. Unfortunately, each represents the centrist tradition of Democratic Party presidential candidates over the past 50 years.

Both have been inconsistent about the War in Iraq.

On issues of national education policy, I have heard them both. Any differences between them are almost invisible. One emphasizes merit pay one day. The other applauds some charter school the other.

Here’s what the IEA says:

On Feb. 5, IEA members can help ensure that policy decisions impacting educators and students are made by people who support public education.

The IEA Board of Directors voted to recommend Sen. Barack Obama for president in the Democratic primary after a careful review of his support for education in both the Illinois legislature and the U.S. Senate.

“Sen. Obama has consistently demonstrated his willingness to listen to IEA members and leaders and react positively to our concerns.” said IEA President Ken Swanson.

Illinois has early voting. On Martin Luther King’s birthday, Anne and I went to the local library which was closed in his honor, but was open for voting. I voted for Barack Obama.

Today I am in Brooklyn to see my kids and grandchildren including the latest arrival, Joey, who is five days old.

I know there is a lot of talk these days about how this is the post-race era. But this is what I know: When my grandchildren are old enough to ask me about such things, and if I am still around, and they ask me who I voted for when the first African-American who had a real chance to be elected President was running, I will not say I voted for someone else.