Obama wants School Vouchers????

Recently a dear friend of mine who also works in the field of education protested that Obama is “in favor of school vouchers.” In actuality, he is not the case at all. He has, however said in the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal that:

(He was) surprised to learn from Gov. Jim Doyle that "there was no assessment process" for the Milwaukee program but indicated he might be open to supporting voucher programs if studies show they work."If there was any argument for vouchers, it was 'Let's see if the experiment works,' " Obama said. "And if it does, whatever my preconception, you do what's best for kids."

(For anyone who cares to hear the actual context of what he said, the video can be found here.)

In otherwords, if there were proof he would be open to what’s best for the kids. Is he saying he is FOR vouchers? No. Just that he is open to listening to both sides of the argument. In saying so, he opens himself up to blind criticism, because it would be a break from what a democratic candidate “should” say. However, he’s more concerned with children’s learning, and doing what’s best, however unpopular being open to it, it is. I would hope that ANY candidate for the presidency is open to listening to both sides. However, that is not the case. Many nowadays are merely driven by partisan politics, toeing the party line and saying what they think the majority of their base wants to hear. That is not what Senator Obama does.