Mail Call: The Obama Appeal.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)

Readers of our Jan. 14 cover story on Barack Obama were inspired. "He's not like any other," said one. "He'll lead us to a new America." Another wrote, "His authenticity and sincerity trump opponents' Washington resumes." A young U.S. voter in China said he'd return to work on Obama's campaign.

A Voice for Change

We Iowans examined the presidential candidates for months, and the majority of us turned out in record numbers to support Sen. Barack Obama ("Inside Obama's Dream Machine," Jan. 14). We're behind him because he is not like any other candidate and because he is the one who can lead us to a new America. Our country hungers for fundamental change. Obama's unique experience as a community organizer, as a constitutional lawyer, as a legislator who brings people together, as a man of courage who spoke out against the invasion of Iraq--plus his ability to lead--make him our best hope.

Cathy Bolkcom

Leclaire, Iowa

I'm 23 years old and I heard much about John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sen. Robert Kennedy when I was growing up, but for me they exist only in stories. I've never seen an American political figure who connected to me to their extent, or one I've found so inspiring. In the last election, I knew the candidates and their positions and voted for John Kerry. I've been working in China for a year now and have been following this election intently. However, I've decided that if Barack Obama wins the Democratic nomination, I will fly back and work for his general-election campaign in whichever swing state and in whatever capacity necessary. I can't explain how I feel about Obama or what's brought on this change in attitude. But I think I'm beginning to understand what those stories were all about.

Karlo Dizon