Edward Willis, a delegate to the Republican National Convention, is looking at the November election through the lens of a Vietnam veteran.
In his mind, there is no question that John McCain, a former prisoner of war, is the best person to lead the country as it confronts terrorism abroad and other international threats. But his children root for Democrat Barack Obama. They are excited by the prospect of a young, eloquent African-American becoming the next president of the United States.
The upcoming presidential contest is a “healthy, loving” discussion in the Willis family, Willis said. That conversation, no doubt, is being played out in many homes across the nation as parents and children find themselves on opposing sides of the presidential race.
Willis, 60, is no stranger to public service; he held various official posts in California and has since retired. He now manages a consulting firm. The Arizona Capitol Times caught up with Willis in the lobby at the Hotel Saint Paul in downtown St. Paul, Minn., where the Arizona delegation stayed during the Republican National Convention.
What attracted you to the Republican Party?
I share similar values with the Republican Party — first of all, national security. It is an issue that is very close to me, and the primary reason for that is I’m also a Vietnam War veteran.
Clearly, young people are attracted to the Obama campaign. Why do you think that is? 
I have children myself who are young adults. I think a lot of it is just the attraction to a younger person. John McCain — they do see him as a much older person.
I know they feel that “Oh, well, this younger person must be more sympathetic to who I am and understand who I am.” As we get older, we tend to look beyond things like maybe the age factor and we tend to look at the credentials of the individual who is running for office. I think there is a maturity factor, and I’m not saying that the young folks are immature.
Are your children for Obama?
Yes. Well, here’s the deal: They are for Obama, but they understand my position, and I’m not saying that they disagree with my position.
But a lot of — and I heard this — I heard there were individuals who, you know what, they are going to vote for Obama just because he is African-American. And there is a sentiment. There are people who are just going to do that. It has nothing to do with issues. (They’re saying), “Yeah, he is a black man. I’m black. I’m going to vote for him.”
Your children are of voting age. And they are all for Obama?
Certainly, they understand and they appreciate the fact that a black man is running. We’ve had the discussions.
I believe … in my family that is still an open topic. I know they are all excited about Obama running. But in terms of a definite “Yes, we are going to vote for him,” I’m letting you know I have not gotten that.
But based on your conversations so far, you can see they are leaning toward him?
Oh, absolutely. So I have to work on them.
Are they working on you, as well?
No. We debate. One of my (children) is an attorney and we get to debate all the time.
The thing is, they don’t disagree with my logic. Given the circumstances of the world today, given the fact that we may potentially have to protect and defend ourselves, which individual are you going to feel most comfortable with in terms of making sure you are OK? And unanimously they all will say John McCain.
But from a cultural standpoint, their hearts are with the fact that there is an African-American who is running and they would like to support that African-American.
So they are going to have a dilemma when the time comes. It just so happens that I’ve already faced the dilemma, and I’ve made my decision in terms of what I’m going to do.
You mentioned race. You have, for the first time, an African American nominated by a major party. That’s a break from the past… You’re not excited about that?
I didn’t say I wasn’t excited. I’m excited about this whole race.
There was an organization that I belonged to. It was called the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. And I sat on their board. Our primary objective was to promote and enhance African-Americans in leadership positions throughout the public sector. This is ultimately the top position in the public sector — to become president of the United States.
And so from that standpoint, I’m very sympathetic. I’m very supportive. I’m very proud of the fact that we have an African-American who is running. It really makes me feel good about that. I think him running really enhances the status of African-Americans in the country in terms of how we may or may not be perceived. And I really think there is a lot of value in that. And I think he has a great family. I mean he has a very lovely wife. I mean they are very intelligent people. This guy is good. And I truly feel that way.
However … it’s almost like if you were lying on your deathbed and you needed a heart transplant and there is an African-American doctor who just graduated from medical school and here is a doctor that is an older, white gentleman that is probably in his late whatever you want to call it, and you are lying there and you, know, you got to make the decision. OK, am I going to go with that (doctor) just because he is black or am I going to go with the one who I think is going to take care of me? I think you probably are going to make a decision and go with the person who you know has probably done it a thousand times.
So back to this stand, my feeling is, in terms of where the country is right now today — I am looking beyond the color issue. I am looking at who I think would be the best person to make sure that I am safe and my country (is safe). Right now, that is John McCain.
Let’s say Obama loses this election and runs again 10 years from now. Would that be a different conversation?
It would be a different conversation, and you are absolutely correct. I’m letting you know I would take a look at that particular (contest). But Obama would have to make some adjustments.
Was there ever a conundrum in your mind when he (Obama) ran? Was there ever some point that you were not sure who you’d support?
I would say there was never confusion in terms of who I thought was the best person or the best candidate. There were certainly some thoughts in the fact that there is an African-American who is running. And it is something that I have been involved in helping to promote and strengthen African-Americans in leadership positions. So, it does present that issue in terms of that’s also in my heart. I had to weigh that versus who I thought was the best candidate for the situation. It’s a tough one, and I opted to go with the best candidate.
Clearly, within the African-American community, you are a minority there.
Oh, absolutely. Not the only one — but a minority, a minority within the minority.