Sounds like both can win although you rightly note the state politic potential issue.
Either way, please only go if affordable.
You note the ‘better’ but better doesn’t mean affordable.
I hope the prices come in well. Of the same, then it sounds like both work.
Personally I think Oberlin is stronger but that’s subjective.
But you want nearby relatives and Bard wins there for comfort.
Best of luck.