
This isn't a biased article, so for those of you who feared that, at ease. This is only the first in a series of upcoming articles about the various candidates and the attributes that will get them to Washington. I feel that in my previous articles, I have been unfair to Mrs. Clinton, so she, Mr. Obama, John McCain, Mitt Romney, John Edwards, and Mike Huckabee will all see similar articles from me shortly.
Now on to the crux of the matter. Thankfully, by the end of the exit polls, the issues took precedence over the candidates' personal qualities by a 19-point margin, 58% to 39%. However, I would like to speak about a quality of Barack that most people dance around frantically: his race. While it's no secret that Barack is biracial, many people are afraid to delve into the real issue: why this is an advantage for him. Many people, black or white, will tell you that Barack has their vote for his message of immediate, radical change. However, is that really the case? Admittedly, the whole reason I got on the Barack wagon in the first place is that I wanted to see a black man in the Oval Office. Jon Stewart articulated my ideas very well (albeit humourously) early in 2007, when Obama first announced his candidacy: "People say that they are proud to have an African-American on the road to Washington. What they want to say is: 'Wow! An articulate black man!'" Now, that is a very crude way to voice an opinion like that, but it is essentially true, like it or not. His race is what catches the eye of millions in the first place, the same way that people pay attention to Hillary for being a woman.
Reason #2 why Barack will become the next President of the United States: He is an excellent public speaker. For those of you who missed the New Hampshire primaries last night, go look Barack's concession speech up on YouTube. I'm sure it's on there by now. I recently read a Newsvine article that said Barack's speech could be summed up in 3 words: you, I, and we. I disagree. My 3 words are "yes, we can." The speech gets really good toward the end, when Barack gets on the change soapbox: "Time and time again, we have heard from a chorus of cynics that will only grow louder in the weeks and months to come. They have told us we cannot do it, that we cannot deliver the kind of change that I stand for, and that we are giving America false hope. Ladies and gentlemen, in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope." Powerful. Every time I see Obama speak, I am reminded why he would have my vote if I were old enough to do so. Unlike Senator McCain, who read robotically from the prepared victory speech on his podium probably composed by someone else, Mr. Obama speaks confidently, without stumbling over his words and looking many voters in the eye as he does so. Though his speech may be prepared, Barack does not appear to have it in close proximity, and it may be written by someone else, but he speaks with a conviction and a fire that convinces me that the words leaving his mouth are of his own design.
In a recent poll, it was determined that 2 out of 3 Americans were dissatisfied with the Bush administration and would rather see a Democrat in office in 2008. This news, coupled with the extensive press coverage of the Democrats recently, convinces me that, more likely than not, a Democrat will become president in 2008. And due also to Obama's increasing popularity and powerfully moving message of fundamental change, I am led to believe that Barack Obama will become the next President of the United States.
Many people, black or white, will tell you that Barack has their vote for his message of immediate, radical change. However, is that really the case? Admittedly, the whole reason I got on the Barack wagon in the first place is that I wanted to see a black man in the Oval Office.
It's easy for people to pretend his colour doesn't matter, Logan D, when they are in denial. Yet gender and colour are the two things which define us all and on which we are judged and perceived every time.
Despite New Hampshire, I have no doubts Barack will win because he is a new phenomenon. People usually fail to see his new type, deliberately deny such potential or use the same mindset to interpret it. None of that ever works and so I wait patiently for the cynics to eat crow. (Notice I am learning Americanese fast! :o)
Quite simply, Barack Obama is the new Google, mark II. Watch the juggernaut rolling into the White House, flattening all the critics on the way.
Excellent article, and did you say you were not old enough to vote? Wow!!
Then, in order to be President of the USA it will be mandatory to take SPEACH 101.
Speech?
Nice work, genius.
I stand gracefully/gratefully corrected.
Thanks.
You know, as symbolic as it would be to have a Black or female president in this country, it simply seems that we never learn a lesson. Yes Obama speaks well. And Hillary fears for the country (it's personal with her.) Most people have had it with the Republican party thugs who have run the country for the last eight years.
But honestly, just think about how there's really little difference between the professional candidates. They know the words to say (freedom, change, direction, blah, blah, blah), they know how to set a leadership image, and they can always lie their way out of critical questions. But what they will never do is address many of the real structural issues that undermine real democracy in this country.
We get 4-8 years of Republican rule, and then it swings back to 4-8 of Democratic, but all the while there's no significant change. Yes, this country will vote in a dem for president in the next election. Just as it did in the last election. But please, let's not forget that Bill Clinton worked on behalf of corporate interests just like Obama or Hillary will.
It might be a sign of progress for this country to have a man with a darker face or a female face heading the oval office, but that's about as far as it's going. After 4 to 8 years, people will be crying and hollering for a Republican thug again because little will have changed. The middle class will still barely be getting by. College tuition won't go down or be made more available to more people. Social services will be a little better but not significantly better. And if by chance the dem president can fix the mess in Iraq, we may be get a little more respect in the world.
But let's stop being bamboozled. Until there's some real structural changes in this country whereby we the people really have a voice in what goes on, it's really politics as usual.
I was a little "slow" trying to put 2+2 of why Oprah is campaigning and supporting with heavy money Obama? = AFRICA.
A poster wrote about the Church that Obama belongs, and it's about Africa.
Oprah had been committed to an African school and the family of Obama were watching the presidential elections from Kenya - doing some cooking it hits me.
At least I see now the connection.
I might be wrong (not the first time) but so far every piece of the puzzle fits.
Sheesh, Mr. Obama, I hope that you caught whoever is sending e-mails (Nigeria, London, Italy) about giving me millions of dollars for a dead relative if I give my bank account. :)
My official translator disappeared and the replacements are involved in politics.
1) Why Oprah would give support and money to Obama? She never did it with the Reverends.
2) Oprah has interests in Africa - Recently there was a scandal in a girls' school that she supported.
3) Obama's family is sitting in Kenya.
4) Kenya has been in trouble lately. Read the news about the UN sending an envoy to mediate.
How far a President with close ties in Africa is willing to compromise and involve us in the affairs of the troubled black continent?
Hope that you understand now.
Logan,
Where could be the help to this countr in private businesses by some stars or relatives?
If you don't know, Africa and the ME cultures are based in the middle person wheelings and dealings.
I don't help to elect a President to make rich the lords and dictators of Africa.
Very interesting suggestion here, determined0a1. Barack has roots in Kenya. He teams up with Oprah and people are worried about what he will do for Africa, yet the guy hasn't even won two primaries yet. However, all the white candidates have roots in Europe, but that doesn't seem to matter. With all the white celebrities supporting them, you don't seem worried that they will embroil us in European politics or corruption if they win.
And they say there is no racism? Fear is a terrible thing.
I did not know that the father or mother of any of our Presidents had actual parent/family living in a country that is in a tribal turmoil at the moment.
I can see John Smith from Mississippi.
And.....forget about the rotten baloney of racism, I was born in Cuba and I always endorsed Powell or Dr. Rice.
I did not know that the father or mother of any of our Presidents had actual parent/family living in a country that is in a tribal turmoil at the moment.
There are different types of turmoil, corruption and political manipulation, determined0a1, not just 'tribal' ones. It bothers me when you are clearly concerned only with what black people might do, and where their allegiances might lie, but not for their white colleagues. Yet you don't see that as racism.
Quite amazing how many people are predicting what Barack will do, should he get in, when the man has no precedence as a president or even of very high office. The least he deserves is a chance to prove himself and not to be judged bofore he's even begun. Struth!
L,
Regardless, your point did come across as pretty racist.
Regardless, your point is coming across as pretty racist because I am a MINORITY.
Please, grow up.
Just because one is a minority member does not mean one is immune from racist views or perspectives, determined0a1. Being a minority does not give special status in one's perspective of life or protection from biased thoughts. Everyone can be guilty of racism, no matter who they are. It all depends on their level of ignorance, as well as their insecurities and fears and their need to find scapegoats for them.
The least he deserves is a chance to prove himself and not to be judged bofore he's even begun. Struth!
Chances like playing the lottery, roulette? No, dear. This is why we have other candidates to look at.
Obviously Barack is Black, and that comes to mind when thinking about him. But honestly, I think of his manner, his general political position, and his honesty first. That's what I like about him, and I don't support most of his views. But in a year when Republicans are offering up watered down compromises, someone like Barack turns heads in the Republican Party.
This "bi-racial" business doesn't make sense here in the States. Generally, if a person here is noticeably Black, they are Black, period. I know of know one who uses the term bi-racial unless speaking of a racially mixed marriage. I can see no purpose for it being used now. Barack may have bi-racial sensibilities, knowing both worlds. I think of him more like the hard working son of a hard working immigrant.
This "bi-racial" business doesn't make sense here in the States. Generally, if a person here is noticeably Black, they are Black, period.
This is accurate for the most part, but it does get a little more complicated. It's more about the presentation of his "Black" side that helps Obama appeal to many of the White electorate. Just like Frederick Douglass was mixed race, Obama can be tolerated more because of his bi-racial background. I've heard that said more than once in a few radio talk shows. Race is an issue. And if Whites say they don't see race when it comes to Obama, then they don't see Obama.
At the same time, it's his "lack of blackness" that causes him to lose support amongst some Blacks in this country. He can't represent as an African-American so some Blacks have less confidence that he will be able to really help them as a race.
For me, it really doesn't matter because like I said we have serious structural issues in this country that Obama, Hillary or the dems simply do not address.
I guarantee you, that unless some significant grass root political movements arise in the next 4-8 years, the electorate will be dissatisfied with Obama, Hillary and Democratic party. These professional politicians refuse to address the class and caste divide that pervades this society. Race is a part of that mix, so maybe electing Obama will appease people in that area. Blacks and Whites will see it as a sign of progress. Blacks will have our "Black" president, and many Whites can say that racism is almost a thing of the past because we have a Black man in office.
But check out the inner cities of this country. Check out the still born unemployment and rising cost of living. Check out the imbalance in the global markets and you start to remember why the same problems persist.
I would love to be wrong about Obama or Hillary, for that matter, but I've heard them say nothing that would indicate they will be any better than Bill Clinton was. They will definitely be better than the thug we have in office right now, but unless there are some real policy changes in this country, how will things be different?
It seems to me from the comments posted on here that dissatisfaction with the administration is the axiom of politics. Maybe it's just me.
There's a difference between being having problems with political governance and having issues with all the structural foundations of the political/democratic arena. Perhaps I should write an article about this, but I contend that the political structure and process is largely ran by a professional class of people with particular class interests that are often directly in conflict with the interests of the larger society. Indeed representative democracy itself needs to be seriously evaluated and critique. Does it really offer the people a voice and the kind participation that is needed in an increasingly complex society?
I could go on, but I hope catch my drift. I'm basically taking a left point of view on this issue, though I would not say that leftist structures have not always been best form government for various reasons.
OH MY GOD, FINALLY SOMEONE SPEAKS INTELLIGENTLY... THANK YOU ,, JACKIEBOO,,
Here goes my hopes for Governor Richardson, he is one of the most qualified candidates but....he is saying bye, bye.
OBAMA IS A PUPPET. Someone really big and really rich is backing him, someone wants something. and they were brillant in their way of bringing him to the light. Brillant!!! This is basically a guy who has has less then 143 days of experience and got elected because the incumbent up for re-election was caught going to sex clubs with his wife. If that had not happened its not likely he would have been elected. I think it was pre- determined and controlled. He did not get where he is by his own wisdom. He suddenly had a book that was also written brillant , my co worker thinks he's God, she read his book and decided he was the man who was going to turn sand into water. He also has a brillant campaign team who is being made a VERY pretty penny . None of this is by chance, or even something he came up with. this is HUGE HUGE corporate money and big powerful names with big powerful money who for some reason want to get this guy elected. He most likely will be elected, maybe then in 4 years we will see who and why,, and then again maybe we won't.. but as for me? I will NOT VOTE FOR HIM.. Way to scary and way to coincidental!! I SMELL A RAT.
Jackie Boo!
Someone really big and really rich is backing him
You mean the 2 million people on his website giving him money daily?
Well, so far there is not any Republican with sun glasses and the name Sarah in diamonds.
Sounds familiar?
I truely believe that Barack Obama will be the next president. He has shown nothing but the best interest in the middle class Americans. He understands our struggle within our daily lives. Unlike McCain, who simply doesn't get it and has too much money to even consider getting it. For all of those who are wondering whether or not to vote for Obama, just think about your families. Barack Obama has promised to take care of you and them.
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