I have heard various "eastern" terms used to describe Barack Obama's unique ability to take a question, an argument, or a situation and turn it deftly back on its source. Some refer to it as judo or jujitsu, others kung fu or jedi mind tricks. The way Obama has run his campaign and the way he handles himself remind me of various Eastern philosophies, particularly taoism.
I first noticed this ability of his, when during an appearance on MSNBC's "Hardball" sometime in 2007, he refused to answer a question from Chris Matthews that presupposed something like the old "Democrats being weak on 'terror' thing". Without flinching, Obama rejected not the substance of the argument, he did not launch what would have been an easy and well-deserved ad-hominem attack on Tweety himself, rather, he refuted the entire foundation of the argument as being based on a "false premise".
For me, that was a big relief and a calm, comforting sign of things to come. And, while I was sold on Obama long before he ever took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, this was the moment I began to believe that he could truly be a unique phenomenon in American politics.
It takes a great self-awareness and personal balance to effectively lead the kind of movement Obama has built. It takes the kind of confident awareness that taoism would suggests comes from a great sense of purpose and a oneness with those being led. A kind of awareness that is all too often lacking in modern-day American politics.
On a personal note, I used to be a trail maintenance crew leader for teens in Boulder, Co. and used to read the kids I worked with passages from this book called "The Tao of Leadership".
The prescriptions always recommended leading through example rather than just talking about it and tooting one's own horn, spewing hot, vapid air all over one's "followers". I appreciated the perspective, the wisdom, the practical advice, especially when working with impressionable youth.
It would seem to me that, based on the way he conducts himself in stressful situations that require the keenest focus, Obama has gleaned similar knowledge from various sources or at least is familiar with the principles of taoism.
Lao Tzu believed that the most capable and ultimately the most powerful leaders are those who practice humility, subtlety and composure. They are not aggressive and do not feel the need to prove themselves again and again. Obama instructed his campaign staff to handle themselves gracefully, consistently, steadily, with a long-term strategy and a vision for the future, yet an attention to detail in the present. Even from afar, with the attention his campaign has received, one can sense that they, themselves are also paying attention and aware of their situation.
A power in composure and strength in compassion allows skillful leaders to organize others and achieve a collective end without resorting to overt means. Around them, as within them, events unfold naturally, without disruptive counter-reactions. As for the whole "Rev. Wright" ordeal, the media (with the Rev.'s assistance) tried to throw Obama off course and he took a few punches throughout the evolution of the matter, and he will continue to do so, but ultimately, he "brushed it off" and has emerged a stronger, more confident, wiser man for it. He found his "way" to a higher ground, a better foundation, a place where he can reflect and learn. He now has the recipe for Rev. Wright pie and the temperature at which the crust is perfectly crisped.
From religioustolerance.org
History of Taoism:
Tao (pronounced "Dow") can be roughly translated into English as path, or the way. It is basically indefinable. It has to be experienced. It "refers to a power which envelops, surrounds and flows through all things, living and non-living. The Tao regulates natural processes and nourishes balance in the Universe. It embodies the harmony of opposites (i.e. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)"
Some of the things I have been most impressed with in Sen. Obama throughout the past few years are his insouciant calmness in the face of great stress and overwhelming odds against him, his humility in the face of great success and his compassion, which is not only evident in his social and foreign policy prescriptions, but was equally present in his recently concluded primary contest with Sen. Clinton.
Some of the main tenets of Taoism are:
Tao is the first-cause of the universe. It is a force that flows through all life.
Time is cyclical, not linear as in Western thinking.
Taoists strongly promote health and vitality.
Each person must nurture the Ch'i (air, breath) that has been given to them.
Development of virtue is one's chief task. The Three Jewels to be sought are compassion, moderation and humility.
Taoists follow the art of "wu wei," which is to let nature take its course. For example, one should allow a river to flow towards the sea unimpeded; do not erect a dam which would interfere with its natural flow.
One should plan in advance and consider carefully each action before making it.
A Taoist is kind to other individuals, in part because such an action tends to be reciprocated.
Taoists believe that "people are compassionate by nature...left to their own devices [they] will show this compassion without expecting a reward."
A leader must create a sense of identification within those whom they lead. And they, in turn, must sense this understanding. The gracious leader must realize that his or her rise is buttressed on the shoulders of those below them. They preserve their position and remain connected by the humble practice of simplicity.
It is all too evident that John McCain really, really wants to espouse these personal characteristics and that his handlers are training him to act gracious, how to lead the people humbly, but it is so obvious when the practice is not genuine, when the punch-line smiles are awkward and forced. John McCain is a decent human being, he is just not right for the job, especially not now. He should be shopping for a nice, green bean bag, upon which he can give his tired, forced speeches in private. He should not be running for president.
When given great responsibility, honor or prestige, great leaders are nearly incorruptible because they are in complete identification with those whom they serve and because they genuinely believe the needs of the people to be their own. Obama gets it, he's got it, he's had it. McCain, well just look at how his policy positions have changed over time to suit the current political climate. As if we need any substantive evidence beyond the intuitive.
While I do not believe in placing mere mortals up on pedestals and ascribing in them messianic powers, and I do realize that a President Obama will need to make concessions, sacrifices, compromises and the like, he has my confidence that he will do so with great wisdom and compassion. I will trust in the change he fights for and brings to the American political system.
There may be a quarter of a century separating Obama from McCain, but as this case makes evident, age and experience do not necessarily equate to wisdom and leadership.
With that in mind, the decision this November is the most obvious it has been in my lifetime and I hope (and will work to ensure) that others can see it so clearly.