Looking at the political landscape -- and the geopolitical landscape as well -- we Dems are faced with several problems not easily solved. The GOP has mastered lies and distortion, and we have mastered ineffectively countering them. We've picked candidates -- no offense at all -- that feed right into the plans of those on the other side that make their living slamming Democrats. As good as Kerry was, they knew his shortcomings and that his enemies were frothing at the mouth for this. On top of all of it, they have turned their persona into one of
**gulp** moral righteousness and virtue.
There are (and will be) countless articles declaring what we need to do now to win back America. I don't mean winning elections -- I mean, how do we put Liberal Politics back in the hearts and minds of America? How do we show the Reds that not only do we share many of their 'values' (over-hyped term that I'm already so sick of), but we just might be closer to what Jesus had in mind. And, how do we do it in that coveted 'Christian Way', which ideally praises the opponent but does them one or more better?
One way.
Barack Obama for President.
There are lots of arguments against this concept, and we should be open to them all. However, I think we have more than something to work with here, and the advantages are many and varied:
1) You want 'Values'? We got values.
- If you haven't read his bio, or better yet, his autobiography, you're in for a treat. The man has seen and done so much, and through it all, he has maintained his faith and moral clarity. There is a glow around him that you can almost see, and it's palpable. I really don't see anyone on the other side that can match him on these issues. They might try to trot out haters like Santorum, but he wouldn't even carry his own state.
2) You want leadership? We got leadership.
- Again, look at what he's done with his life. Accomplished student. First African-American editor of the Harvard Law Review. And when he had his choice of any law position in the country, he chose to go back to the neighborhoods of Chicago to work in non-profit. His record in the Illinois State Senate is fantastic; his issues are wholesome. He truly is a natural born leader.
3) You want charisma? We got charisma.
- If you didn't see him at the DNC, watch it. Today. 'Nuff said.
4) Broad racial appeal
- I never imagined in my lifetime we'd see a black man as President, mainly because I've seen so much racism growing up near Detroit (and now a citizen of). I believe, however, that this is a man that rises above such mundane cynicism; his heart shines through with every word, and every deed. If he can get to America's heart, the color of his skin will become, possibly, a great asset. America loves what it perceives to be the underdog, and as unfair a characterization that is, I can tell you first hand (as many of you can too) that this is not uncommon for white folks. You would hope that race would never play into it at all, but you know, we're still searching for the first female President, too -- and think of how many GREAT women should have made it further up that ladder (of course, bigger subject for another time, but nothing pisses me off more). Barack can cut through these barriers; put a charge into the AA crowd, as well as the evangelical crowd, because he speaks directly from his soul to yours.
This diary is not meant to disparage other candidates; I love John Edwards and Howard Dean, too. I just think they've been scarred by the process. As for Hilary, as much as I like her, there isn't a person I know that would get excited about her. She's as polarizing a figure as has existed in politics in a very long time. She might be wonderful for the job, but I don't think she's electable at all.
This diary is also not meant to hide the drawbacks of an Obama candidacy: experience, issues and color could all work against him in different ways. He is, in no way, a perfect candidate. But, I can tell you this: I've been watching politics for a very long time, and never before last July had I ever stood teary eyed and applauded a television set. He spoke to my soul, and that counts for a lot in my book. There wasn't a single person I spoke with -- from hard left to near-batshit-insane right -- that didn't think that was a future President of the US speaking that night.
What are your thoughts?