What I like about Obama

[Mythsaje]

The first thing his detractors may say is that he's inexperienced. I'm not so sure that could be seen strictly as a bad thing. Inexperienced may also mean mostly untainted by the continual deal-making that's so much a part of our political process.

Others say though he's a person of color, he does not reflect the "black experience" in this country. This may be true. But, on the other hand, how likely is it that a person of color would rise to such a position who DOES reflect that at this point in time? This isn't so much a question of ability, but public perception.

He does, however, give a lot of people hope. Maybe it's misplaced hope, but, then again, maybe it isn't. For the first time in our nation's history, a man who is not part of the white boy network has a chance of getting the nomination and, if the cards fall right, attaining the highest seat in the land.

That in itself is worthy of serious consideration.

Maybe he's a little more "middle-of-the-road" than some people might like. I can understand that, I suppose. In some ways I'm fairly middle-of-the-road myself. But he's definitely not the same ol' same ol' we've had before. He's something new. And the fact that he's even in the running means that a lot of old assumptions may be crumbling.

And that's not a bad thing.

[snowbear]

1. He's smarter than a whip and you're right...

While he may not have the additional years in Congress (BFD) - he really does inspire what so many people are seeking right now --- HOPE, HEALING, AND A DESPERATELY NEEDED NEW START!

Great thread! ~~~

[draft_mario_cuomo]

2. self delete nt

[TeamJordan23]

3. Who is the best candidate in your eyes, DMC? nt

[draft_mario_cuomo]

4. I deleted my post. The OP is making a series of positive threads about our candidates

I don't want to tarnish that noble effort with criticism of any candidate.

To the OP, :toast:

[Mythsaje]

5. Is he a corporate shill?

I'm not certain of that. And even if he appears so to us right now, and, likewise, to the corporations, who's to say that he'd carry on in that way if he were elected? He represents hope of something different to people who haven't really had anyone they could hang those hopes upon in that way.

Mixed or not, people look at him and see "black." And even should he fail to stand for something beyond corporatism in and of himself (something we have no way of guessing this early in the whole thing) it will itself allow a whole group of people to lift their chins just a little and say "maybe it's NOT impossible for me."

That's a change in itself.

[draft_mario_cuomo]

6. I deleted that post, for reasons stated above

I agree. He does offer hope. I am a minority and take pride in him rising from modest means to possibly being the next president of the United States. Even if he loses this time he will likely win in 2012 or 2016. An Obama presidency seems inevitable. The question is when, not if. A few years ago I could never have imagined a minority rising to the ultimate level. Sure, perhaps in 2028 or 2036 but in 2008 or 2012? Not in a million years.

As far the race thing, for people who may be confused since I erased my post, I was stating that I find it odd that he is being marketed in a way that erases half of his heritage. This is in contrast to Tiger Woods, who embraced all aspects of his heritage.

[avrdream]

7. I have to admit that the "Purple America" thing worked for me.

[Captain Hilts]

8. I like him too. nt

[freesqueeze]

9. You make some good points

I do think this nation needs new leadership and hope and Obama seems to bring both to the plate.