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Edited on Thu Jan-13-11 12:04 AM by LynneSin
Tonight was not a place where Obama wanted to be. The last thing he would want to do is stand at a podium and talk about those who were harmed or died while trying to participate in democracy. I don't think any president ever wants to be in that position. I don't think Bush wanted to be there over 9/11 and I doubt Clinton wanted to be there after the Oklahoma City bombing. But these things do happen, they are tragic and they are a time when not only our country but the world turns to our president to understand why these things happen and where we go to from there.
Tonight Obama showed grace and class under pressure when he spoke at the memorial service tonight. He comforted those who had lost loved ones, he cheered those who showed courage and he prayed for those still mending. He showed us why he is president. Sure there were naysayers, those who wanted to try and lay blame on him, but he knew this was not a time to point fingers and lay blame but to help mend our country and move forward.
Say what you will about Sarah Palin's involvement with the killer. As a liberal we would love to lay the blame on those who have used words and photos that gave us images of violence. I think it's safe to say that for most of the country, including us liberals, there wasn't an undertone of violence that Ms Palin created with that ad. Sure her rhetoric seems a bit reckless but I highly doubt it was the soul source that inspired a killer.
Today was the opportunity for Sarah Palin to show us why she is presidential material. We know around 25% of this country follows her blindly but that is probably not enough for her to win even the primary of her party. Sarah Palin was thrusted into the limelight over a vague connection between her rhetoric and a killer who was anti-government. When Sarah finally spoke, this was the chance to show her presidential side - to rise above the accusations and help with the healing of a country that was saddened by these senseless murders. Instead of being presidential, Sarah Palin showed us why she'll be nothing more than a TV personality. No matter how many flags you fly or homey places you sit by, if your words aren't sincere you will not impress those who you will need to reach if you expect to rise above 25%. Instead of helping heal a country Sarah showed us that in a time of crisis it is still " All About Me!". If she couldn't find the words of compassion to reach out to the country and say "I care enough to try harder" then how could anyone expect you to do that as president.
Tonight we saw what it takes to be a president and what it takes to not be one. Boy what a difference!
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