Today, Illinois Senator Barack Obama officially announced his bid for the white house. This move was widely expected following the Senator’s formation of a presidential exploratory committee in mid January.
If elected, Obama would become the first president of African American descent. Clearly this would be a historical event for America and a significant step forward in the ‘color blinding’ of America. Although there have been black presidential candidates in the past, Obama’s popularity gives him more momentum than any other black candidate in recent memory.
But Obama has lots of competition. Most notable is Hilary Clinton, who has used her time in the Senate to build political capital and line up financiers. Additionally, there are many other democratic candidates in the mix, not to mention republican competitors in the general election.
I have watched obama more closely in recent months, and he is a powerful candidate. He speaks well – and I don’t mean this as the dismissive ‘he speaks so well’ complement for blacks. No, obama is categorically a compelling speaker that does a good job of linking political issues with his own experiences. This makes his speeches seem more personal, and makes him seem very sincere.
This is important for obama, since today’s political landscape, controlled to a large extent by the bush white house, is clouded by an aura of suspicion and distrust. Obama’s down to earth, heart-felt speeches are a stark contrast to bush’s often incoherent public appearances that are usually divisive and confrontational.
In my opinion, Obama also stacks up well against Clinton. Although Hilary is clearly very popular in some circles, she is a love or hate type of candidate. As a woman, she does face hurdles as many voters are probably not ready for a female president. Her record as a senator may alienate those who have been anti-iraq invasion from the start. Also, many potential voters seem to dislike her personality, or at least what personality she displays on TV. Perhaps she seems distrustful, or too confident, maybe arrogant? Or maybe this is just a remnant of old sexual stereotypes that is looking for a way to surface in today’s PC environment.
One of clinton’s greatest strengths is her ability to fund raise. She already has planned fund raisers with big time Hollywood players – and she is tapped in to deep democratic coffers that her husband opened in his prime.
This is a problem for obama, who lacks the recognition and reputation of Clinton. Obama will need money to buy national face time – otherwise his greatest strengths, his speaking ability and general likability, will go unseen by most Americans.
Comments already on japadamus noted that there are more than two democratic candidates. But let’s be realistic, with the hype surrounding Clinton and Obama, there is not enough votes , or money, left for others. Media coverage will also focus on the more compelling Clinton/obama competition, rather than focusing on smaller, albeit scrappier, democratic candidates.
Still, the biggest question surrounding obama is what role his race will play. He can clearly expect some boost from black voters – and in fact I expect the black community, which has complained so long of racism in various circles, to mobilize for obama. This is the time for the black community to show that they are more than jessee and Sharpton making speeches after cops shoot black suspects. It is unquestionable that a black president would be a critical step forward for this country – and now is the time for blacks to put up or shut up.
Whites are another question. Although racism has become strictly taboo, will white voters make the trip to the polls for a black candidate? Does the country even look at candidates in terms of color? Here is where media hype will play a key role – from fox’s madrasa BS to the general ‘first black’ stories. Hopefully, these will grow old very soon, and these issues will take a backseat to the candidates themselves.
Personally, I hope so. Obama’s lack of experience, to me at least, is a key strength. I believe that he has not been corrupted or influenced by Washington – and his passionate speeches seem to confirm this. While Clinton would be an effective democratic candidate, I think obama is unique in his idealism – perfect for a country that is polarized by a number of issues like the war in Iraq. Perhaps obama would be for this generation what JFK was for his.
Barack Obama announced his candidacy today according to 
In conclusion, I think people of two opposing diets can work but only in one regard. Someone will need to eventually compromise and not really care about what they eat. In my case I eventually thought the chick was psycho (unrelated to the vegan diet) so the relationship didn’t last, but to be honest: I care a lot about what I eat and I don’t think its fair that we have to cancel the Zuni Cafe reservation to eat at Cafe Gratitude (I’ll have to save the review of this disaster for another time.) So all you self-described vegetarians out there dating a full fledged carnivore, Good Luck!
