Yes, I'm On The Obama Band Wagon

Barack Obama is the new black. I am of course not referring to his race when I say he's "the new black". I am just pointing out that there is nothing more fashionable for amateur, arm chair politicos than to be interested in (dare I say infatuated with)  Senator Barack Obama. Many progressives treat his increasing political popularity as if it signals the second coming (not of Christ, but of Clinton). Being a bit of a contrarian, and a tad bit cynical where politics is concerned, I'd love to be a naysayer where Obama is concerned. I'd love to be one of those people who early on claims that they were never taken in by the charm, the mystique, and yes the hype surrounding the young Senator from Illinois. Bit I cannot. I am officially on the bandwagon.

The nail in the coffin for me, or for my cynicism, was Obama's performance on Meet The Press. (The interview can be downloaded below.) Tim Russert is not an easy interviewer. He is often relentless with interviewees, regardless of party affiliation. Obama rose to the occassion. His candor was refreshing. He was honest, clear, and charitable. His ability to critique (devistatingly) the current administration and its policies, while at the same time expressing his own personal like for the President was absolutely amazing. He even praised Reagan as a great president, despite his dislike of many of Reagan's policies. The highpoint of the interview was when he talked about the obselete nature of the way that politcal debates have been framed since the 60's. His example was big vs. small government. Obama thinks that the emerging generation is pragmatic as opposed to ideological, and wants smart government. I couldn't agree more.

In today's edition of the NY Times, Bob Herbert, like so many pundits encourages Obama to put off a presidential run. Why? Because Obama lacks experience. Certainly true. But Herbert recommends more time in the Senate. Chair a powerful committee, get more beltway time under the belt, then run. But Kerry was a senior senator, as was Bob Dole. That didn't help either of them. The last senator that won a presidential bid was a young, inexperieced, but visionary JFK. Mr. Obama please ignore the pundits. You are a moderate progressive with pragmatic sensibilites who can speak to religious people (he noted on Meet The Press how effective the evangelical community has been with regard to Darfur). Worse case scenario, you don't get the nomination and wind up with a VP nomination, and then you're part of a losing Democratic ticket. Did it kill the politcal future of a young John Edwards....? What do you have to lose? In a word...nothing!!!

 

Download nbc_news_meet_the_press_10222006073512.mp3

Comments

[wezlo]

Saw him on Larry King Live the other day - all I can say is, "wow." I mean, here's a guy who can say, "Look, I'm a Christian and this is how my faith convicts what I believe on this particular issue." At the same time he can say, "And my faith ALSO tells me to do this (often dealing with the same issue)." Great quality...

Some folks on X. want a Obama/Powell ticket - I'd vote for that...