Comments on Endless Obama

I ask this question in all seriousness: Is it really possible at this time in America for a man whose middle name is "Hussein" to be elected President?

The past 6 years we have seen injustice and little regard for intelligent thought, human life, or the "law". Not to mention the fact that most people in the country don't really pay attention to anything going on around the world or politically. I honestly wouldnt be surprised if we elected a dolphin for president named 'Bin Laden Hussein Arafat'.

People would be like, "hum, Arafat, that sounds familiar. I'll vote for him".

of course the dolphin would have to be tough about national security. Then he'd be sure to get the red state electoral votes.

Charles, it is an odd coincidence that you end your post dwelling on the notion of "a man of the people."
I was just at a screening of "Bobby" a movie about the day the RFK was assassinated.
During the movie, my mind kept gravitating toward Obama. Kennedy (still a one-term Senator, like Obama, when he was running for Prez in '68...he was elected in '64) had the same rock star power that Obama has...that few politicians have. Good looking like Obama too.

The theme of this movie was certainly just that: "A man of the people." Kennedy, like Obama, eloquently gravitated toward the soothing middle in ultra-polarzied times. (Yes, he was the anti-war candidate... but Eugene McCarthy, obviously, was the anti-war activist candidate.)

To make the point that Bobby was a man of the people, he is barely in this movie...Mostly, the film features a Robert Altman-style assortment of characters who are living their lives—in some way anchored around the Ambassador Hotel that day: the door man, a hair-stylist, the kitchen staff, couples who are staying there, getting married there that night, the hotel manager, RFK's campaign staff). RFK is assassinated, of course, at the Ambassador that night after giving his pivotal California primary victory speech in the hotel's ball room.

The cast of characters are all living their serious, trivial, mixed up common lives and—political or not—all find a sliver of hope and salvation in Kennedy's calm, measured message of hope.

It struck me that this movie was a Barack Obama campaign film.

Informative take on Obama Charles, in particular about his politics.

I recall some gross naivete on the slog regarding an article in Harper’s which focused on Obama’s fundraising acumen among the NYC/DC financial sector, rather than the usual charismatic feelgood stuff. As if it was a bad thing. On the contrary, it signaled his early arrival as a major player, as someone who could conceivably run for president.

To be elected president, a candidate must have the support of a significant portion of the business community. If you’re a Democrat, that means one of only a few options: multinational corporations, the financial sector, or maybe tech money, because Republicans have the rest.

We have way too many Democrats who are either good at raising the moolah, or good at the feelgood stuff, but not at both. Obama has both, as did Clinton. Bill I mean.

Besides, Charles, what USA President has ever met your standard for revolutionary politics? Lincoln? After the Gettysburg address, of course.

"The book is easy to read because the ass of Obama is, as a hole, interesting."

There is just something about this man that is preventing me being sold on his viability as a Democratic leader. I don't quite know what it is...he is obviously an intelligent and thoughtful person...some underlying artifice or condescension, perhaps. Unheard of for a politician, I know.

Charles, I believe the white american romance with Obama doesn't extend beyond the blue states. Has Obama gone to places like Idaho? Arizona? Texas? Tennesee:)? The love affair strikes me as a superficial golly gee whiz reaction among white americans who aren't used to seeing articulate and intelligent black males. Given the intractable nature of racism in america, I would be pleasantly surprised if Obama's charm and smarts translated to victory in a general election.

"The love affair strikes me as a superficial golly gee whiz reaction among white americans who aren't used to seeing articulate and intelligent black males."

Skeptical black male, you're sort of right, but it's not "golly gee whiz". White people who don't like racism feel a sense of relief when they see a black male who they can relate to and who isn't beholden to the undermining standards of "authentic" blackness imposed by ghetto culture.

If you listen to Obama for ten minutes, however, it becomes obvious that his talents transcend race. With the exception of Bill Clinton, no one can articulate liberal values as simply, clearly, and compellingly as he does. He makes liberal philosophy sound like common sense. He also has the potential to motivate black voters to the polls like Clinton did. These things could carry him to the presidency.