the audacity of hope
So I learned yesterday, somewhat belatedly, that Barack Obama announced he was running for President.
My immediate reaction: a triumphant, two fists in the air Rocky style.
My friends who witnessed this asked if I was going to vote for him. Vote for him? I would campaign for him.
My next thought was a little bit of excitement mixed with dread. Because I often have a hard time dividing the personal and public lives of leaders. Like MLK: amazing man, but definitely flawed. I still remember the day I learned that it was common knowledge he was a philanderer. And for me to throw myself behind someone, who is undoubtedly flawed, is a bit scary. (How will I ever get married? :) ) I even had a dream last night that the Obama family was on a talk show dealing very openly and honestly with some scandal that the press was hopping on.
But the truth is, that Barack Obama makes me feel hopeful about politics and about America. I too feel connected to him. Maybe it is the mixed race thing, maybe it is the Indonesian thing. Maybe it is more than both of those things.
Obama 2008!
My immediate reaction: a triumphant, two fists in the air Rocky style.
My friends who witnessed this asked if I was going to vote for him. Vote for him? I would campaign for him.
My next thought was a little bit of excitement mixed with dread. Because I often have a hard time dividing the personal and public lives of leaders. Like MLK: amazing man, but definitely flawed. I still remember the day I learned that it was common knowledge he was a philanderer. And for me to throw myself behind someone, who is undoubtedly flawed, is a bit scary. (How will I ever get married? :) ) I even had a dream last night that the Obama family was on a talk show dealing very openly and honestly with some scandal that the press was hopping on.
But the truth is, that Barack Obama makes me feel hopeful about politics and about America. I too feel connected to him. Maybe it is the mixed race thing, maybe it is the Indonesian thing. Maybe it is more than both of those things.
Obama 2008!
posted by Elizabeth at 1:23 PM
4 Comments:
I think a lot of Americans are tired and disillusioned with the presidency, and desire something new and different. I think that's what Barack Obama represents. In a very JFK way, I think people think of him as someone with the charisma that would bring a new vitality to the presidency. Not the same old politicians (like Hilary and maybe even John Edwards) going round and round in the same circles...
so how are you ever going to support me when i run if you can't separate private from personal life? not that i have any skeletons in my closet... ;o)
While I generally vote for less government rather than more, Barack Obama is intriguing. At very least I hope that his candor and charisma brings an end to the current political practice of railing on an opponent's policy without clearly presenting an alternative.
I was impressed by his speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. The speeches he gave there are free on iTunes.
-Yep, I'm one of them.
humans are flawed, sweetie. what we do is realize that there are few people who have that type of candor, that much potential and are so paramount to current times. just put some faith into it ;)
Post a Comment
<< Home