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Obama - A messiah?


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Following his five state win in last weekend's contests, Sen. Barack Obama is walking a strong path on his political pilgrimage to the White House, leaving many to ask, "Just how has he done it?"

Some journalists traveling with the presidential candidate say he is simply intoxicating, and reminiscent of a "messiah," which could lead to huge disappointments if he is elected on rhetorical inspiration over substance.
tmcallister

18 responses // Obama - A messiah?

  • However he's elected, it's important that people are getting involved, even moved, by a presidential candidate. In my opinion, the number one problem we face in America is apathy, at least when it comes to our problems and our politicians. I hardly think enough people would think of him as a "messiah" to lead up to the kind of disappointment you are describing. Instead, I see Obama as having big shoes to fill...the ones he has projected. Change, empowerment, si se puede! How can a movement like this go wrong? Not only has he positioned himself as being the vehicle for change, but let's face an important fact; if elected, he will be the first black president. That's BIG. That's a lot of responsibility. He is representing something much bigger than himself, or his potential administration. He is representing the potential of a people; the hopes of generations of black Americans. Obama can't screw this up. Given the opportunity, he could very well be the best president we have seen in our times. I had my doubts about Obama, it's true. But I have come to see him as a brilliant change of pace; a fork in the road, and a bright light at the end of this dark tunnel that we call the bush administration.
    AngelinaH
  • his speeches are great, just by themselves. They pack a final punch that leaves you reeling. A+ for rhetorical inspiration. As for substance, I think he's got that too, but in an entertainment society like ours, for better or for worse, it's important to be able to give a good speech.
    stephenthomson
  • I'm growing a little weary of the style over substance argument. Isn't it possible that he could be both substantive and stylish? Isn't that at least possible? Just because he's a good speaker doesn't automatically mean he's deficient in other areas. It's a pretty stale stereotype.
    krag2112
  • You know, for a while, I was scared of voting for him. The reason was actually because of his lack of confidence when he speaks without a script. Has anyone else noted that? I find his public speaking skills to be a bit over rated. The reason his speeches come off so well, is that there IS so much substance, and so much momentum and energy. His speaking skills alone do leave something to be desired. Watch him in the debates, or just talking to reporters as he walks down the street. He stutters. He looks moderately uncomfortable. That made ME uncomfortable at first, but I have come to terms with it. His Super Tuesday speech, for example, was incredibly moving...and he delivered it well...but I think he really has more substance rather than style. It's the substance that gives his speeches so much power, not his amazing prowess as a speaker. It's really easy to get that confused in this case, especially since we have not seen a figure like this in generations.
    AngelinaH
  • I did notice that in the debates he wasn't as strong as when he had a speech prepared.
    stephenthomson
  • It could be because he's more comfortable when he's able to speak freely with compassion about what he believes in, but feels restricted in a debate setting. Whatever it is, he's given me hope when I'd just about given up. I don't feel like he's telling us anything he doesn't truly believe is true.
    Chique
  • I agree, but I have to say I kind of like the way he comes off when he's off script. It isn't very slick, but I find if reassuring. He's not just regurgitating talking points, so he has to find his words...actually think about what he's saying. Check out this video of him in VA answering a question.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3GLyuVzIn8&eurl=htt...

    Not very slick, but I like the answer.
    krag2112
  • I think that's possible. Honestly, I just don't think he's a speaker by nature. I think he's an incredible man, who has had to speak in order to accomplish what he has. And you know what? I'm okay with that now. As some of you have pointed out, he's NOT slick. Maybe that's part of our departure from the status quo. I'm on board.
    AngelinaH
  • Hey Krag...I like your avatar.
    AngelinaH
  • Thanks Angelina...I never know what to choose for these things. I like yours too...is that you?

    I live in VA and tomorrow is our primary, I hope we can deliver for Obama. I have a lot of friends in CA who were sure they were going to come through, so I guess you can't take things for granted.
    krag2112
  • Yes, this is me, sans color. I live in CA, and I REALLY thought Obama would take it... If you have time, stand around somewhere high traffic, and remind people to vote! (preferably for Obama!)
    AngelinaH
  • I think with another week he could have won in CA too. Just ran out of time.

    I'm going to get as many people out to vote as I can. VA is a deeply red state (almost maroon), but even here people are ready for change. My parents are life long republicans (I'm a crushing disappointment) but eight years of Bush have them looking seriously at Obama. I never thought I'd see the day.

    What do you think of Hillary? Will you support her if she wins the nom?
    krag2112
  • If Hillary wins the nomination, I will take a long deep look at McCain. As I have said elsewhere, I think integrity and character are sometimes more important than policy...and I also think those are two things that Hillary has in short supply. Hillary represents yesterday's politics, yesterday's methods, and yesterday's status quo. I find that to be unacceptable. Now, I'm not saying I ABSOLUTELY will not vote for Hillary, I'm just going to have to carefully weigh out the options. If change is what we want, then we need to vote for Obama. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I think Obama will be very cautious, and considerate in his decision making. He will represent an entire movement. In fact, he will represent a movement WITHIN a movement, because his groundbreaking presidency will be a landmark for African Americans, and really, for the world at large. If Obama doesn't win, honestly, I may lose hope. Canada, here I come! (Okay, maybe not Canada...after all, I am a California girl!)
    AngelinaH
  • I struggle with the same thing. I almost wish it weren't going to be McCain (someone I have at least a modicum of respect for). If Romney (or worse Rudy) had won then it would be an easy choice. But...in the end I think I would have to support her just based on policy alone. I really want to see health care reform…and that just won't happen with McCain. The thing that scares me most is the possibility of Obama losing the nomination on the votes of the super-delegates. That would drive me over the edge.

    Are you listening Howard Dean? I’m a man on the edge here.
    krag2112
  • Oh, I know! It'll be totally wrong if that were to happen. If he has even a SLIGHT margin over her, which he currently does, then it would really be wrong for the super-delegates to throw it the other way. I'm not sure that will happen though. There is SO much support for Obama, and Hillary doesn't have the support of the democratic base, or progressives like us. Too many democrats are saying they'll consider McCain, and tons of Republicans will refuse McCain, because he's too "liberal". Health care is one of my primary concerns, but I'm not happy with Hillary's plan. All together, I will be utterly devastated if it's a choice between Hillary or McCain; I would seriously consider leaving the country, but then again, I'm thinking about it anyway.
    AngelinaH
  • My go you people are amazing A measiah are you kidding me. He has a weird background to say the least he attends a church where the muslim preacher preaches hate to America ( not my words CNN) and you people think he is a mesiah. Of all the candidates he scares me the most. He wille weak on forigen policy and our borders. National health care has faild everwhere it has been tried why do you think we will get it right with all our greedy politicians and who the hell is going to pay fo it. ( I know stop the war and there is your money) wrong this will cost 3 times more then the war will cost in 12 years. I am overtaxed as it is. I love you liberals you want all these programs but can never figure out how to pay for it. except for taxing the working class. Keep the goverment out of my pocket. I beat cancer and presently have RSD I have alway's paid for my own insurance never asked anyone for help. Besides why do Canadiens come here to get desperate medical attention why because thier susytem does not work Read people Read and not just your liberal rags written by liberal hacks
    conservative65
  • http://toolbar.google.com/T4/index_pack_xp.html
    Image...
    Read huh? Maybe you should take your own advice, or at least learn how to use spell check. It's called Google toolbar; check it out. If I weren't such a kind and loving person, I might call you an idiot. Good thing I'm especially nice to intellectual midgets.... xoxo with love
    AngelinaH
  • By the way, can you recommend some good reading? I went to your profile to see if I could find some good reading, but all I found was rants like this. We should start a book club! Conservative, you can choose the first book/publication, then I'll go next. You know, considering how nasty you tend to be, maybe our first read should be the BIBLE. I think you could use some Jesus in your life.
    AngelinaH

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