That finally we have a presidential candidate — Barack Obama — who speaks in full sentences and thoughtfully enlarged paragraphs, immediately puts him at odds with the sound-bite-fed media. It is not uncommon to be in a crowd and hear people discussing game shows, soap operas, sports and post-eighties comic books. So when a serious presidential candidate speaks to us like adults, it is indeed refreshing, hopeful and revolutionary.
Think about this for a moment — the possibility of electing a president who is contemplative, well read, and writes his own books. Yes, change is possible when it starts with a proponent of such. We understand that ideas and the creators and carriers of ideas are very powerful in this culture. Also, it takes more than 30 seconds to talk intelligently about and consider the many formulations on education, the economy, healthcare, national security and, of course, the ever present elephant in the room — race.
On the issue of race, Obama tried, and to the degree that people listen, really listen, he succeeded. His address to the nation was a masterful piece of writing and delivery. In my opinion, he has earned and deserves enormous respect from the public — voters and non-voters alike.
This speech, delivered at a critical time in this primary campaign season, was perceivably given as a vehicle for Obama to respond to the Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy. In an effort to distance himself from the rhetoric, but not alienate himself from the man, Obama moved the conversation from attack on religious doctrine to a conversation on embracing differences. However, we are now entering the hot wilderness, because there are some who will not let Rev. Wright retire in peace.
The wolves are coming out and protection for Obama or Wright is little. The Left will fold and retreat. The Right smells blood and will escalate their attacks. Many members of the Black community will dance in self-haltered confusion of “what could have been” and break out in a chorus of “I told you so.”
