The Candidate

Barack Obama fever is sweeping the county. "Among a few prominent Democrats, the conversation has changed from 'we wish he would' to 'we hear he will'," writes Jonathan Alter, Newsweek's political guru. Later this week, Illinois' telegenic junior senator heads to Michigan to campaign Sen. Debbie Stabenow's re-election campaign. It sure sounds as if someone is seriously considering a presidential run for 2008.

The last issue of New York paints a rather flattering profile of Illinois' junior senator. For the Democratic National Committee, he is a godsend: A centrist Democrat who is hawkish, strong on social issues, popular with the church crowd (he attends Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ), and, above all, has that illusive cross-over appeal.

However, the editors note Obama's strongest asset with whites—being a unifier and bridging the gap "between the races"—could also be his biggest liability with black voters. "I don’t think that those two are necessarily opposing,” says Obama. “I don’t want people to pretend I’m not black or that it’s somehow not relevant. But ultimately,” he says, “I’d want to be a really great president, you know?"

A throwaway line in the New York piece that illustrates the complexity of an Obama candidacy, when the editors say he rejects "the ludicrous, impossible notion" that black politicians "must represent their race every time they vote, or act, or speak." Sure, it's "ludicrous" for a non-black person to believe, but, for better or worst (we say: worst), that's the unfortunate by-product of being black and successful. How did our grandma describe it? You're always being expected to "carry the race." Just ask Oprah, Bill Cosby ... or Condoleezza Rice.

Dreaming of Obama (New York)

Is Obama Ready to Roll? (MSNBC)

More Barack Obama:

• "Sarang Song", Oprah and Obama (Rod 2.0)
• Obama Gets Tested, Hillary Lends Muscle (Rod 2.0)
• Obama Strikes a Pose (Rod 2.0)
• Obama '08? (Rod 2.0)

Comments

[Franklyn Smith]

If the Democrats were willing to unify behind him (or Hillary), I'd vote for him. He's got charisma (sp?) for days.

[Andy in Seattle]

Ten dollars bets this is the oldest Dem trick in the book--early on, get an exciting young telegenic candidate to rally the Party faithful to mobilize, get press in the MSM, and energize the election... and then switch to the more mainstream centrist (boring) candidate for the election. Hart/Mondale, Jackson/Dukakis, Dean/Kerry, it's always the old bait & switch (and I am a very active Democrat). More than likely he's positioning himself for the VP slot due to his age and relative newness in the national spotlight, though I'd love to see him seriously run for the top spot without the interference and timidity of the DNC wusses.

[gdawg]

I sure hope he has security & is wearing a vest at all times.. there was a rumor that MLK was gonna run with bobby kennedy of course white conservatives couldnt have that.. whats makes us think that times will change when they are even more desperate for power?

[Corey Barker]

Obama and Clinton are the Democrats best hope to regaining 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Not together--that ticket would be a disaster--but either/or.

Love Rod 2.0. You give me politics, pop culture and men. Alrightttt!

[patrick]

Thats such an interesting point Rod, the "carry the race" issue, wow. Very complicated.
Hilary is unelectable in the General Election they say...I'd prolly go with Obama, but there is talk of Kerry running too. I wish that joker Oprah would stop fussin' and run.

[gene]

Obama and Clinton couldn't win a pie fight. 2 liberals - yes, liberals, you can dress them up any way you want but they are bed-wetting, thumb-sucking liberals just like me - from the North, one black, the other a woman AND a Clinton, would lose worst than McGovern in '72.

But here's thought. How about Bob Kerrey and Barrack Obama. BK is the real thing. Military experience. Tougher than Patton's horse saddle. I think they make a very nice pair.

[brohemian]

y'all are more hopeful than i am. i say that there are only three blacks who could stand a chance at the white house - condi (unfortunately), colin (if he hasn't been totally marginalized), and oprah (why not?).

it would be very very difficult for a black man on the left to win on a national platform, no matter how centrist. remember, we're still dealing with people who won't buy a magazine if a black face is on the cover.

[Rod McCullom]

As I've said on this blog, I strongly believe the "Hillary is unelectable" is a prime example of circular logic. If "they say" and "others say" keep saying it--wnd who are "they", except for Republican operatives--then others will believe it. Hillary's chances are excellent, but she may not be enough to grab some southern states.

The only hope the Democrats have of winning the White House is with a centrist or someone who can appeal to the south. You CANNOT win the White House without the South. Period.

The Democratic Party's love affair with Massachusetts and New England senators is just ridiculous. None have won the White House since Kennedy. He was also the last senator to be elected to the White House. Since then we had Johnson (before VP, was House and Sen/TX), Carter (Gov/GA) and Clinton (Gov/AR). The GOP has had Reagan (Gov/CA), GW Bush (VP and some of everything) and George W. (Gov/TX). Bill Clinton's centrist, southern credentials were perfect. Too bad he can't run again.

[C. Baptiste-Williams]

I totally agree with Rod... instead of listening and repeating what the invisible "they" have to say we should refute it and believe in the possibility.