Will Barack Obama run for president in 2008? The Chicago Tribune publishes a thoughtful look at the White House prospects of Illinois' junior senator, easily one of the most charismatic new faces in Washington D.C. "He doesn't carry baggage for voting for the Iraq war (he wasn't in the Senate at the time and he spoke against it during his campaign). He is 44 years old and by Election Day 2008, he will be 47, which is one year older than Bill Clinton was in 1992. His celebrity appeal, which will be demonstrated anew on a book tour that could last up to six months, exceeds any Democrat in the race except Sen. Clinton."
Obama is certainly the prototypical Übersexual and someone to watch. From his well-publicized $2 million book deal to an impressive speaking schedule—so far, 25 states—it's obvious that (almost) everyone has Barack Fever. Not sure if he will make a White House bid in '08 cuz it's pretty much Hillary's nomination to lose. But Barack Obama is certainly a much-needed shining star in the party and a candidate who can effortlessly cross demographics.
Speaking of demos ... one very important component of the Tribune analysis: Race was never mentioned. Not once. .
Obama in '08? (Chicago Tribune)
Previously:
Silly Marketing Trends We Can Do Without (Rod 2.0)
Great article. This may be our first black president.
Posted by: Carl | 30 May 2006 at 18:16
Barak Obama is the future of the party. But I think Hillary will run. Not sure can she win, tho.
Posted by: Lee Owens | 30 May 2006 at 18:19
It interesting how you referenced the earlier ubersexual article. often, media tries to limit the perception of black men as natural leaders. I wonder why is Obama not treated like this? Possibly because he's not a preacher-civil rights type who injects race into everything?
Posted by: Joe Jons | 30 May 2006 at 18:30
Anyone will be better than "Dubya." Thank God that he cannot run in anymore.
Posted by: Dexter | 30 May 2006 at 21:47
White folks in Illinois are obviously more progressive than white people in the rest of the country. I think most white Americans would vote for an Eskimo before they'd vote for a black man. Actually, I'm not sure what Obama stands for, but that might be my fault. Hillary's a big disappointment already, she has no soul. Maybe Al Gore will make a comeback. He'd TRY to raise taxes on the wealthy bastards in this country, and do something about our ridiculous foreign policy which gives un-questioned support to Israel. Maybe I'm f___in' dreamin'.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 31 May 2006 at 08:34
A clarification.
....unquestioned support for Israel WHICH HAS ALLOWED EXTREMEST MUSLIM LUNATICS (WHO KILL GAY PEOPLE) TO TAKE OVER THE ISLAMIC WORLD. i got the spirit this mornin'
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 31 May 2006 at 08:50