Barack Obama, a Junior Senator from the State of Illinois has emerged at somewhat of a "designer" candidate in the 2008 elections. Widely endorsed by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Halle Barry, it is hard to look past his commercial appeal and famous friends. However, behind the campaign that has raised over $58 Million dollars (still 6 months out from the Democratic National Convention) is a man with little political experience, and many aspirations. Promising to end the war in Iraq, and strengthen America overseas many seasoned politicians think that Obama doesn't really know what hes in for. With little experience in the International arena, his plans to "Strengthen America Overseas," may seem like he is biting off more than he can chew. However, many people in the Democratic party are throwing their support behind Obama citing is vision and integrity to be qualities that will lead him to success not only on the campaign trail, but in the White House as well.
Obama is also getting alot of attention for bringing faith back into Democratic politics. Although widely satarized on shows like The Colbert Report and The Daily Show, the lack of a strong religious voice within the Democrats has been noticeable. However, Obama has spoken openly about his Christian beliefs as well as the "uncertainty of faith" in a speech in June 2006. But will his religious convictions and displays of his own family values be enough to sway the more conservative vote?
Also, Obama speaks about improving schools and ending poverty in the US. Although this may seem cynical, I find it hard to believe that a Columbia and Harvard Law educated lawyer, teaching law at a premiere US law school (University of Chicago) ever finds himself strapped for cash or living pay check to pay check. On the other hand, no candidate that has the means to run for President has ever felt those kinds of pressures.
Even with the skepticism, I think that Barack Obama offers hope for the American public, more so than I saw in the 2004 elections with Kerry and Edwards. His optimism and hope for the future of the country is something that I think will resonate with young voters and may harken back to days of JFK and Bobby Kennedy. As the months move on we will see if Obama can gain more momentum agains Hillary Clinton, but he still may carry a large vote among Democrats.
*10.3.08- I have added a picture I took (on my cell phone...don't mind the quality) at the Obama speech in Coralville on October 2, 2007. He was speaking that day marking the 5 year anniversary of his opposition to the Iraq war.
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