I agree that Obama is charismatic, a great listener and a great speaker. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all of us are swept away by his rhetoric and his "promise" for change. Words alone do not make great presidents or great leaders.
My mom was a great listener and won the heart's of friends unlike anyone else. But she would have made a lousy President.
I like Obama as a person. However he is way too "green," especially considering the serious threats and challenges this country faces both at home and internationally. Someday he will make a great leader. He's not ready yet.
There is idealism and then there is blind optimism. His idealism and energy is his strength. His blind optimism is his weakness and could put this country in more serious harm than currently.
I just read an article in the NY Times from a political analyst that mentioned if you take away Obama's "change" theme, his speeches are actually pretty bleak. I have followed like many the campaign for months and still don't know exactly how Obama's "changes" are that much different from Hilary's? Or even what exact changes he is "promising?" More importantly, is he preaching change for change sake or is it truly best for the country? Keep in mind: not all change is for the positive.
In the 57 years that I have been alive, any real change that has happened in this country came about through grass roots efforts, not the government. Anyone that is counting on Obama to bring about change in this country will be quickly disappointed. Politics is politics and that is the one thing that will never change.
February 19, 2008 at 2:42pm
Denise Corcoran