I’ve been trying to decide what to make of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech a week ago Thursday before the Democratic National Convention.
First let me say that I thought the speech was dynamite. Obama is a first class orator and he was superb in his delivery. And even though he was criticized by some for lack of detail in his plans, I thought he had plenty of detail for an acceptance speech.
Like others, my first view of Obama was during his keynote address to the DNC in 2004. His message of “were all Americans” was inspiring. I thought, “This guy is destined for great things in politics.” I admired his bent to statesmanship instead of the same old party politics that punctuates most political activities. Good idea. Let’s cooperate and accomplish the stuff that America needs. Let’s all do it together.
Four years later and some of the idealism and statesmanship have been traded for the politics of getting elected. I understand the need for this, yet I long for the old Obama. And I don’t hold this against him. I hope, that if he is elected, he can return to his place as one who calls for us to rise above ourselves for the good of America.
Me too. I have a feelin that he has not swayed so far one way or the other that he will not be able to center himself again and lead our country in the right direction. He inspired us in 2004 like no one has in decades. I think 2004 is the actual measure of the man.
If we were inspired in 2004 and no one has inspired us like he did since then, maybe he is our man. Something to think about. Take it from me it is not that difficult to vote out side of your political party. If it makes sense do it. I like the philosophy, “The good things do them. The bad things try not to do them. And in all cases cause no harm.” The candidate that seems to stay as close to that philosophy will get my vote. 🙂
I, too, have been impressed with his appeal to our better selves. Even when I don’t agree with him, I respect the reason and thought behind his decisions. He seems like a decent man with great potential who really seems to believe we, as a country, can do better for everyone. It seems real and unfaked. Maybe I am just getting more naive in my old age, but I haven’t felt uplifted by a politician in a long time. It feels good.