As most of the world knows, Senator Barack Obama announced today that he is forming an exploratory committee -- the first formal step in declaring his candidacy for President in 2008. I have been loosely following the Senator since his speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004. He is a fascinating phenomenon at the very least. There has been an enormous amount of commentary about him, especially in the last year as it became apparent that he was considering a run for president, with people trying to figure out who he is and what he stands for....I think we are about to find out.
The reason I enjoy listening to the Senator speak about anything is that he makes me feel good, about Americans and our country, about the future. There are a lot of people trying to compartmentalize him and categorize him and I don't think it's going to be that easy. He is obviously very intelligent, an excellent public speaker and charismatic. With the horrible, hateful state of politics in this country -- after six years of divisive, wedge-issue politics -- I think this man speaks to the best in all of us and that will be a very difficult effect to counter.
He says it's the "smallness of our politics that most bothers him...our leaders in Washington seem incapable of working together in a practical, common-sense way. Politics has become so bitter and partisan and gummed up by money and influence that we can't tackle the big problems that demand solutions, and that's what we have to change."
Check out his announcement video at www.barackobama.com. Feel good for today.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. Have read both his books, and am prepared to vote for him for anything from Dogcatcher to President.
He's warm, intelligent, open, and energetic. I don't think we have anyone better in view!
Terry Kirker at 4:49PM on Jan 16th 2007
2. Lyn, that press release you linked to is almost 3 years old and from a right-wing site. Also, nothing the author claims is cited in any way. Sounds like his word vs. Obama's.
I can't believe I wasted my time clicking on that link.
liz at 4:51PM on Jan 16th 2007
3. I think Obama should run for the President. To all who think differant need to grow up. The man just might do alot of good. We could use a new face up there white,black or gray even green or blue, he is just a guy who just might turn the war around and give us a shimmer of hope.Now we all know that color of skin should not be a issue but we all know there are people out there that only see in black and white and there the people we dont need to vote. What would they do if a woman ran for President. Hell I am all for that as well, So all I have to say is Mr Obama I am with you all the way,as long as you can talk your way in and do what you say you will then more power to you!!!!!!
Monica
Monica at 4:59PM on Jan 16th 2007
4. I think that its about time that an african-american is running.......... i think that Obama will do our country good........... i am about sick of all the other people who ran........ maybe just maybe Obama will win and turn our country AROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashley at 5:06PM on Jan 16th 2007
5. I sure do hope he runs. I think he could win and do this country a great deal of good. He is so down to earth and straight forward, a refreshing change. He has got my vote
glora at 5:12PM on Jan 16th 2007
6. Is it true that Obama is a smoker, and if so, how will he be able to prmote a health plan effectively?
Jordan Catt at 5:23PM on Jan 16th 2007
7. Why didn't AOL mention Tom Tancredo who announced today also. Could it be AOL is biased?
Al at 5:29PM on Jan 16th 2007
8. For the record, Senator Obama was born in the State of Hawaii on August 4, 1961.
Martha at 5:33PM on Jan 16th 2007
9. who cares if he smokes or not, we have far more intelligent issues that we need to address, for one dying soldiers, so being a smoker isn't even in the equation to determine if he could promote an effective health plan or not!
shon at 5:34PM on Jan 16th 2007
10. OBAMA IS JUST SETTING THE BLACKS AND THE DEMOCRATS BACK INTO THE SUNDAY FUNNY PAPERS. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. THE DEMOS FINALLY GET IN AND FUCK UP TWICE IN THE FIRST 15 DAYS. WHAT NEXT?
ALLEN BURTON at 6:04PM on Jan 16th 2007
11. We need a good speaker as president,and obama is it!!really that is all the president does.That with a lot of common sense can go a long way..our president now has no thoughts running thru his head but he can read what his speach writer gives him..thats why he doesnt meet with foriegn leaders!!GO OBAMA WE NEED YOU!!
mike at 6:13PM on Jan 16th 2007
12. I am so glad he has finally made the decision to run. This man is exactly what this country needs at this time...hope, values, and the belief that we are all linked together by our humanity. I think it makes little difference that he does not have a long politcal resume, in fact it may serve him well. What he has is common sense, and isn't that the criteria by which most Americans judge politicians?
Toni at 6:15PM on Jan 16th 2007
13. How can such an inexperienced person be given the most powerful position in the world. I like him and many of his views but be realistic. No record means no experience and no experience means trial and mostly errors if he gets the job.
Jay Smith at 6:18PM on Jan 16th 2007
14. I think people are a little to niave to jump on a bandwagon, and say you would vote for Obama this early in the game. He really doesnt have very much experience yet. Pay attention to the other candidates and what they have to say.
Kate at 6:29PM on Jan 16th 2007
15. It is going to take far more than a " great speaker " to turn the country around.
Ryan at 6:36PM on Jan 16th 2007