Barack Hussein Obama: The Next Commander-in-Chief?

Not long ago the GOP ran the world, and their top tier cronies held corner offices overlooking the universe. Now that the Dems are in pseudo-control and certain Bushies have been relieved of their duties, multiple hats, 18 and counting, are in the ring for the chance to become the new US Head Honcho, all while G.W. hasn't even realized his full potential as America's least trusted & most hated commander-in-chief ever.

So who will be the next US president?

Will it be Old Man McCain? Smile-Bright spokesman Edwards? Mitt the Mormon? NY Royalty Rudy G.? Or, will it be one of the 2 democratic heavyweights: Dame Hillary or Golden Boy Barack? It is simply too soon to tell, or is it?

Is our 21^st century, western society- melting pot of a country really ready for the 1^st female president or its 2^nd black president? Former President Clinton being the 1^st.

Judging by the most recent coup d'e tat in Congress, America is definitely ready for something new, but are we that ready? After all, remember the Clinton years. And Obama is already fitted with protection from the Secret Service.

While Senator Clinton has a long established network and a bankable political record, Senator Obama has the charm, poise and convincing rhetoric to cajole voters that he's the man for the job. After raising $25 million in the 1^st quarter of '07 in non-special interest and non-corporate dollars, he is definitely giving his party-mate the proverbial run for her money.

But is he a winnable candidate?

Obama's handlers certainly hope so. After all, they're working hard to capitalize on his few flaws, making him seem more human, like you and me. So far, its working. His contributions have mainly come in increments of less than $100 a head.

His reputation in the senate has been consistent and his plan is to change the 'business as usual' politicking that has overtaken Washington. But where does he stand on the issues?

Barack in Brief:

On the War:

He voted no as well as a big fat N-O to increasing the number of troops in Iraq. He reportedly put Secretary Rice to task on the supposed benchmarks set in place. She reportedly had no prepared response to give him, supposedly demonstrating that he's not afraid to put the tough questions on the table.

On Stem Cell Research:

Long term supporter as well as chief co-sponsor of the Ronald Reagan Biomedical Act. Impressive.

On Universal Healthcare:

All for it; he wants to bring the whole system into the 21^st century with benefits of online access. His eye is on the poor, but the middle class worker who is being crushed by the increasing costs of health insurance is not in his immediate field of focus.

On Immigration Reform:

(Also known as the anti-Mexican movement)

He supports better border security in the interest of fighting terrorism. (Even though there is little, if any, documentation that proves terrorists enter into the US via our borders. Many have obtained legal citizenship, but I digress.) He proposed a type of amnesty program with the hopes of coaxing undocumented immigrants "out of the shadows" by allowing them, in essence, to stay as long as they pay.

While people watchers and pundits hail Senator Obama as a champion for the people, critics still say he is just too green for the post. There have even been voices, some without faces, who say Barack is just not "black enough".

What does that mean? And why does anyone who wants 'street cred' appear on Al Sharpton's talk show? Moreover, when did Al Sharpton become the singular voice of the black conscience? Either way, he seems to be wooing voters even in the face of Hillary's still-strong and winnable campaign.

Who will be the next in charge?

Only time - and there is much of it remaining, overpriced ads, and millions of dollars in campaign funds will tell.