Obama's Run for President is Right Man, Wrong Time
National Politics May Destroy a Good Man
Obama's political career is only a decade old and though he has the potential to be a great candidate, the decision to run now is a waste of his potential.
Unfortunately, an ugly presidential primary could easily destroy the man's potential as a future leader of the country. Right now, the major discussion has been regarding his lack of legislative history. He has only served in the United States Senate for two years and only served for eight years in the Illinois General Assembly before that.
Perhaps equally importantly, he has also written two very revealing autobiographies and given right-wing talk show hosts plenty to criticize. He has admitted to using cocaine when he was younger. He has shown weakness and a willingness to learn.
He has the unfortunate stigma of having the middle name Hussein.
Personally, I find his candor refreshing and would like to believe that Americans are ready to elect a man with flaws, who can honestly say that he has reformed and moved on. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening.
I'd like to believe that he will be able to carry through based on his charisma and strength of character, but it seems very likely that a difficult race could be demoralizing and disenchanting for someone who still believes in the American dream.
Maybe I am too much of a cynic, but I think that if Obama runs for president now, he will never hold a higher office than the one he has now. His lack of experience, at least officially, in world affairs will be held against him.
Of course, what kind of experience does one actually need to be president of the Untied States?
Where do you actually get the experience to deal with world leaders and running an entire country and fighting with Congress?
Unlike many senators, Obama has a background in world events and understanding that goes beyond his own backyard. And, if the voters were actually concerned about such things, they would see that his heritage could be a boon in improving America's image around the world.
Instead, he will be bogged down with questions of gun control and abortion and drug use and never allowed to adequately put forth a national security policy or a plan to reform the major social issues of our times.
Ultimately, he will be eaten alive by career politicians who are more ready for the back-biting and underhanded sniping that goes into a presidential election. And, if my instincts are any good at all, a good man will be chased out of public service.
Published by Lucinda Gunnin
Lucinda Gunnin is a writer in Illinois, who spends her days running a mini-storage complex. She had her first short stories published in 2009's Elements of the Soul and more in the recently published Element... View profile
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19 Comments
Post a CommentObama will be elected if u like it or not .
I personally would love to see Obama drop kick all the other presidential hopefuls and claim the office. But that said, I too feel he is probably a little "green" for Washington. I am praying that I'm wrong and that people will keep an open mind about him. He has some wonderful ideas and plans. He is also a very honest man that has proven his integrity...wouldn't it be nice to have that restored in Washington for a change?
What's interesting is I have heard more self described Republicans say they like him... I have a feeling once we start hearing him speak more, he will draw many people from both sides of the aisle toward him. Gearge W. Bush wasn't even Governor of Texas for two terms before he became President, and didn't have a political career before that. Although Governors are elected more often than Senators, I don't think that means Governors are any more experienced in political affairs or foriegn policy than Senators do. (point being, Bush probably had less 'experience' than Obama when we was elected President). With the climate of this country (though the 9/11 'fog' is clearing) it's hard to believe that a black man who's name is Barack Hussein Obama would be elected President two years from now. I'd vote for him in a heartbeat though.
Exactly my thinking ObamaWatch, Ross Perot springs to mind. Here was someone with great - although odd - charisma, energy and a proven record at being a business leader. But only an independent party would get behind him because of his lack of experience and the connections you spoke of - it's just being unrealistic to think someone without major party backing can really go all the way. Obama is worlds better than Perot and does have a shot, however timing is everything and this time around it seems to be Hillary's time.
With all due respect to Scott S or others who call for "fresh" and pointing to lack of experience as "charming" or no meter of projected competence, it's wonderful to think like that, but a bit pollyanna. George Washington was elected in a time when there wasn't politics like we have today.... PAC groups, TV/Media considerations - the list goes on and on... It may be a bitter pill to swallow, but experience, party backing and the "connectivity" that seasoned candidates bring are the ones who are elected and will be for the forseeable future.
I agree with Jeff. The next president will be another WASPM.
Feels like you came to a conclusion then found only the points that support your conclusion. Experience seems the to be the crux of your argument? Do you know who the least experienced president was? George Washington, who was probably the best one. When are we going to elect somebody with drug problems but "who can honestly say that he has reformed and moved on"? Umm, am I missing something or are we forgetting the current president? We're even talking about the same drug. I still don't plan to vote for Obama, but I think this is a poorly reasoned article.
It's high time to get someone in the White House that is refreshingly honest. Admits to past indiscretions, has matured and moved on. Believes that our country is in the toilet at this moment and needs a giant ENEMA to fix things! Let's all take one giant step to the MIDDLE and support open-mindedness when we vote. Disregard all the negativity toward inexperience. How much did George Washington have other than as a General? If that's enough then how did ol Georgie Jr. make it with his service record? We are told as children repeatedly we can grow up to be ANYTHING we want even President someday. But realistically is it true? Or is it WHO you know and how many PALMS you grease along the way?
Personally, I'm a republican. But, I really like him. I haven't seen a republican yet that I'd vote for and he's really the only democrat I've seriously considered.
Jeff- Obama belongs to the Church of Christ. . .