The Appeal of Barack Obama

I am no expert when it comes to American or global politics, I will freely admit. I do know, however, that the American people are becoming increasingly eager for change at the highest levels of government, and of course that includes the president. The catalyst for this, more than any other factor, is the ongoing Iraq war.

The United States is more divided as a country right now than at any time since the Civil War. Politically, socially, morally, and ideologically, Americans are at odds with each other. Most of the fractures have existed for some time, but have grown sharper and more decided in recent years. Unchecked, these divisive issues threaten to tear the nation apart.

The American people are becoming increasingly eager for change at the highest levels of government. Many now say the U.S. needs a drastic shift from the current commander-in-chief. They say America longs for a uniter, someone who will help the country see past her differences and bring hope for the future. America needs a savior.

Enter Barack Obama.

Senator Obama is no ordinary presidential candidate. A few years ago, he was a political nobody, but his stock has risen in dramatic fashion since then. Mainly, this is due to his outstanding oratory skills, his books, and the fact that he is not your average politician. Obama is fairly young, African-American, and possesses a Muslim-sounding name.
He is very articulate and has real charisma. He doesn't come from a rich, Texas oil family. He has not been in politics for very long. And as an ethnic minority, he would be the first non-white U.S. president ever.

It seems that for many of his supporters, these are reasons enough to elect him. And for the majority of the American people, they may be right. Whether or not Obama is experienced enough and qualified for the job, and this is the main argument against his candidacy, Americans may vote for Obama simply because he represents change and unity in a way that no other presidential hopeful could. To his supporters, Obama is hope personified. And, for better or worse, the media hype machine is playing right along.

Is there true substance to Barack Obama? Only time will tell. Right now, he seems to be an ideal more than anything else. But as history has shown time and again, even mere ideals can be powerful forces for the masses.