Y’Know, I’ve been impressed by Obama from the start, but as this campaign goes on, I’ve become more and more convinced that this guy really is different. In this address, (and it really is an address – not just a speech) he does a number of notable things.
First: The Senator puts everything in the context of everything else. He doesn’t sound byte it or over-simplify it for the masses. He acknowledges that people are complex – issues are complex – and he addresses those complexities in their entirety. This is what a President MUST do – keep everything in the context of everything else. Immigration, Foreign Policy, Economy, Environment – Each affects the others and each is affected by the others. A presidential administration has got to be able to view the big picture – always.
Second: Obama assumes his audience understands complexity as well. This is a higher level of respect than I’m accustomed to getting from those in high places. It seems most politicians try to boil these things down into bumper sticker quotes because they are under the impression that the public doesn’t understand much else. We do, and I’m glad the Senator is willing to acknowledge this.
Third: The far right Evangelical wing of this society has tried to monopolize Christianity for a while now. Obama shows himself to be fluent in the language of religion. He points out many principles of the political left that are entirely compatible with the principles of Christianity. The idea that you can be a good Christian or a good Democrat – but not both – has been a problem for us. Barack Obama has the ability to get rid of that idea once and for all.
And he brings along legions of young, motivated people who, in aggregate, have the ability to effect the change he desires. His campaign has never been about what HE can accomplish in the office of President. It's more about what WE can accomplish when WE chart the course of this country. And he's absolutely right. No one person can tackle the issues this country faces alone. The folks who COME WITH Obama are at least as important as the candidate himself.
But if anyone has any doubts about the Senator's ability to fully understand complicated issues, or his willingness to address his opponents honestly and with integrity, or his ability to fully explain his positions, then I'd like you to watch this speech. This is unlike any campaign speech I have ever heard. Don't rely on the 30 second clip you saw on the evening news. Go pop some corn, crack open a cold beverage and watch the entire 37 minutes - Then tell me: when is the last time you heard anything like this coming from the Oval Office?
Click Here For Obama's Address (37 Minutes)
Jim Lausier
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