I think it's because black people subsconsciously add in "....for a black person" to the end of all those things. But the reality is that when a black person is really well spoken, he's usually more well spoken then anyone, white or black. I think someone printed an article discussing that phenomenon here earlier.
I understand and agree that people say that a lot more about minorities. But he made the same comment about Clinton in that very same post. So the last time someone made that statement about a non-minority was in the very post that you mentioned.
I guess the reason that's added in at the end is because it makes it seem as though it's an expectation that someone in his situation would NOT be well spoken. However I do see what you are saying in your second paragraph. Touche. I suppose I could be reading too much into it so I shall drop the non-issue.
Anyway - all else being said, I think Obama - well spoken as he is - has my vote for President. It's his to lose at this stage. I think America is ready for a Black president.
See? Here's the thing. I don't even see it as a "black president" thing. I see a man with vision, hopefulness, and humor. A man who sees the possibilities for America. I'm so tired of the hate filled narcissism of politics today. In Obama I see the possibility of a president that will do the job for Americans! Be they republican, democrats, Christian, Muslim or Jew. I am so ready for a president that understands that he works for me! Not the other way around! We have drifted as a country. We have lost our moral compass. We have lost our way as a nation. And I blame part of that with the way politics have divided us. Obama believes we as a nation united is possible and I want to believe him.
Does anyone think for a second that the Clintons will allow Obama to get the nomination? They'll find some way to tarnish the man's image in order for Hillary to win the primaries. He's better off waiting til 2012 or 2016.
*sigh* I've been struggling with Barack I have to see more of him before i can say I know where he stands on the issues I don't see him as a Black President . . . not in the sense of the Average Black persons His background is unique His ancestry is not based in the jim crow/Slavery Past He is the son of a Nigerian [?] immigrant raised by a White family Very Atypical . . . beyond his skin tone historically he has little in common with the Average Black American He has been through the life though . . face similar issues So . .. I go round and round on Barack . . . I have to see and hear more of him . . .If he ran he'd get my vote more because he a democrat and I'm very sick of the republicans about now than because he was black Rocket River I need CHANGE!
His name is Barak...case closed. On a more serious note, he's one of the few candidates the Democrats have that would appeal to even some traditional Republican voters. Of course, he's likely to lose every single southern state in the process. Guiliani is also another candidate that could appeal to a wide base of voters from all walks of life. My money is on Guiliani running and winning the next presidential election...
I think Hillary would make a good President. Not sure if Obama has enough experience but I don't have anything against him. I'd rather see one from the pool of Hillary, McCain, Guiliani, Gore, or Powell.
The two years I spent in Illinois, I saw a lot of Obama. I believe that he will become the first non-white president in the history of this country...someday. He will be a perfect peace-time president who can unite all sides to combat the tough domestic problems that this country will be facing. However, I don't think it would be wise for him to run for the president in 08'. The only reason that his name is mentioned now is because the Democrats are just desperate...they fear that they would lose the election ot a very unsuccessful Republican administration again because of their inadequacy.
weslinder, with all due respect, you are aware that the office of Governor of Texas, while sounding grand, is one of the weakest of the fifty states, aren't you? It's true. George W. Bush was a better Governor than he is a President, in my opinion, because of that simple fact. Texas has become the second most populous state in the country. Today, if you become Governor, you will be noticed because of that fact, if for no other reason. He had Bob Bullock, the powerful Lt. Governor, basically running things. He had a Democratic Legislature. One of the reasons he was able to run as a "compassionate conservative," was that he had to be bipartisan to do anything. If he was going to look "good" as Governor, he needed Bullock's help and power. Bush cultivated Bullock, a good move on his part, and used him to cultivate this "bipartisan, compassionate" image. As a result, Bush fooled a lot of people. The office of Governor of Texas is most useful as a "bully pulpit," and a strong personality can put it to some use. John Connally is a good example. So is Ann Richards. Most Texas Governors have been relative non-entities, however. For every governor who uses the office to garner personal attention on a national level, like Ann Richards, Connally, and Bush, you have numerous Governors like Dolph Briscoe, Bill Clements, Preston Smith. Bush's record as Governor, in my opinion, was similar to his record as a businessman... look behind the gloss of the end game, and you will find a history of failure. Keep D&D Civil.
It doesn't appear we'll have an opportunity for a "peacetime" president for quite a while. Don't keep your hopes up for that one.
Exactly. Good post. I just don't see what Obama has to lose if he runs. The worst that could happen is that he doesn't win, and lives to run another day, so why not go for it? The country cries out for someone different from the host of awful candidates, of both political parties, that Americans have had to chose from for so long. Keep D&D Civil.
wow, I've generated quite a response. I was very much contradicting him with GWB, who is an absolute embarrasment to me every time I hear him open his mouth. Oration is very much an artform, that is wholly aside from the message being delivered. For instance, one of the greatest orators ever is Adolf Hitler... His message was not as empowering as his leadership or oration. You don't need to speak a lick of German, and you can actually watch the meticulous oratary skills. He'll start off a speech almost slumped over a podium, and talking very quietly, and as he moves into his speech, you literally watch him grow, with volume, with size as he stands more erect, and with passion and energy. It's amazing how influential and convincing that is. I say all this to point out that Obama has an understanding of that art. It had nothing to do with black or white, he understands how to orate. Clinton rehearsed every word he ever spoke as president ad naseum, and it showed. He tried to always know the facts, and rehearsed every talking point so that he was always cool and clear, and he ensured that he controlled the podium. With Bush, I want to cover my eyes every time I hear his voice, because even when his message is good, he just comes off clumsy. I know there's a lot more to a president than speeches and presentation, but as a country you demand respect not just by firepower, but by image. GWB's image is not good. Obama would be a very empowering image for this nation, as a well spoken, intelligent, and savvy figurehead.
oh, and I should clarify here, he's more "well-spoken" than Hillary in my opinion, as every time i see her, it seems she can't ever stay on topic, and she doesn't succeed as well at demanding attention.....
from that group, give me powell or guiliani. at this point in time there aren't many democrats that i would consider voting for, obama is certainly one of them though. it'll be a tough election, for me, if its gore or hilary vs mccain
i would love to see a final two of gore or hillary vs mccain/powell/guiliani. for once we wouldn't be faced with a total ninny like jr, dole, mondale, or dukakis.
