Thursday, January 18, 2007

Obama follow-up

Having it both ways?

Obama's Toughest Sell for White House Bid May Be to Other Blacks (Agence France-Presse)

Obama Thrills Blacks Who See Shot at History (USA Today)



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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

After struggling throughout history to be judged, not by the color of our skin, but by the content of our chracter. Why would we not use this same right, earned by blood sweat and tears, to choose which canditate we excercise our freedom to vote for...

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Stan: Good question. It will be interesting to see what happens over the next several months.

Dennis Fermoyle said...

The idea of a black becoming president is exciting, but this one really bothers me. I don't know how anyone who has ever seen Obama speak could not be impressed, but what caused him to be considered as a legitimate presidential candidate? Oprah!

As impressive as Obama is, he has only been a senator for two years. Compare that to the experience of presidents who were close to his age when they were elected (Kennedy and Clinton), and he isn't even in their league.

Obama might be a great president someday, but I don't think he's ready, yet. It really bothers me that celebrities, like Oprah or anyone else, can have that kind of influence. But I guess this isn't any worse than Ross Perot going on Larry King Live, announcing that he'll run for president, and then leading in the polls a few days later.

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Last September, Oprah Winfrey spoke with CNN's Larry King. King asked Winfrey asked about an online movement to get Winfrey to put her hat in the ring.

However, Oprah said that she wanted everyone who would work tirelessly on her campaign to "take your energy and put it in Barack Obama. That's what I would say."

It's been noted that the freshman Senator from Illinois does not have the experience on the national stage that his rivals have. That is a legitimate issue for discussion.

Could it be that Obama is positioning himself for a serious run in 2012? We'll see how it plays out.

As for Oprah, like everyone else, she has a right to express her opinion. And it's up to voters to decide who is the best candidate.

What if Oprah had decided to run for President? I'd love to hear your opinion about that candidacy! ;-)

Dennis Fermoyle said...

Deb, you're right. Oprah does have every right to express her opinion. What bothers me is the way we (American people) react to it. I think our infatuation with celebrity in this country is unhealthy. Remember, I'm from the state that elected Jesse "The Body" Ventura governor. Yikes!

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Dennis: I, too, share your concern about our society's fascination with celebrity. I have a friend who almost worships Oprah. It's a little hard for me to comprehend that type of fascination.

When it comes to "infatuation" with celebrity, I have to agree with you that it's unhealthy.

I laughed when I read your comment about "The Body"! I didn't think Ventura (the former professional wrestler) had a chance. But, boy, was I wrong! LOL But take heart, Dennis - you survived "The Body" years. :-)

Anonymous said...

I think Obama is just taking a chance and trying to gain the experience. I don't believe he expects to win.I agree that he needs more experience. I think as a person of color he may need to learn how to duck and dodge bullets before running for president

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Anonymous: Good points! Thanks for stopping by.