As most of the world knows, Senator Barack Obama announced today that he is forming an exploratory committee -- the first formal step in declaring his candidacy for President in 2008. I have been loosely following the Senator since his speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004. He is a fascinating phenomenon at the very least. There has been an enormous amount of commentary about him, especially in the last year as it became apparent that he was considering a run for president, with people trying to figure out who he is and what he stands for....I think we are about to find out.
The reason I enjoy listening to the Senator speak about anything is that he makes me feel good, about Americans and our country, about the future. There are a lot of people trying to compartmentalize him and categorize him and I don't think it's going to be that easy. He is obviously very intelligent, an excellent public speaker and charismatic. With the horrible, hateful state of politics in this country -- after six years of divisive, wedge-issue politics -- I think this man speaks to the best in all of us and that will be a very difficult effect to counter.
He says it's the "smallness of our politics that most bothers him...our leaders in Washington seem incapable of working together in a practical, common-sense way. Politics has become so bitter and partisan and gummed up by money and influence that we can't tackle the big problems that demand solutions, and that's what we have to change."
Check out his announcement video at www.barackobama.com. Feel good for today.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. Interesting article here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1189687/posts
Lyn at 2:37AM on Jan 18th 2007
2. WHat is Barack Obama's middle name? Do any of you know? I heard it only once but cannot remember what it is.
Mary Larsen at 9:08PM on Jan 16th 2007
3. Have read both his books, and am prepared to vote for him for anything from Dogcatcher to President.
He's warm, intelligent, open, and energetic. I don't think we have anyone better in view!
Terry Kirker at 4:49PM on Jan 16th 2007
4. Lyn, that press release you linked to is almost 3 years old and from a right-wing site. Also, nothing the author claims is cited in any way. Sounds like his word vs. Obama's.
I can't believe I wasted my time clicking on that link.
liz at 4:51PM on Jan 16th 2007
5. I think Obama should run for the President. To all who think differant need to grow up. The man just might do alot of good. We could use a new face up there white,black or gray even green or blue, he is just a guy who just might turn the war around and give us a shimmer of hope.Now we all know that color of skin should not be a issue but we all know there are people out there that only see in black and white and there the people we dont need to vote. What would they do if a woman ran for President. Hell I am all for that as well, So all I have to say is Mr Obama I am with you all the way,as long as you can talk your way in and do what you say you will then more power to you!!!!!!
Monica
Monica at 4:59PM on Jan 16th 2007
6. If what I read today is fact then I would have a hard time electing a person to the presidency who was educated in Muslim schools, particularly in Indonesia.
Ron at 8:19AM on Jan 17th 2007
7. I think that its about time that an african-american is running.......... i think that Obama will do our country good........... i am about sick of all the other people who ran........ maybe just maybe Obama will win and turn our country AROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ashley at 5:06PM on Jan 16th 2007
8. I sure do hope he runs. I think he could win and do this country a great deal of good. He is so down to earth and straight forward, a refreshing change. He has got my vote
glora at 5:12PM on Jan 16th 2007
9. Is it true that Obama is a smoker, and if so, how will he be able to prmote a health plan effectively?
Jordan Catt at 5:23PM on Jan 16th 2007
10. Why didn't AOL mention Tom Tancredo who announced today also. Could it be AOL is biased?
Al at 5:29PM on Jan 16th 2007
11. who cares if he smokes or not, we have far more intelligent issues that we need to address, for one dying soldiers, so being a smoker isn't even in the equation to determine if he could promote an effective health plan or not!
shon at 5:34PM on Jan 16th 2007
12. For the record, Senator Obama was born in the State of Hawaii on August 4, 1961.
Martha at 5:33PM on Jan 16th 2007
13. THIS STARTED AS A FAKE INTERNET STUDY ON WHO HILLARY SHOULD RUN WITH. ITS ALMOST AMUSING THE MAN HAS NO EXPERIANCE IN POLITICS OR LIFE....NOT EVER WOULD I CAST MY BALLOT FOR HIM.
anne at 1:19AM on Jan 22nd 2007
14. OBAMA IS JUST SETTING THE BLACKS AND THE DEMOCRATS BACK INTO THE SUNDAY FUNNY PAPERS. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY. THE DEMOS FINALLY GET IN AND FUCK UP TWICE IN THE FIRST 15 DAYS. WHAT NEXT?
ALLEN BURTON at 6:04PM on Jan 16th 2007
15. It's fine if he runs. But try to remember who the last Senator was who won the Presidency? And how many of the past 43 have come from the Senate? Does not look good for either him or Hillary if you look at history.
Todd at 10:36PM on Jan 16th 2007