Yesterday in Philadelphia, Barrack Obama gave a speech on the perils and opportunities that race provides in this election. He did not simply run from his pastor as fast as he could, nor did he overstate his opposition to Rev. Wright’s incendiary comments. He did what good teachers do- he put the issue in context. He used the negative attention brought to him from the words of his Pastor to connect to the racial resentments (conscious and unconscious) of all Americans. He carefully explained that while his Pastor was the product of an earlier era, he is the product of an improved and improving America. Obama’s approach to the issue of race mirrors his overall approach, which is to recognize the legitimacy of multiple perspectives on every issue. By acknowledging the anger of black Americans as well as the anger of white Americans regarding race relations and public policy, Obama has demonstrated something very significant about his leadership style and his confidence in the capacity of Americans to be thoughtful and reasonable. Clearly, “hope” has substance for this candidate.
He courageously explained that his Pastor was a whole person whose harsh comments were but a small part of a worthy and honorable man. Explanations like this, while common in non-political settings, are incredibly rare in political campaigns, where fear of spin, sound bites, and the 24/7 intellectual dishonesty of political rivals dominates. Candidates for public office (especially for president) are driven by public opinion polls. They reason that “temporarily” suspending their sober judgment is a necessary means to the coveted end of winning the presidency. Obama’s speech yesterday, and his campaign in general, have inspired and energized millions of Americans from all walks of life precisely because his is a sincere effort avoid this perennial rationalization for the politics of personal destruction.
While Obama’s betting on the fair-mindedness of American voters, both of his opponents are making a different wager. Voters will be putting their money down on hope or fear. I’m picking hope (and working for it) because I don’t think we can afford another cycle of unchecked fear mongering. Besides, personally I’d rather be a sucker than a cynic.
Take a look at the speech. Think about it.
View the speech @
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffxOSEj_sQM&feature=bz302
