America's First Black President?

[Quinton]

America's first black president?
25 October 2006
By MICHAEL GAWENDA
Sydney Morning Herald

He has been in the Senate for less than two years, a junior from Illinois with virtually no national political track record preceded by seven unremarkable years in the Illinois state legislature - yet Barack Obama could be the next president of the United States.

When he admitted on a television talk show that he was considering standing for president in 2008, it led the news bulletins of all the main television networks. He had not even announced he would stand for president - just that he no longer ruled it out.

"After November 7 I'll sit down and consider it, and if at some point I change my mind, I will make a public announcement and everybody will be able to go at me," Senator Obama said.

Asked whether his lack of experience would count against him, he said he was unsure anybody was ready to be president before they were president. It was enough to send chills down the spines of Hillary Clinton's advisers, for Barack Obama is everything Senator Clinton is not: a new political player, exciting, charismatic and liked by most Americans, according to recent polls.

Senator Obama, 45, tall, handsome and articulate, is the rising star of US politics. If he does stand and wins the Democratic Party nomination he will be the first black American to stand for president having been endorsed by a main party.

Ever since he electrified the Democratic national convention in 2004 with a speech that called on Americans to heal the divisions that the Bush Administration had exacerbated and exploited, Senator Obama has been lauded by Democrats and Republicans alike.

At every campaign meeting he has attended to support one of his colleagues - and he has attended dozens of them in the past two months - he has been mobbed by young and old alike as if he were a pop star rather than a politician.

There is no doubt he has a Bill Clinton-like ability to engage people and make them feel special, although he appears more modest than Mr Clinton.

The pressure on Senator Obama to "rule himself in" to the presidential race has been immense the past few months, and the media frenzy astounding. He is the most sought-after guest on television talk shows, was the cover story for Men's Vogue and made the cover of Time. His recently published book, The Audacity of Hope, is a bestseller.

Senator Obama opposed the war in Iraq, and on the eve of the invasion spoke at a peace rally in Chicago where he urged more time for the United Nations weapons inspectors and called the looming war "dumb and potentially disastrous".

And he has been candid about some aspects of his past, admitting that he had experimented with drugs when he was younger, including "a little blow" (cocaine).

In the past couple of months he has helped his congressional colleagues up for re-election raise millions of dollars for their campaigns. They will be expected to return the favour when, as now seems almost inevitable, Senator Obama decides that the pressure on him to stand for president can no longer be resisted.

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Never heard of him before but he seems ok.

[Kari]

Like you, I had not heard of him before last week, when I read about him in the newspapers. Frankly, he seems decent enough to me, somebody with intellectual capacity, who is captivating, tolerant etc.
It could be much worse (is much worse, I am guessing)...

Though, you forgot again, how this is none of our business since we don't live there :lol:

[Andrew]

The only issue is that he is indeed pretty new to the scene. The opposing side will take a lot of "he's unexperienced"-punches.

Also, this just occured yesterday, but I think I heard or read somewhere saying that he changed his mind.


I always felt Colin Powell would be the first black president. He has overwhelming support from both sides, but I don't think he has any immediate aspirations towards that role.

[GuessGirl]

I would love to have a black president.

[Kari]

The thing is, as little has I have against a black president, I think it shouldn't be the criterium that makes people vote him.

Like when Angela Merkel was voted for chancelor(ette) here, it was like "She is a woman and she is from former Eastern Germany" and it was a huge bonus for her, so many stopped looking behind that.
But asides not having a lot of experience Obama seems rather qualified, so that is not the issue anyways.

I just hate when people are voted out of pure political correctness.

[lovefool.]

i'm not american but a black president will be really awesome!:thumbup:
whoohoo go him :applause::)

[OC-Lover]

i think that it could change things.
radically.

[tommygirl887]

The thing is, as little has I have against a black president, I think it shouldn't be the criterium that makes people vote him.

Like when Angela Merkel was voted for chancelor(ette) here, it was like "She is a woman and she is from former Eastern Germany" and it was a huge bonus for her, so many stopped looking behind that.
But asides not having a lot of experience Obama seems rather qualified, so that is not the issue anyways.

I just hate when people are voted out of pure political correctness.
I agree.
I wouldn't mind having a black president at all, but I wouldn't vote for him just based on that, and I would hope other people wouldn't either. If people actually like his views and believe he's going to do a good job as president, then by all means, vote for him. But don't vote for him just because he's black and you want a black president. Make sure you also think he's the right person for the job.

And it also goes the other way. Even though I think it's disgusting, there are people out there who would vote for the other candidate without caring what they stood for, just to prevent having a black president.

[Andrew]

Yeah. Race shouldn't be paramount. Nor gender.

But unfortunately, those aspects will probably be the forefront.

[alexisfan]

I have heard Barak speak lots of times and he seems like a very smart man that could possible change the world if he was president. I agree people should not vote for someone bases on gender or race its about what they stand for.
I can't really say wether I would vote for him right now until he does he wants to run,and then I would have to hear what he would change if he became President.

[Kristen]

I would not mind a bit having a black president

[Heather]

Obama...not gonna happen.

First...he's a junior senator, hasnt even served one whole term in the Senate. Second, even members of his own party have trouble prounoncing his name.

[OC-Lover]

Second, even members of his own party have trouble prounoncing his name.

ohh, yeah, that's of paramount importance. :sarcasm:

[Kari]

That is like the argument...

[*Lauren*]

I'm not from America but i'd love to see a black president.I've seen Obama on Oprah a couple of times and he seems a like a nice guy and everything. But truely anybody's better than George Bush!

[Lily]

Though, you forgot again, how this is none of our business since we don't live there
^ that's a strange way of looking at it - the US is pretty much the leader of the free world (for the moment) so to say that who rules them doesn't affect you is a little bit unrealistic - the leaders of every country in the world affect and guide the ways their countries are run and therefore interact with other countries so the effects of 'one man' can be really far reaching

As much as i'd like to see a change in american politics - not sure if this is the guy to do it - as a relative 'junior' he'll be under a lot of pressure to do as he is advised and may not have the backing of more senior members who could feel that he is a little inexperienced etc

but it'll be an interesting election that's for sure!

[Aga]

i dont have a problem witha black president, it shouldnt matter what race or gender you are as long and you are the best person for the job.

but as he is a junior he probally will miss out, but give ita few years maybe

as for the name thing they can call him obie :) teehee

[OTH man]

haha, i mean everyone loooves obama but its like the only reason he won so big in his election was because of who he was running against

i mean sooo many republicans even voted for him he was running against Keys who had like no opinion on anything and was a last-minute replacement to replace Jack Ryan who had some skeletons in his closet

also the day after Obama said this about running for Pres he said he changed his mind

[Jon]

Second, even members of his own party have trouble prounoncing his name.

ohh, yeah, that's of paramount importance. :sarcasm:

I'm not going to speak for Heather, but I am guessing she was kidding with that comment. Though I'm sure her and I can both pronounce his name properly.

^ that's a strange way of looking at it - the US is pretty much the leader of the free world (for the moment)

I want to comment on that statement of yours. Firstly, we'll ALWAYS be the leader of the free world, for many, MANY reasons. Secondly, we got there by electing our own people and not caring what other nations had to say about our candidates.

[HappyHamster]

I want to comment on that statement of yours. Firstly, we'll ALWAYS be the leader of the free world, for many, MANY reasons. Secondly, we got there by electing our own people and not caring what other nations had to say about our candidates.

Are you serious? Cos I think the Romans probably thought that too and then the British. Seems to me that history has shown us that every "great" empire falls at one point. Although I have to say your ability to look into the future has gotten me intrigued. Can I just ask, since there are so "many, MANY reasons" for this would you mind naming few?

On the whole first black president issue, I agree with most people here. He shouldn't be voted in just because of the color of his skin. But as OTH man said it's probably not even an issue because he's not running.

[Kari]

^ that's a strange way of looking at it - the US is pretty much the leader of the free world (for the moment) so to say that who rules them doesn't affect you is a little bit unrealistic - the leaders of every country in the world affect and guide the ways their countries are run and therefore interact with other countries so the effects of 'one man' can be really far reaching

As much as i'd like to see a change in american politics - not sure if this is the guy to do it - as a relative 'junior' he'll be under a lot of pressure to do as he is advised and may not have the backing of more senior members who could feel that he is a little inexperienced etc

but it'll be an interesting election that's for sure!
Irony...it is a thing called irony. For when stating my opinion on American politics before I have been told to shut up since I have anyways no idea...;)
To me it is actually of greatest interest who reigns in the USA for it greatly influences the entire world.

I want to comment on that statement of yours. Firstly, we'll ALWAYS be the leader of the free world, for many, MANY reasons. Secondly, we got there by electing our own people and not caring what other nations had to say about our candidates.Woah! Are you kidding?

[OC-Lover]

I'm not going to speak for Heather, but I am guessing she was kidding with that comment. Though I'm sure her and I can both pronounce his name properly.

duh! i'm not stupid Jon.

she isn't that great with handling subtle irony, is she?

[OTH man]

haha, actually his name is really easy (BAH-rock OH-BOMB-ah) but its kinda.. ironic his name rhmes with another man whos name is hot in American politics for... not so good of reasons

[Quinton]

Firstly, we'll ALWAYS be the leader of the free world, for many, MANY reasons. Secondly, we got there by electing our own people and not caring what other nations had to say about our candidates.umm... you might wanna put down that what you said above is fact and not your own personal opinion about other nations. You know, just in case you like hurt the feelings of other countries n stuff *shrugs*

also, not to be the grammar police or anything but "she and I" not "her and I".

[Aga]

I want to comment on that statement of yours. Firstly, we'll ALWAYS be the leader of the free world, for many, MANY reasons. Secondly, we got there by electing our own people and not caring what other nations had to say about our candidates.

bold statement there jon... but as was mentioned before, what about the romans and the the british??? the british ruled for 3 centuries its peak was 1875-1914 and had about 1/4 of the worlds population.. and they are no longer the 'leader' of the free world, infact china is becoming a super power (yes i am aware that it is not technically part of the 'free' world but still) so you never know what might happen in a few years, hell the next world war could see the end of america as a super power.. thast what happened with the british empire.

ok im not starting a fight but still BOLD statement on your behalf

[Faith]

I want to comment on that statement of yours. Firstly, we'll ALWAYS be the leader of the free world, for many, MANY reasons. Secondly, we got there by electing our own people and not caring what other nations had to say about our candidates.

hahahahahaha

Oh gosh, I didn't realise how much I missed this place

By the by, I don't feel anyone in my country has ever stopped when voting in the elections and thought, "well gee whiz, I was going to vote for David Cameron but... what would America do?" As a whole, I don't believe this nation cares about what other nations have to say about our candidates in a sense where it would influence a vote... but that doesn't mean other nations shouldn't have opinions. It's healthy, and it's always good to hear an impartial outsiders view. I feel this is where your argument for point two falls down - Generally, we (I say we, I'm representing my whole country here, which is quite presumptious of me,) don't care, but my country is not the super power of the whole wide universe... Anymore... (mwahahahaaaaa)


Your first argument falls down at the point where you didn't actually present your arguments

About this potential president fella... Nice smile. It's a shame that his race still matters in todays day and age, but I suppose that is the consequence of our past

[killer_cab]

I am an American, and I must say that currently, we are the central leader of the world, but I am acknowledging that, that can change at any moment...

As for a Black President, I probably would vote for him, depending on his stance on issues. Though I am in favor of Hilary Rodham Clinton over him.

Either way, I think there's a VERY good chance that one of the candidates for the 2008 elections, for the democrats at least, will be either a woman or a black man...Either way, I think it's a good change that needs to happen...

[Faith]

I am an American, and I must say that currently, we are the central leader of the world, but I am acknowledging that, that can change at any moment...

I'd say super power, but not really 'leader.' I don't feel that term applies... don't get me wrong, powerful as owt, America is, but leader implies that America controls all countries, you know? :)


Either way, I think there's a VERY good chance that one of the candidates for the 2008 elections

I agree, he has a nice smile ;)