from : DISPATCH FROM WASHINGTON
ON Tuesday, Senator Barrack Obama announced the formation of his presidential exploratory committee and plans to announce his candidature on February 10th in Springfield Illinois.
Obama filed the required paperwork for a presidential exploratory committee, a process that allows him to raise money and organize a campaign structure before his formal announcement in less than a month’s time. These are very exciting times in the United States. After only two years in the US Senate, Obama has become a national celebrity followed by over 150 journalists every time he has a public engagement.
Obama filed the required paperwork for a presidential exploratory committee, a process that allows him to raise money and organize a campaign structure before his formal announcement in less than a month’s time. These are very exciting times in the United States. After only two years in the US Senate, Obama has become a national celebrity followed by over 150 journalists every time he has a public engagement.
Obama’s announcement did not surprise his supporters, because he has never met anybody who did not beg for him to run for president next year. The news also did not surprise Hilary Clinton, another junior Senator from New York who continues to weigh her own presidential campaign. Apparently, a line has been drawn in the sand for a possible battle between these two senators who are the Democratic Party’s most visible stars for the 2008 polls.
The news did not surprise Obama’s supporters either. Because there have been a lot of activities in his camp. Recently, Senator Obama has sought advice from a wide circle of political consultants and advisors all over the country. Additionally, he is hiring new staff in important primary states, and has created a ripple effect of excitement from Illinois to Hawaii and Kenya. Better yet, in this mode of renewed American hope, opposing voices have not found a grip of what they can use to derail his momentum.
The news did not surprise Obama’s supporters either. Because there have been a lot of activities in his camp. Recently, Senator Obama has sought advice from a wide circle of political consultants and advisors all over the country. Additionally, he is hiring new staff in important primary states, and has created a ripple effect of excitement from Illinois to Hawaii and Kenya. Better yet, in this mode of renewed American hope, opposing voices have not found a grip of what they can use to derail his momentum.
As a result, critics are zeroing on the fact that Obama is inexperienced. Two books, two years at the US Senate, seven at the Illinois House, and several speeches does not make one a candidate for the most powerful presidency in the world, they argue. They also paint a picture where America is not ready for a black president. But, many serious analysts strongly believe that Obama stands a very good chance of becoming the first black president if he goes for it. His lack of experience can actually be used to distinguish him from the old timers such as Senators John Kerry et al.
Obviously, for those people who think Obama’s is lacking in experience or his black skin disqualifies him to be president of the USA, they have already made up their minds. I strongly believe that they are wrong because many Americans are fed-up with the Bush’s policies ---foreign and local. They are ready for change and signs were shown during the recently concluded mid-term elections where George Bush’s party lost a lot of seats to the Democratic Party.
If you have lived in this country for the last six years, you will know that Americans are looking for something that will propel them out of these troubling times. Poor politics and incompetent government has made this country the most hated in the whole world.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for change. And, it will not take long for people to learn that Senator Obama represents that change regardless of his lack of experience. If there is any experienced team in Washington, it can never beat the combination of Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfield, Paul Wolfowitz, and a pool of long-time operators going far back to President Gerald Ford’s times. But, remember this is the same team that has immersed this country in a never-ending war that will continue to decades to come.
Obama, 45, is a relatively new face in Washington. His senatorial voting history is very short and it does not raise red flags of any kind. However, this Tuesday’s announcement excited Democrats and many voters who are looking for a charismatic candidate and a fresh start of good politics in Washington.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for change. And, it will not take long for people to learn that Senator Obama represents that change regardless of his lack of experience. If there is any experienced team in Washington, it can never beat the combination of Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfield, Paul Wolfowitz, and a pool of long-time operators going far back to President Gerald Ford’s times. But, remember this is the same team that has immersed this country in a never-ending war that will continue to decades to come.
Obama, 45, is a relatively new face in Washington. His senatorial voting history is very short and it does not raise red flags of any kind. However, this Tuesday’s announcement excited Democrats and many voters who are looking for a charismatic candidate and a fresh start of good politics in Washington.
Mr. Obama may not be Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton, but he emits a positive outlook on the workings of Washington and exudes confidence that he can act upon the issues that have clogged the government and prune the bad politics that have infected this country. For those who have been lucky to see Obama speak, they will agree with me that he is extremely honest on how he approaches politics and government. The young senator has a realistic philosophical and intellectual calm that is in high demand in Washington. Senator Obama will bring fresh perspective in the White House because he is “potent antidote to old-style politics.”
For the last two years, Senator Obama has never even tried to fit himself into the Washington establishment or the prevailing political definitions. He has received publicity where he never sought and inspired many in his writings and speeches.
For those who think Obama is unelectable because of his little experience in Washington they just need to look at the history of American elections to know that lack of experience is actually a plus for Obama. Americans are actually very predictable when it comes to voting for the most experienced candidates.
For the last two years, Senator Obama has never even tried to fit himself into the Washington establishment or the prevailing political definitions. He has received publicity where he never sought and inspired many in his writings and speeches.
For those who think Obama is unelectable because of his little experience in Washington they just need to look at the history of American elections to know that lack of experience is actually a plus for Obama. Americans are actually very predictable when it comes to voting for the most experienced candidates.
If you examine a few recent elections, Americans have actually voted for the most inexperienced candidates for many years. You can say Americans don’t care about experience. For example, in the recent years Minnesota and California have elected a wrestler and a body builder/movie-hero in Jesse Ventura and Arnold Schwarzenegger. And, if experience was important, Bill Clinton would have never beaten George H Bush in the 1992 elections.
Last but not least, I am sure many Kenyans are excited about the opportunity of having a direct connection to the history of this great country. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and pray real hard for Obama to succeed. For those of us who are in the Diaspora, especially in the USA, inquire how you can contribute to Obama’s campaign and take if from there. Don’t let history pass you by, become part of it.
Last but not least, I am sure many Kenyans are excited about the opportunity of having a direct connection to the history of this great country. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and pray real hard for Obama to succeed. For those of us who are in the Diaspora, especially in the USA, inquire how you can contribute to Obama’s campaign and take if from there. Don’t let history pass you by, become part of it.
Author: Dr. A S Alawy
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