The Barack Obama effect
Katie Schmidt
Issue date: 2/14/07 Section: Forum
- Page 1 of 1
I am quite familiar with Barack Obama's face. I helped many people purchase one of his two books over Christmas break while working at a bookstore.
Many of my customers ended up having conversations with me about Senator Obama, and their opinions were more often than not enthusiastic and optimistic about the affect this one man could have on our country.
Now he is officially running for president, to no one's great surprise, and many Americans greet the news like my bookstore customers, with eager anticipation about what the young Congressman can do for America.
I am impressed with Senator Obama. The speeches I have heard and read from him have been eloquent and inspiring. I join the ranks of many college students who respond to his principled idealism and rational optimism.
Much is being said about the fact that we now have both a woman and an African-American vying for the presidency. I'd rather not focus on the issues of race or gender because I'm not sure I can add much to the ongoing conversation being fed to us by talking heads in the media. What I find interesting, however, is the growing sense of hope in Senator Obama that many Americans who are ready for a change are consistently voicing.
Those of us who are ready to see less frustrating addresses from the Oval Office are invigorated by Senator Obama's young career, but I have to ask myself why we settle for anything less from our leadership. Should we not be as inspired by those for whom we vote at every level of government?
Even if Obama wins in 2008, the culture of this country is defined not by a single person but by the degree to which the citizens care enough to make the changes they feel need to be made. He may have the ability to lead and motivate in a new and important way but the very fact that we yearn for leadership that is attentive to social concern shows that we value seeking real solutions to our real problems. Our yearning should not end with a political candidate but become so palpable in us that we cannot help but take action.
Our affluence and stability has left many Americans, including more than is settling on this campus, in a position to be excited for change but expecting someone else to make it happen.
Barack Obama may prove to be a great president but we shouldn't have to wait for a young, charismatic politician to be the voice of change. Most of America has the ability; what we lack is the courage.
Many of my customers ended up having conversations with me about Senator Obama, and their opinions were more often than not enthusiastic and optimistic about the affect this one man could have on our country.
Now he is officially running for president, to no one's great surprise, and many Americans greet the news like my bookstore customers, with eager anticipation about what the young Congressman can do for America.
I am impressed with Senator Obama. The speeches I have heard and read from him have been eloquent and inspiring. I join the ranks of many college students who respond to his principled idealism and rational optimism.
Much is being said about the fact that we now have both a woman and an African-American vying for the presidency. I'd rather not focus on the issues of race or gender because I'm not sure I can add much to the ongoing conversation being fed to us by talking heads in the media. What I find interesting, however, is the growing sense of hope in Senator Obama that many Americans who are ready for a change are consistently voicing.
Those of us who are ready to see less frustrating addresses from the Oval Office are invigorated by Senator Obama's young career, but I have to ask myself why we settle for anything less from our leadership. Should we not be as inspired by those for whom we vote at every level of government?
Even if Obama wins in 2008, the culture of this country is defined not by a single person but by the degree to which the citizens care enough to make the changes they feel need to be made. He may have the ability to lead and motivate in a new and important way but the very fact that we yearn for leadership that is attentive to social concern shows that we value seeking real solutions to our real problems. Our yearning should not end with a political candidate but become so palpable in us that we cannot help but take action.
Our affluence and stability has left many Americans, including more than is settling on this campus, in a position to be excited for change but expecting someone else to make it happen.
Barack Obama may prove to be a great president but we shouldn't have to wait for a young, charismatic politician to be the voice of change. Most of America has the ability; what we lack is the courage.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Randy Schmidt
posted 2/15/07 @ 2:30 PM EST
Great Article Katie, your cry for courage is ageless. Keep up the quest and the good work! - Dad
Randy Schmidt
posted 2/15/07 @ 2:38 PM EST
Great article Katie; your quest for courage is timeless. Keep up the good work and keep the faith on us americans, as we do come through in the long run. (Continued…)
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