History was made in our hometown last week. The first African American in history was nominated to run for president of the United States of America.
Wow! What is amazing about this election is that no matter who wins, history is being made. If its Obama it will be the first African American
president.
If its McCain it will be the first woman vice president.
Last week was the first time I heard Obama. Truly, he is inspiring. I was touched by his dreams of change for the United States. He really seems to care. His interweaving of his personal family history was his way of telling us that his personal story is what has inspired and catalyzed many of his decisions to run for president, and to change many policies.
I was left with the feeling of a high that sometimes comes after the powerful sermon. Obama arrested my attention and his was possibly one of the best speeches in political history. He conveyed a vision and talked of change.
Yet, the presidency is not a ministry. And much of the content of Obamas speech was negative. Negative about the past, about Bush and about McCain.
Many of his sweeping promises were amorphous platitudes that did not actually outline how he would accomplish them.
And speaking of accomplishments, Obama did not have much to say for himself. He just kept highlighting the failure of others.
How exactly will Obama cut 95% of all working families taxes?
What is new about Obamas promise of every American being able to afford a college education isnt that already in existence through VISTA or the Peace Corps?
How exactly will he end our oil dependence in the Middle East in the next 10 years? Dont you think the Arabs will be unhappy if suddenly the US devalues their one great asset? Ending our dependence on oil is crucial, but highly nuanced, complex and delicate. Somehow, that understanding, that maturity, seemed lost in Obamas assertions and promises of great change.
But maybe that is how change comes about. All you need is one idealist who has the power to move enough people to care enough to make a difference.
America currently faces tough issues, its true. But not to the extent that Obama painted America as a total ruin, with him coming as rescuer and redeemer symbolized by the huge crowds at Invesco field.
Invesco is an amazing venue. The whole convention seemed permeated by a kind of euphoria. As much as these conventions are political theater, a great spirit of coming together seemed to have permeated the party.
Yet, there was something worshipful in the attitude toward Obama. No voices of dissent were heard at all on the one hand, this is wonderful for unity; on the other hand, possibly there was suppression of dissenting voices.
Obama communicated his passion for the presidency. But he needs to shore up on communicating that he can be a firm leader, show a more robust record of service and policy, which he is currently lacking, and explain how he will execute the dreams he is inspiring us with.
Obama is a visionary. He is motivating and moving. I know I was.
But I want to see him not just define himself by what he is not, by putting down others.
Maybe Obamas was just another choreographed political show, but maybe it was more. He seemed to want to transcend the current state of affairs and actually shake things up. Will desire be enough though?
One thing is for sure: We all witnessed history in the making right here in our very hometown. For that, I am really a proud Denverite today.
