Obama's message is mixed. But the theme of his speech, "Yes, we can" is on target. America has indeed been flogged with too much divisive political rancor for too long. There are many new faces in American politics today. I hope that together, we can give power to the powerless and replace despair with hope. The Roves and Limbaughs of our time have been roundly rejected and rightfully disparaged. We can do better than fear-mongering, lies, and their amoral gutter politics.
It is moving to hear Obama speak. If his speeches are reminiscent of the Kennedy years, there is good reason. Theodore "Ted" Sorensen, the adviser whom John F. Kennedy once called his "intellectual blood bank," is lending his support -- and eloquence -- to the Obama campaign.
At the age of 24, Sorensen joined the staff of the newly elected Sen. John F. Kennedy and later helped him win the presidency, calling on Americans to pass the torch to a new generation. The legendary speechwriter helped Kennedy craft the now-famous 1961 Inaugural address in which the new president proclaimed, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." And he now, 80 years old and blind, he offers guidance and suggestions for Obama.
Obama and Kennedy were both relatively inexperienced Senators when they became president. The qualties which recommend Obama are his skills as an orator and his charisma. A politician like Barack comes along once in a generation. We are fortunate to have him on our side.
But we must not rest or presume that Obama necessarily shares a progressive vision for America. Obama, so far, has only promised to make relatively moderate changes in the tax code. His healthcare "solutions" are window dressing and his smaller war and redeployment in Afghanistan do not address the most critical issues regarding the corporate occupation of Iraq. Perhaps what will most likely determine his legacy, inspite of what he may or may not accomplish in the next eight years... is his capacity for restoring America's reputation, credibilty, and honor.
It is heartening to hear a president who can convince, persuade, and inspire. Let us hope Barack listens carefully, learns quickly, and moves us toward a more useful and laudable chapter in our current history. His acceptance speech calls for reconciliation, inclusion, and shared effort. This alone might prove redemptive, and such remarks bode well for our future.
Tim