I have picked up on the fact that many Americans are asking themselves and each other; can Obama win a General Election? Whether the question comes with a doubting sneer from his fervent detractors, or quietly within the minds of his thoughtful supporters, the question is undeniably being pondered from sea to shining sea.
An affirmative answer does not come easily, and is as complex as the question being asked.
In terms of electability, Obama has all of what is needed in a winning candidate. he is popular, youthful and vigorous, has a wonderful telegenic family, a committed sense of optimism and gives the kind of speeches that other politicians can only dream of. His platform is sound, and his consistent theme for change is what a majority of Americans are currently clamoring for. Whether by virtue of his silky booming voice or his superior GOTV organization which is quickly becoming legendary, Obama is a superior candidate in every measurable way. Not sullied from overstaying the Washington mentality, he is the ultimate Hopemonger. His fund raising apparatus and his total campaign strategy will be studied for years to come. In other words, he is the dream candidate that any party would be happy to have as its leader.
His opponent, who's biggest claim to fame is a past era war hero resume is in reality old, grey, physically unfit, and ideologically passe. McCain can barely fill a room with his fraudulent "out of the box trapped in the bigger box" speeches, and is a member of a party hopeless linked to a most unpopular President. Sen. McCain voted for war, and has shown no insight to be proud of in the promotion of peace. His domestic views, when closely examined spell not "Change", but more of the same dismal failures enacted by the current President.
I submit, that in fact, the only reason some still insist that Sen. Clinton or Sen. McCain may be more electable; has nothing to do with anything more than the content of melanin in Obama's skin.
It is known that Americans tend to vote into the White House, the candidate that they believe in their mind, will be welcomed in their living rooms for 4 years. And due to this simplistic method of assessing an election, there are some with doubts that Barack Obama will be chosen as that one.
But I suggest that simply put, the answer is Yes; Barack Obama can and will win the general election and become the 44th President of the United States.
How I came to my pronouncement is simple and complicated at the same time. You see, Americans, just like people everywhere do see beyond color, in particular in respect to someone they get to know. Once the melanin factor is diminished, for those who have an initial lack of comfort with it, the question then becomes what is left for those people to see in Obama? The answer was quoted by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. years ago, in his famous "I have a Dream" speech; the content of his character.
Obama has to-date received the votes of those who have not had to battle hard over the tall walls of prejudice. While many saw Obama's character long ago, many other saw it in short order.
It is the rest of the people, those for whom it will take more time to allow melanin to fade before they see the depths of his character, who will determine the candidacy conclusion of Barack Obama.
Those Americans will have six months to get to know Barack Obama; six months to witness his character "up close". I strongly believe that Sen. Obama will be successful largely getting this accomplished, as Barack Obama really is an extraordinary man. That is evidenced by the mere fact that he stands before us today--because the odds that this would be the case have not favored him since his father met his mother.
Take to heart and understand that he represents the country that we should be. If he, a person of mixed ancestry, for whatever reason cannot transcend the prejudice that exists in this country, then we are not who we say we are, and we will have to deal with that.
But be reassured that I have faith in us as a people. Perhaps because I myself am of mixed race, and emigrated (him from Hawaii to Chicago, me from France to California) and I truly understand what the gifts of intelligence and charisma and foresight can do in reference to those around you.
And so it is with my own personal experience in mind, that I humbly suggest.....Barack's character will shine through the exterior veneer composed of his melanin by a majority of Americans in more than enough time. And that is why Barack Obama can and will win the general election.
