Contrary to the claims of some of my critics, black and white, I have never been so naive as to believe that we can get beyond our racial divisions in a single election cycle, or with a single candidacy -- particularly a candidacy as imperfect as my own.
But I have asserted a firm conviction -- a conviction rooted in my faith in God and my faith in the American people -- that working together we can move beyond some of our old racial wounds, and that in fact we have no choice if we are to continue on the path of a more perfect union.
Would that work for you?
Yes and No.
When a candidate responds similarly and realistically across the board on the issues of Health Care, the Economy, and Foreign Affairs, then I would certainly be swayed. Although I do not doubt his sincerity and agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed, I do see the speach primarily as damage control.
The speech itself was brilliant, but if it were given for it's own sake, before the Wright affair became public, it would have made much more of an impression on me than it has. I would have concluded that they don't come any more genuine than this.
I try to retain my objectivity and I have already admitted I am a cold-hearted cynic when it comes to politics and the motivations of those who seek office. I have never really been swayed over by a politician where I have said "Yes, that's the guy." Like always, my decision will probably come down to the wire as I digest more and more of the happenings on the campaign trail and see what these candidates are really about.
It is a bit difficult with Obama because he is relatively new on the scene and to be honest, until his name came up on the campaign trail I did not even know he was a Senator.
McCain's flap yesterday on Iran has given me a bit of a pause as I wonder how someone can be that out of touch with the situation to make a foul-up like that. He also has a record of changing his position too many times on too many issues. At times, it's hard to figure the guy out.
Clinton I tend to dislike on a personal level. To me, she comes across as totally fake, manipulating, and insincere. She does have experience and clout on the Hill, however.
Obama comes across to me as the most genuine and likeable of the three. If he can retain the same genuineness on other issues, I will be probably be swayed in the long run. I like what he has said and he should just come out with it in a similar fashion on other issues ..e.g. -- 'I know I want Universal Health Care but the chances that its going to happen in one administration is remote.' We need to be realistic on issues and the politicians need to stop delivering empty promises that serve only as rallying cries and fashionable campaign slogans.
When they do make blanket campaign goals, I want to hear How, When, Where? Unfortunately, we never do. "Read my Lips....."
Edited by Grizz, : No reason given.
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