Newcomer Barack is a glimmer of Democratic hope

Despite the screwup and scandals of the Bush Administration and the Republican Congress, the Democrats have not been able to provide a clear vision of why they want to take over the House or Senate this fall. We know they would like to take one or both over because a majority in either would mean they would have control of the committees, and control means they can investigate all sorts of administration actions and non-actions, such as the pre-Iraq War evidence of WMDs and the legality of activities like the NSA warrantless wire tapping.


A bright spot in an uninspiring Democratic lineup

The Democrat Party fails to excite all but the most Kool-Aid chugging faithful -- those who still think Gore, Ms. Clinton, or Kerry have a chance in the 2008 presidential election. The bulk of Democrats and Independents are tired of the Kennedy, Dean, and other members of the old guard and want new blood with a real vision on where the country should go -- not a vision on how to win by default. What people want is a new star to support.

Currently, the person with the most potential to fill this role is first-term Senator Barack Obama from Illinois. He is most famous for his speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention (if you have iTunes, click here for a free, unabridged audio copy of the speech) -- about the only inspiring speech that came out the the "I was in Vietnam" Kerry-fest. The Washington Post had an interesting article on how Barack is now the most requested Democratic speaker, and a key party fund raiser. There is now plenty of talk, particularly by those in the Democratic Party who do now want to see Clinton , Kerry, or Gore take a shot at the presidency in 2008, about printing Obama in '08 bumper stickers.

But what are his real chances? On the positive side, Barack offers:

• No "loser" baggage. While he was a critical speaker at the last DNC Convention, he is not tainted by the failed presidential bids of Gore and Kerry. His speech was praised by many for its clear and refreshing vision. Despite endorsing Kerry, Barack is not seen as a Kerry or Party guy.
  
  
• A vision for the future. While other Democrats seem only capable of criticizing Republicans or being quiet and hoping their rivals continue to shoot themselves in the foot, Barack's speeches are about optimism and embracing a future. He says what many TV and movie President's do and what people want to hear -- not what most real world, poll watching politicians and their staff approve as safe.
  
  
• A confident American success story. He brings up his roots, is self-deprecating when it makes sense, but always proud and confident that his upbringing is a strength. The fact that he doesn't look like a country club clone or millionaire like a Kerry or Edwards is a plus with the jaded public -- at least those who can overlook his skin color.

But what about the downside? When you enter the Presidential fray, things get ugly. Negatives include:

• His ethnicity. It is widely believed that Colin Powell's wife persuaded Colin not to run for President because she feared the popular former General would be killed due to his skin color. In 1960, it was a big deal for JFK to run, given that he was a Catholic. Can Barack overcome the fears, outright hatred, and masked dislike of a portion of Americans who don't think a person of color (or his specific color) should run the nation. No doubt, if he does run, there will be an ugly display of racism by some of those who oppose his candidacy.
  
  Hopefully, even if the mainstream media is reluctant, the bloggers of the global Net will uncover any who attempt to do this and ridicule and vilify them. Most likely, opposing candidates will steer clear of any direct attacks or, at most, rely on Swift Boat type support groups to plant seeds of doubt and stoke the fires of fear.
  
  
• His lack of executive experience. Recently, it seems like only governors or ex-VPs can win the Oval office. For example, Bush II, Clinton, Reagan, and Carter were all governors, while Bush I was a VP. Of these past Presidents, only Bush I had any foreign policy experience, but they each had an aura of leadership that comes with running a state. On the other hand, candidates from Congress have the problem of their entire voting and debating history being on record. The good news for Obama, is he has not accumulated years of votes that will enable the opposition to go after him on specific issues.

One thing he has going for him is that he is a well known Democrat, thanks to his 2004 speech. Being well-known is not critical for candidates. For example, who, outside of his home state, knew much about Bill Clinton before he became a front runner? But given his lack of baggage, the publicity will only help.


Too much to hope for: A Barack and Republican version of Barack for 2008

What could dash the enthusiasm for Barack? If he was chosen as a VP for another Democrat. Despite all his positives, he would be held hostage to the flip-flopping and poll following of all the major candidates. What the Democrats need is a candidate with a strong will and vision. If Barack runs, he needs to be at the top of the ticket. In reality, for the sake of the country, the Republicans need the same type of candidate.

2008 will be a great time for America is both parties manage to find intelligent, charismatic visionairies who are willing to run for the Presidency. Then, the voters can ignore distracting and marginal issues like gay marriage and concentrate on the most important things that face this country, such as our military involvement in the world in general and Iraq in particular and the re-definition of American rights in the age of global terrorists and digital technology.