@Diest TKO,
If you think Obama is negative because he feel the nation needs change? What do you say to the +60% of Americans that feel we are headed in the wrong direction? I'm glad you kissed you wife and had happy thought about America. It doesn't mean that you've got some vantage point on the US which gives you the right to tell others that their unhappy thoughts are unjustified. You views on America don't make you more American or a better American. You can claim they do all you like though.
It isn't that Sen. Obama is 'negative", his public image that has resonated so well with Americans is that he projects a largely positive outlook that seems to hold out hope to those who are dissatisfied with the way things are. He has exploited his "outsider" image, and capitalized on a widespread desire for change.
In many ways the Obama resembles a messianic movement. Massive crowds of idealistic believers who are deaf and blind to any fault in their candidate, seems to be something more than just a political rally. Any criticism is characterized as being unfair, racist, ignorant, or almost anything except valid. Perhaps Sen. Obama is everything he purports to be, but it is just as likely that the public is being spoon-fed a just another sophisticated image that may have little to do with the man, his intentions, or character. After all, he has almost no experience or record in dealing with the Federal government. His record in the Senate is very thin, and has tended to take a "safe" course that wouldn't offend his Party's leaders, or special interest groups.
Barak Obama came to public notice when he delivered the key-note speech at the Democratic Convention. It was a well delivered speech, and it struck a highly emotional chord with the attendees. His message of transforming America, and bringing a divided nation together, wasn't especially new, but his delivery and apparent sincerity made him a Democratic icon. He has written a couple of books, largely autobiographical and describing his efforts to improve the lives of poor blacks living in Chicago. Some of the things in his books might suggest that he would like to see the American political and social landscape radically changed. But, maybe not since as his campaign has grown many of his views seem less radical.
His long and intimate association with Rev. Wright, gives rise to questions about just how the Senator might like to change the United States. His candidacy for the Senate, we are told began in the living room of an unrepentant founder of the notorious Weather Underground. Many of this programs certainly seem to some as schemes to penalize anyone who has managed to succeed materially in America, while rewarding those who have, for whatever reason, failed.
Sen. Obama's ideas of how to conduct foreign policy, are frankly scary to many of us who prefer strength and taking active steps to prevent further attacks on the United States and its citizens by the Radical Islamic Movement. Sen. Obama promises economic stability and increased opportunities for American workers, but I fail to see how making things more difficult for businesses to expand and make a profit will accomplish those promises. Sen. Obama promises massive new Federal programs, and suggests that they will be paid for by taxing businesses and the "rich". Because he often cites the dollar costs of prosecuting the fight against our enemies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world, we wonder if he might like to shift military spending away from defense to some of his social programs.
There are some troubling questions about what kind of President Obama might turn out to be. Perhaps ultimately the questions might turn out to be unfounded, but only the future will tell. Now, in this moment, the supporters of Obama can see, hear, nor speak any weakness in him.
There certainly does seem to be a very wide American desire for change. But what change is desired? I believe that "change" is more an emotional reaction to the problems and insecurities that make up our world, than a rational belief that very specific changes are needed. Each interest group want change that will advance their cause(s), but I really doubt that there is wide spread consensus for any particular change. People are tired of divisiveness and would love to an end to the acrimony that characterizes our political forum. However, I'm afraid that most folks want unanimity to happen by the wholesale acceptance of their own point of view. Compromise is one of those old values that has become discounted by those dedicated to some lofty ideal.
