March 19, 2008
"A More Perfect Union"
If you missed yesterday's speech by Barack Obama on race, politics, and history, it's worth the time it takes to watch (or read):
Candor and substance have been missing from political speeches and dialogue for such a long time that speeches like this are always worth remark. Though it may be lost on a polarized nation that follows the lead of talk show hosts and pundits who speak in binary, I was impressed by Obama's ability to elucidate the anger and frustration (racial and otherwise) of multiple groups (and to deftly weave both Jeremiah Wright and Geraldine Ferraro into his remarks). Unlike other politicians responding to a chink in their armor (think of Mitt Romney's "Faith in America" speech or the way John Kerry tackled his views on Vietnam), Obama faced the issue boldly and did not posture or pander to specific groups.
Reportedly, Obama wrote the speech by himself in two days, showing it only to several top advisers. Again, remarkable because it is so atypical these days. But those familiar with Obama's life story and political writing will not be surprised that he could tackle these particular issues with both nuance and bravery.
Reaction from a few major newspapers can be found on the Obama blog. As always, thoughtful commentary and lots of fine links at Ghost in the Machine.
(Update: The Daily Show chimes in: "And so, on 11 a.m. on a Tuesday, a prominent politcian spoke to Americans about race as though they were adults." Although, as evident in their "open discussion", dialogue is tricky, regardless of how great the speeches may be.)