Biased View on the Eve of the '08 Presidential Election

Many of us in America know—viscerally feel—the historic moment we are at in this country tonight, the eve of the presidential election. In addition to the politics of the democratic candidate, the fact that Barack Obama may well be the first Black American president is both mind-boggling and absolutely right.

Even though there have been many disturbing one-liners in this election campaign, such as “radical” and “socialist,” to name two, little has derailed Obama’s campaign or his personal effectiveness. Despite the Rev. Wright debacle, the “community organizer” put downs and so on, Obama has been a role model for the youth of the country and for all of us. It’s been a long time since we have seen this kind of intelligence and grace in a presidential candidate. Barack’s vitality is sorely needed in this country.

Everyone likes to see the changing of the guard but few want to be in the old guard, the guard whose time has run out. Well, it may seem that way for McCain on the eve of the election, but that really isn’t how our political system works. Democrats hopefully will have a chance to implement some changes—health care, better diplomacy, a greener economy, and so on—but we know that no real change can take place without the cooperation of both parties in Congress.

Barack Obama’s face, not his color, is the right one for the USA today. His face reveals optimism, compassion, intelligence, and focus. He understands the average American and the global world in which we live. He is not threatened by diversity or globalization like so many Americans still are. Barack Obama has lived these twin aspects of postmodern life from birth.

If Barack Obama is elected president tomorrow, will it be the end of racism in this country? Unfortunately, no, but as journalist Dan Rather said tonight on CNN, “If Obama wins, we are on our way to becoming the country we want to be.”

M.