Obama Will Be One of The Greatest (and Most Loved) American Presidents
Great presidents are made great by horrible circumstances combined with character, temperament and intelligence. Like firemen, cops, doctors or soldiers, presidents need a crisis to shine.
Obama is one of the most intelligent presidential aspirants to ever step forward in American history. The likes of his intellectual capabilities have not been surpassed in public life since the Founding Fathers put pen to paper. His personal character is also solid gold. Take heart, America: we have the leader for our times.
I say this as a white, former life-long Republican. I say this as the proud father of a Marine. I say this as just another American watching his pension evaporate along with the stock market! I speak as someone who knows it's time to forget party loyalty, ideology and pride and put the country first. I say this as someone happy to be called a fool for going out on a limb and declaring that, 1) Obama will win, and 2) he is going to be amongst the greatest of American presidents.
Obama is our last best chance. He's worth laying it all on the line for.
This is a man who in the age of greed took the high road of community service. This is the good father and husband. This is the humble servant. This is the patient teacher. This is the scholar statesman. This is the man of deep Christian faith.
Good stories about Obama abound; from his personal relationship with his Secret Service agents (he invites them into his home to watch sports, and shoots hoops with them) to the story about how, more than twenty years ago, while standing in the check-in line at an airport, Obama paid a $100 baggage surcharge for a stranger who was broke and stuck. (Obama was virtually penniless himself in those days.) Years later after he became a senator, that stranger recognized Obama's picture and wrote to him to thank him. She received a kindly note back from the senator. (The story only surfaced because the person, who lives in Norway, told a local newspaper after Obama ran for the presidency. The paper published a photograph of this lady proudly displaying Senator Obama's letter.)
Where many leaders are two-faced; publicly kindly but privately feared and/or hated by people closest to them, Obama is consistent in the way he treats people, consistently kind and personally humble. He lives by the code that those who lead must serve. He believes that. He lives it. He lived it long before he was in the public eye.
Obama puts service ahead of ideology. He also knows that to win politically you need to be tough. He can be. He has been. This is a man who does what works, rather than scoring ideological points. In other words he is the quintessential non-ideological pragmatic American. He will (thank God!) disappoint ideologues and purists of the left and the right.
Obama has a reservoir of personal physical courage that is unmatched in presidential history. Why unmatched? Because as the first black contender for the presidency who will win, Obama, and all the rest of us, know that he is in great physical danger from the seemingly unlimited reserve of unhinged racial hatred, and just plain unhinged ignorant hatred, that swirls in the bowels of our wounded and sinful country. By stepping forward to lead, Obama has literally put his life on the line for all of us in a way no white candidate ever has had to do. (And we all know how dangerous the presidency has been even for white presidents.)
Nice stories or even unparalleled courage isn't the only point. The greater point about Obama is that the midst of our worldwide financial meltdown, an expanding (and losing) war in Afghanistan, trying to extricate our country from a wrong and stupidly mistaken ruinously expensive war in Iraq, our mounting and crushing national debt, awaiting the next (and inevitable) al Qaeda attack on our homeland, watching our schools decline to Third World levels of incompetence, facing a general loss of confidence in the government that has been exacerbated by the Republicans doing all they can to undermine our government's capabilities and programs... President Obama will take on the leadership of our country at a make or break time of historic proportions. He faces not one but dozens of crisis, each big enough to define any presidency in better times.
As luck, fate or divine grace would have it (depending on one's personal theology) Obama is blessedly, dare I say uniquely, well-suited to our dire circumstances. Obama is a person with hands-on community service experience, deep connections to top economic advisers from the renowned University of Chicago where he taught law, and a middle-class background that gives him an abiding knowledgeable empathy with the rest of us. As the son of a single mother, who has worked his way up with merit and brains, recipient of top-notch academic scholarships, the peer-selected editor of the Harvard Law Review and, in three giant political steps to state office, national office and now the presidency, Obama clearly has the wit and drive to lead.
Obama is the sober voice of reason at a time of unreason. He is the fellow keeping his head while all around him are panicking. He is the healing presence at a time of national division and strife. He is also new enough to the political process so that he doesn't suffer from the terminally jaded cynicism, the seen-it-all-before syndrome afflicting most politicians in Washington. In that regard we Americans lucked out. It's as if having despaired of our political process we picked a name from the phone book to lead us and that person turned out to be a very man we needed.
Obama brings a healing and uplifting spiritual quality to our politics at the very time when our worst enemy is fear. For eight years we've been ruled by a stunted fear-filled mediocrity of a little liar who has expanded his power on the basis of creating fear in others. Fearless Obama is the cure. He speaks a litany of hope rather than a litany of terror.
As we have watched Obama respond in a quiet reasoned manner to crisis after crisis, in both the way he has responded after being attacked and lied about in the 2008 campaign season, to his reasoned response to our multiplying national crises, what we see is the spirit of a trusted family doctor with a great bedside manner. Obama is perfectly suited to hold our hand and lead us through some very tough times. The word panic is not in the Obama dictionary.
America is fighting its "Armageddon" in one fearful heart at a time. A brilliant leader with the mild manner of an old-time matter-of-fact country doctor soothing a frightened child is just what we need. The fact that our "doctor" is a black man leading a hitherto white-ruled nation out of the mess of its own making is all the sweeter and raises the Obama story to that of moral allegory.
Obama brings a moral clarity to his leadership reserved for those who have had to work for everything they've gotten and had to do twice as well as the person standing next to them because of the color of their skin. His experience of succeeding in spite of his color, social background and prejudice could have been embittering or one that fostered a spiritual rebirth of forgiveness and enlightenment. Obama radiates the calm inner peace of the spirit of forgiveness.
Speaking as a believing Christian I see the hand of a merciful God in Obama's candidacy. The biblical metaphors abound. The stone the builder rejected is become the cornerstone... the last shall be first... he that would gain his life must first lose it... the meek shall inherit the earth...
For my secular friends I'll allow that we may have just been extraordinarily lucky! Either way America wins.
Only a brilliant man, with the spirit of a preacher and the humble heart of a kindly family doctor can lead us now. We are afraid, out of ideas, and worst of all out of hope. Obama is the cure. And we Americans have it in us to rise to the occasion. We will. We're about to enter one of the most frightening periods of American history. Our country has rarely faced more uncertainty. This is the time for greatness. We have a great leader. We must be a great people backing him, fighting for him, sacrificing for a cause greater than ourselves.
A hundred years from now Obama's portrait will be placed next to that of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. Long before that we'll be telling our children and grandchildren that we stepped out in faith and voted for a young black man who stood up and led our country back from the brink of an abyss. We'll tell them about the power of love, faith and hope. We'll tell them about the power of creativity combined with humility and intellectual brilliance. We'll tell them that President Obama gave us the gift of regaining our faith in our country. We'll tell them that we all stood up and pitched in and won the day. We'll tell them that President Obama restored our standing in the world. We'll tell them that by the time he left office our schools were on the mend, our economy booming, that we'd become a nation filled with green energy alternatives and were leading the world away from dependence on carbon-based destruction. We'll tell them that because of President Obama's example and leadership the integrity of the family was restored, divorce rates went down, more fathers took responsibility for their children, and abortion rates fell dramatically as women, families and children were cared for through compassionate social programs that worked. We'll tell them about how the gap closed between the middle class and the super rich, how we won health care for all, how crime rates fell, how bad wars were brought to an honorable conclusion. We'll tell them that when we were attacked again by al Qaeda, how reason prevailed and the response was smart, tough, measured and effective, and our civil rights were protected even in times of crisis...
We'll tell them that we were part of the inexplicably blessed miracle that happened to our country those many years ago in 2008 when a young black man was sent by God, fate or luck to save our country. We'll tell them that it's good to live in America where anything is possible. Yes we will.
Frank Schaeffer is the author of CRAZY FOR GOD-How I Grew Up As One Of The Elect, Helped Found The Religious Right, And Lived To Take All (Or Almost All) Of It Back. Now in paperback.
Follow Frank Schaeffer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/frank_schaeffer
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Beautiful!
What a great article. I loved the story about Obama helping out the young newlywed going to Norway. Now THAT'S the kind of role model we want our children to aspire to be.
For those of you knuckleheads whining about "spreading the wealth" (many of whom I'm sure make nowhere near $250,000), listen to what the man is saying. I'm one of those Americans lucky enough to make more than $250,000 per year, and I'm more than happy to invest more tax money in our crumbling infrastructure and our deteriorating schools.
Obama understands that increasing taxes on the people who can most afford it makes sense. My employees won't be suffering because I'm paying more taxes. They will live a better life as will all Americans when we turn this country around. Simple enough.
Wow, what a simply wonderful article. Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Frank Schaeffer for being a real man of God and speaking the truth. I pray that the others whom God has given a platform and a voice will remove the muzzle from their mouths and speak the truth! Let's pray for America and watch God CHANGE things through President Obama, yes we can and yes we will......
God Bless you Mr Schaeffer.
We keep reading about voters who reject Senator Obama because they can't imagine a black man running the country. Fortunately, Hollywood offers help in the form of
DEEP IMPACT, a 1990s sci fi flick about an asteroid on a collision course with Earth.
Facing a crisis that dwarfs our country's current humongous troubles, the movie President--named Tom Beck-- must tell the people the truth, then help them deal with it. Morgan Freeman characterizes the chief executive not as a "Super President" but rather as a decent man who ultimately makes the best of a very bad situation.
Freeman's portrait of the chief executive reminds me a lot of Barack Obama, a black man whose humanity overshadows his origins.
DEEP IMPACT's screenplay did not specify that the President's race. The character "simply" had to be calm, smart, articulate and honest--qualities that have nothing to do with skin color. I have the feeling Barack Obama will teach us this truth if we give him the chance.
Anyone know who said this? - 'My friends, we live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. I hope you'll join with me as we try to change it.' I cannot believe that anyone who really reads what this saying would support the orator.
I've heard people say "What's so great about this country?" Tell me this - Why is everyone who doesn't live in America beating down our doors to get in and live here? DUH!! I invite you to go live in any other country for 6 months, and you'll be begging to come back to the freedoms we have here. But our freedoms are being threatened more than ever right now.
Wake up and think people!
There are enough people outside of America that hate it and want to destroy it. We don't need our own Americans doing it as well. And we surely don't want to put someone in the most powerful position of our country who doesn't like it either.
It is not our right as Americans to get everything for nothing or next to nothing from the gov't. It's not in the job description of gov't to provide for it's people (that also includes healthcare
One of 3 things the US Gov't is responsible for is "controlling and securing our borders". They can't even do one of the 3 things in their job description. What makes you think they're going to be able to establish and run a healthcare system successfully in this country? How many forms will there be to get to see a doc at a hospital? You think I'm kidding? Let's look at the gov't track record - can you say IRS? Even the guy who wrote the tax code admits that HE doesn't understand it. And he still has a job? That's gov't for ya!
Please Mr. Gov't - just do what you're supposed to and let professionals handle the other stuff.
I fear for the outcome of next week's election. I fear for what kind of world my child will grow up in. And I can tell you, I ain't sold on McCain either.
These are extremely dangerous times we live in. Use these last days to consider deeply who you'll put in office as the leader of our country before it's too late. Turn off the tube and research it all for yourselves so that you'll know it's right for our country - not just your free hand out - when you place
"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
That's the preamble of the U.S. Constitution, dear. Notice it says our government was formed to "promote the general welfare" of "[w]e the people."
You're correct, the preamble states "promote" the general welfare...
Let's just make it through one worry tonight...
What is the benefit of "spreading the wealth around"? (Something B.O. wants to do). Where's the incentive to do better and make something more for your life than what you are?
I don't make 6 figures, but I aspire to, and I will work to be better so that my employer (yes, one of those big evil companies that everyone wants to destroy) will recognize my efforts and reward me accordingly, so that someday I WILL make 6 figures. But not if someone is taking the fruits of my labor and giving it to others who won't lift a finger to better themselves.
And if he's spreading it around, why should I work to make myself better? He's just going to take it from me anyway. I'll just sit around and do nothing and get a piece of someone else's hard work. It's a heck of a lot easier for me.
Did you ever notice that when you do a good days work and accomplish something how good you feel? It builds your confidence. If someone gives everything to you, there's nothing to be proud of. Back in my day it was called "spoiled" when your parents gave you everything.
Continued.
ccbassgirl: Do you not understand that Bush has given tax cuts to the wealthiest few while requiring working people to carry the tax burden for all? And it has ruined our economy. McCain will continue those same tax cuts to the wealthy and continue giving working people the burden. (That's welfare for the rich). Obama will end tax cuts for the wealthy and tax everyone according to their income, and thats fair. "Spread the wealth" is a McCain buzz phrase taking Obama's words out of context. and pushing the idea that Obama will take from you when just the opposite is true. McCain's wealth comes from being married to a 100 million dollar heiress and this fits your description of "when someone gives you everything there's nothing to be proud of." McCain has little in this election to be proud of and has sunk to the lowest level of lies against Obama. I want a President with integrity who tells the truth!
While I will say the article was well written (structurally and grammatically), I just can't understand how anyone cannot see the truth that lies beneath the perfectly constructed exterior on this candidate? As each day grows closer to the election, I'm baffled and speechless that everyone is not waking up and smelling the stench of what this guy is all about.
How much research - your own real research - have you done on this individual? Are you all behind him because the media claims he IS the 2nd coming, and it'll make you feel good about yourself to pull the lever next to his name?
If this man becomes president, a good number of the freedoms you enjoy every single day will vanish. Not overnight - it will be a process. But mark my words, it will happen.
I have so many issues on so many levels with this candidates statements and beliefs, and I will tell you - not one of them is contingent on the color of his skin. There are far deeper seeds to fear if this man becomes our next president.
Continued.
I'm baffled and speechless that everyone is not waking up and smelling the stench of what McCain and Palin are trying to do. (More of what the Repugs and Bush have done and worse.) I have done my research. Obviously, you have not. You naysayers all talk about how bad things will be if Obama becomes president, but I notice you - as with McCain and his gang - never give any facts (different than lies and B.S.) to back up your beliefs. What are these deeper seeds? I'll search to see if I can find your Continued.
In the meantime - OBAMA/BIDEN 2008!!!! Indeed we can!!!!!!!
ccbassgirl: A particularly ugly post.
You should know that the people on this site have been researching Barack Obama for many months, as well as your candidate. Thats why we so fervently support Obama.
I reject your politics of fear and division. When you use words like "stench" in reference to Obama you lose all credbility with any thinking American.
As a progressive Christian and proud liberal Democrat I am encouraged by Mr. Schaeffer's essay. I have lived through many heart breaking elections since thinking we were all one during the "Age of Aquarius". I'll be sending this on to my brother who is everything I am not, with hope that he might actually read this and take it to heart since it comes from a constituency to which he can relate.
Frank Schaeffer has written an amazing piece. I too, am looking forward to electing Obama as our next President. Schaeffer covered all of the points which are important to me. I hope all readers can view this written work objectively and imagine Obama as our next Commander-in-chief and feel as at ease as most of his other supporters. Honestly, we don't even have to love Obama, we just have to respect and work with Obama. That's what it boils down to. Those who want to have a beer with their President will NEVER do so anyway. So let's start to be more realistic. Thank you, Frank Schaeffer; for putting your mind and heart on paper. I hope this helps some Republicans to view Obama differently; to some degree.
Peace and love...
Wow, very well written. I am looking forward to the Obama years.
Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Schaeffer. It was thoughtful and well put. I must say that I have been pleased with the above-board campaign of the Democrats, as if they were running in full view of the eyes of their imitating children, saying, "This is how it is done." Obama is a natural teacher, and the law school will take a huge loss if he is elected, but the classroom of American living will post a net gain. Maybe even the bigots will learn something.
Flash,
In response to your numerous posts...
I can see why Obama is unappealing to you. Like his opponent and his opponent's running mate, you talk a lot but have nothing to say. Too bad for you that McCain and Palin are inspirational only to bigots and hate-mongers, while Obama is inspirational to people all over the world.
Flash, dude, if you're going to talk, SAY something!
This article is beautifully written and resonates within my soul as I AM that I AM Barack IS all that is stated. regardless of those who have not been awaken yet, in due time they will. Time is about to tell us all. Barack is going to bring Great things to ALL AMERICANS for this Is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Mccain/Palin have been representing the DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA in which there is no such thing this is 2008 = NEW BEGINNINGS, they are stuck in the Past! The United States of America is the greatest Country, with Diversity in active intelligence. We want the truth in our President that resonates with all manner of people, all races, religions, a President that can look past the slanders, lies, trickery strategies,slick sound bites, and just plain o' untruths. We know the Truth will prevail. Say what ever negatives that you want to say about Barack Obama, the REALTruth will win, as folks vote with their hearts and not the shades of their skin. Heartaches, wariness, fear will be things of the past, for together We The People will weather this storm only to welcome the Sunshine as it shines brightly on Barack/Biden and WE THE PEOPLE of this beautiful United States of America. That is the way of it.
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