Obama and the Greatest Salve of All: Truth

During the Clinton era, I lost hope in political life because I couldn't stand political language. I grew to despise how people in power used words only to dictate outcomes -- that the gap between experienced truth and the story spoken out loud seemed to grow into a chasm, dark and sulfuric. I resented how politicians and their aides lived in fear that honest discourse on any hot topic could lead to career suicide. As much as I admired President Clinton, I knew that each public word was shaped and considered for its political impact as much as its truthful content, and that Washington was no place for someone who wanted to speak candidly about the problems that tear us apart as individuals, as families, and as Americans.

Then came Obama. He has shown us that a Democrat can be a strong contender without being a chest-beating poseur, without losing connection to what is true about himself as a man in this world. In this race he has shown no signs of shapeshifting -- he continues to be a man who brings people to the table. As a communicator, Obama is brave enough to speak truth and to speak it clearly and judiciously, when a thousand political know-it-alls would tell him to hedge and deflect, hedge and deflect.

This brings us to this morning, and the anticipated speech on race and his response to Rev. Wright. I read the transcript first. I read it and thought, wow, he's about to spend 30+ minutes speaking like a normal, learned human being, as if he were still a law professor with the mission to spread understanding as opposed to a politician who wants simply to push our buttons, and to do so without resorting to the usual codes and vagaries. When does this ever happen when race is discussed at the presidential podium? The speech already read like something extraordinary, and he hadn't even gave it yet.

Then he delivered.

At first, I worried that the speech would be too long. But holy cow, the energetic throughline -- I was startled the first time the audience broke into applause, because my attention wasn't faltering. He was speaking clearly and powerfully, straight to me, to us, from his head and from his heart. He did so for over 30 minutes, uninterrupted, on American and international airwaves. He spoke about the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, the ways, large and small, that black Americans have been cut down at the knees, and he did so in a reasoned way, as opposite to demagoguery as I've ever heard. He kept weaving between the personal and the political, and doing so without attempts to manipulate, just to illuminate, to offer us his truths and let us decide for ourselves.

Wow, I kept thinking. This much honesty x this much viewership=never happens!

He spoke of his white grandmother, of the great love they had for each other. But he also acknowledged that she feared the black men she saw on the streets, and that she was capable of saying hurtful, ignorant things about racial groups. Yes, I wanted to scream out loud: this is how people are! We are walking wonders of cognitive dissonance and beautiful contradiction! Creatures that can love one moment and fear the next. And thank you, Candidate Obama, for showing that you can still be a contender without throwing overboard every person who says something harmful to your political chances, that you can offer the reasons you disagree, without acting like a man who has been important in your life is suddenly dead to you.

Leading to what particularly moved me this morning, Obama's refusal to disown Reverend Wright. "As imperfect as he may be, he has been like family to me," said Obama. "He contains within him the contradictions -- the good and the bad -- of the community that he has served so diligently for so many years." After telling us why he found several of Wright's statements hurtful, he declared, with a steady and strong voice: "I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community."

To stand up for the truth, the truth of his experience, before those bright white lights, in front of those flags, and to do so at a time when all the levers of federal power are within his grasp, to not choke, to be strong, to be a unafraid: this is a profile in courage.

And then, Obama does what he does so powerfully: he shows his deep empathy and understanding for those who have not walked in his shoes. He talks of how almost all Americans have had to struggle hard, and how in this fight for survival one can forget the privilege they have in the culture -- for what good does white skin do if you can't pay your kid's hospital bills?

Now, the games begin: the spinning and the parsing, some organically connected to what he said, and much that will just be sheer offense, the political communicators bent on taking him down by any means necessary. Regardless, we should all be thrilled that for one window in time, a presidential candidate was fearless enough to insert eight pages of honest, thoughtful argument into the record, and in doing so honored suffering with the greatest salve of all: truth. Because whether or not we agree with each others' statements, we must take the time to understand where we're coming from, or we're doomed to be locked in perpetual conflict.

Comments

[SignedSealedDelivered]

Then how about YOU reaching out to Dunkin Donut/Six Pack Joe? This is ALL of our responsibility. Let the healing begin.

[spacealien]

u said that perfectly. kudos.

[outnow]

Obama's speech had amazing grace. Too bad that Joe Sixpack will not hear it like he did the Sean Hannity replay of the Rev. Wright tapes.

I really liked the Obama speech. He understands the resentment against affirmative action programs fashioned by the courts to overcome the effects of discrimination. The reaction to such court-fashioned remedies allowed the Reagan Revolution to proceed and the Southern Strategy to dominate politics for 28 years.

The implementation of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision resulted in busing of students. The Bakke case was about so-called "reverse discrimination" by a young man who was denied acceptance to a medical school.

Obama is a former constitutional law professor so he understands both sides of the racial issues. He also understands the backlash resulting from having the courts fashion remedies. It is interesting that the "activist court" would ultimately become the province of the right wing. Almost all members are now very pro-business (anti-consumer).

Reagan used the (false) image of the "welfare queen" driving around in her new Cadillac and the intrusion government agents arriving at the door stating that they were "there to help." We now fear our government but for other reasons such as use of near-dictatorial powers in the name of "security.­"

Obama understands and expresses these issues and concerns beautifully. I have come to know and appreciate the man he is.

[NuttyProf]

Important speech, but unfortunately Dunkin Donuts Joe will never hear but a line or two from it. You got to admit that it was thought-provoking, at least for those who have thoughts, anyway

[DemandTruth]

Exactly what I was thinking. To me, Obama's words and spirit resonate. They speak to my better self. The self that wants to love every one of my fellow earthlings. The self that wants to help my brothers and sisters even when I have so little for myself. The self that hates seeing the powerless used and abused - no matter what race, creed, religion, sex or whatever. Then I wonder why he speaks to me, but not to others. The only answer I've come up with (especially from reading some comments here) is that some people just don't have "better selves" that anyone could speak to or reach.

[athy]

Ahhh, yes… the ever elusive truth…
Here are 2 articles that explain & describe what makes the Obama campaign message tick...
Dividing the country and winning angry black votes & sympathetic white votes.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20070219/hayes "Obama"s Media Maven" by Chrisptoher Hayes. 2/19/08 issue
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=aa0cd21b-0ff2-4329-88a1-69c6c268b304
The New Republic, "Race Man" by Sean Wilentz
Ms. Ferraro is 100% correct in standing up to Sen Obama. His campaign stratgey is dividing our country-It is being done intentionally so he can win the elction. Imagine if he becomes president? Anyone daring to criticize his administration will be called a rascist???
More truth:
Reason why conservatives & republicans LOVE HIM is because he VOTES on major issues like they do-against the middle class. see vote analysis.
Sen. Obama"s past voting record:
http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/The_Obama_Craze_Count_Me_Out_5413.html
The Obama Craze: Count Me out “ by Matt Gonzalez 2/27/08
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080211/fraser
“Subprime Obama” by Max Fraser 1/24/08 Post 2/11/08 issue
http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2008/03/i-am-barack-obama.html
“ I am Barack Obama” by Mark Winston Griffith 3/17/08
I no longer trust Sen Obama or his message.

[lbrillante]

Wow! is right!
This is an extraordinary man willing to lead our nation at a time of incredible challenge. I have deep respect for him. I have hope for our country because of the possiblities his presidency will bring.
Thank you Senator Obama!
OBAMA/EDWARDS '08

[LarBear]

Obama's speech was about one goal and one GOAL, ONLY... Self Serving!
Let me guess... The MSM and Obama supporters are going to gush this is a defining MLK Jr., JFK, RFK, walk on water, ooooops, maybe walk above water, speech...
To "misphrase": IT's about getting ELECTED, Stupid!...­......
So, if Obama had Played a Masterpiece on the Piano, would that qualify him in any way for the Office of President??? How about an awesome Oil Painting??? So, Painting a wonderful speech with words, means what ??? That he has been working on it for weeks??? Working on this, since the Obama's brought Race and Color into the Campaign???
Geee Whizzz Golly, it's NOT like he is known for speeches..­. NOT like it's self serving... No! It's about Race and Color and working together to Heal, LMAO.. The Obama Campaign played the Race Card against the Clinton's several times to bring Party Unity and Racial Healing, right???
People! Regardless of skin color, please do not be taken in by a self serving speech... Is Obama's main objective in becoming President to stir up and Heal Racial disharmony??? Or, is he more likely playing to Race and skin color... "Black" skin to show you support a "brother" and "White" skin (as well as all other skin colors and tones,) to stimulate you into showing that you're NOT Racist??? IT's about getting ELECTED, Stupid!...­......
Obama is a word smith... WE, the Government, of, by and for the People need more than a word smith in the Office of President.­.. Are Obama's words going to Heal the near even split that is already occurring in the Democratic Party??? Seems to me he is more a divider, than Healer...

[PKSSK]

I love reading the profiles of people who make comments like yours. Your comments say more about your own issues with race and how you are the problem not part of the solution.

So sad for people like you who live in the dark because they fear the light they see in others.

[Gogetter]

The controversy surrounding Rev. Wright may very well be fatal to Obama's campaign, like so many are predicting and hoping. But regardless, this man gave a Presidential address this morning. Of course, there'll be plenty of people who's agendas won't let the admit it.

[nk007]

Gogetter,

I completely agree with you. By the way if the majority of Americans chose to reject Obama because of Rev. Wright, It really America's loss and not what he himself has done. They can chose Hillary Clinton though at the most critical moment she failed us voting to support a president intent on illegally invading another country that did us no harm. They Can chose John McCain, but in my book, I would take Rev. Wright, over John Haggee, Rod Parsley, and other rabid right wing hate mongers supporting McCain. Whre is the demand, and the outrage, for McCain to denounce Pastor Hagee, and Pastor Parsley? I am just so fed up with hypocrisy and double standards of the mainstream media as well as holier than thou whites who are at Obama's throat!

[DaviddeKanterArndt]

I agree.

It took guts for Obama to talk about the difficult complexities of race in America.

It took real intelligence to do it simply and clearly, without oversimplifying or avoiding reality.

I think the best thing about this speech has so far gone unremarked--that he tried to show people what it is like to look a painful and difficult question from a number of perspectives:

To see that black anger is grounded in real experiences of discrimination and humiliation, but that it is myopic and defeatist to regard racial prejudice as permanent and unchangeable.

To see that white resentment at quotas and crude forms of social engineering are understandable, but that this resentment has been used to distract citizens from the actual policies that have led to 30+ years of growing economic inequality in the US.

It is depressing to read some of the responses to the speech. I'm not talking about whether people agree with it or not, I'm talking about the ability of people (for or against Obama) to recognize and do justice to what he is trying to do.

But much of the response does give me hope--that Americans are tired of the infantile partisanship and poll-tested propaganda that dumbs down our political discourse to the point that it is nearly impossible to discuss the real problems we face through intelligent and reasoned deliberation.

Thanks for your post.

[brianwestchest]

I too appreciated the fact that Barack Obama once again had the courage to say what needs to be said. As an Obama supporter, I winced a few times thinking he wasn't being politically correct enough. He reminded white people that black people have a reason to have some of the anger we have. Ooh, would that hurt him?

But, as always he left no one out. He gave a balanced and thoughtful speech. He included the white people, immigrants and black people in his speech and reached out to all.

If we miss the opportunity to have this man speaking for us for the next four years I will be bitterly disappointed. As he said, this is a change to say "not again" to politics as usual in America. Are we ready for it?

Peace,
Brian

[SamanthaJaneSalem]

Excellent take on Obama's speech.

I just worry about those voters-- white guys in middle Pennsylvania, in Indiana, Montana-- who aren't as interested in sitting around a table hammering out the finer details of race relations in America. They hear "God damn America" from a candidate's pastor and that's the end of it for them. My hope has to be pretty audacious to believe that a lot of the "Obamicans" who crossed over haven't crossed back to the other side again.

Was today's speech a marriage between statesmanlike honesty and political savvy, or is it still up to Team Obama to beef up on the latter? Can the truth (complex as it is) be good politics, or will the campaign need to wave a few more flags, say a few more "God Bless America"s, and bring out a few more retired generals?

To the pro-Clinton crowd that cringes every time Obama gives a great speech: please remember that in the 1990s we marveled at Bill Clinton's speaking ability. He talked about hope and optimism. He could talk his way out of any jam. He was known for his coolness under fire.

The difference now is that the Clintons can be as clever as they want and we praise their savvy, but Obama is always supposed to be almost innocently open. Obama recently answered every question the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times asked him about Tony Rezko (a controversy he has already addressed many times) and set a new standard for transparency in presidential politics. And today Obama spoke openly about his racial identity, his church, his family. Response: "Empty words."

If Obama is going to win, he needs to do both: tell the truth *and* be politically savvy. Crafty even-- if pro-Clinton Democrats can cut him some slack and give him the same benefit of the doubt we gave the Clintons in the 1990s (and beyond).

[Nommo]

Then let it be, and with hope it will be the end. They can go the presidential way, or the Bear Stearns way. It won't be as if the choices won't be very obvious before very long.

[MPeter]

Yep, that is what Michelle meant when she told a cheering audience in Iowa, that there is something special about Obama. Obama is brilliant, honest and an amazing orator. His candor and his ability to to speak truth at any cost, make him a special gift to America and the world. Embrace this man before the crooked, slippery monstress muddies him.

[AjicNYC]

Funny thing is IF Wright didn’t exist he would never had made this “Amazing”(sigh) speech.

He did this to save his campaign.

He initially went to and stayed at a racist church for 20 years because ?????? Black people were slaves???

The Funny thing is the Race thing would not be an issue if he didn’t come with so much Racist baggage.

If he did not go to that church he wouldn’t be in this situation. I wounder if that’s why Oprah left ?

keith olbermann

“I did not hear such incendiary language uhhh myself personally uh either in conversations with him or when I was in the pew uh he always preached a social gospel uh and was ahhh sometimes controversial in the same way that..ahhh­…many people who speak out on social issues are controversial uhh but I I these particular statements that uh have been gathered are ones I strongly objected to, strongly condemned uh had I heard them uh in church I would uhh expressed that concern directly uh to Reverend Wright, so I didn’t become familiar with these until uhh recently.

Cnn andercon cooper interivew

OBAMA: And, as I said, Anderson, if I had heard any of those statements, I probably would have walked up, and I probably would have told Reverend Wright that they were wrong.

Speech Today

“Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes. Did I strongly disagree with many of his political views? Absolutely”

Come on, this guy is sliming his way out of this??? DoYou think he will ever admit what he heard Rev Wright say in that church???. If you don’t know the answer to that I will tell you , NO!! lol He wants the Americans to play where’s Waldo with The Rev.Wright­s Tapes. What no witnesses at the church?????

[shm259]

AJICNYC I'm here for you, because I don't believe that you mean what you just said- I think that you'll come around, eventually, and I ask you to question why you feel that way- it's easier to assume that the remarks made by Senator Obama today were disingenuous but the fact of the matter is that the very message his campaign is founded on is one that he's been articulating for years- dating back to both of his books. Please give him another look with open eyes, we all owe it to ourselves. This is our moment to say not this time- regardless of what you choose to do, know that I remain here for you.

[Nommo]

I wonder what you think of Hillary "I don't recall"- 152X Clinton?

[JacobSinger]

I must respectfully disagree.

While I found most of what he had to say to be true and inspiring, his brief effort to address Rev. Wright's words on US foreign policy was nothing but a regurgitation of a GOP talking point; our use of Israel as a client state is disgraceful, and their abuse of Palestinians is our shame by proxy.

His words only reinforced the lies that remove us from the truth of our responsibility for our actions in the Middle East since the 1950s, and by extension the attacks on 9/11/01 inspired by those actions.

Oh well, I guess that only goes to show that Obama truly understands his audience; Americans cna't handle the truth, so therefore sneator Obama has decided to encourage us to continue keeping our heads stuck in the sand....

[SeriousBlack]

A pertinent response to your narrowly-considered post that is more eloquent than I am capable of: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-russell/we-are-here-because-of-as_b_92165.html

[JacobSinger]

I can't imagine how you think that article addresses my concerns with Obama's speech, as it makes ZERO references to the issue.

Indeed, my concern is narrow in the context of the speech, as it primarily addressed the issue of racism from multiple perspectives; but if you think this narrow aspect of his speech is by the same token a narrow part of the severe problem we have as a nation, then I have to assert that you don't know what the hell you are talking about.

[JacobSinger]

Sorry, but when it comes to the comments Rev. Wright made that many consider to be Anti-American, he simply opted to use the standard GOP denial talking point to distance himself from a volitile truth.

[serenegeezer]

Are you talking about the speech Obama gave this morning in Philadelphia? ........yo­u can't be!