An Idea Whose Time Had Come

by Taylor Marsh

No one could have beaten Barack Obama this year. It was destiny meeting up with a crack in the facade of time, capped off by the hunger of tens of millions. It came with a hope from around the world that the people of America were different than the face of its government.

Barack Obama wasn't simply a man running for higher office. He embodies the dream that is America. That anyone, of any background, facing innumerable challenges to reach the next rung can climb to the highest place on any ladder.

There is no way to express what the last two years have been like, but somehow, in one picture it was manifest. The face of Jesse Jackson with tears rolling down his cheeks spoke for generations, those before and in the present, all of whom have waited for this moment. All the work, violence felt, and progress delayed finally actualized by the most improbable of men: Barack Hussein Obama. It took generations to break that ceiling but when we did we shattered it to smithereens.

What President-Elect Barack Obama sees before him was represented in his speech last night, in his demeanor, and in the gravity and brevity of his words. The weight had already descended on his shoulders, witnessed by the sober view of our new president waving, looking out amidst the crowd, while praying in his thoughts that he will be able to do what's needed. It won't be easy. An economy in shambles. Two wars unwinding; one in Iraq where the political will doesn't exist; another in Afghanistan that has already come apart. Pakistan awaits, with the troubles with India and Kashmir still to settle, with the Russian Bear awakened from sleep amidst lack of U.S. foresight and leadership, as China revs right along, devouring resources left and right. ... Iran. Israel and the Palestinians... Hugo Chavez. Then there is America, who has become the step child doing without. We the people and our country are hungry for attention.

No one can legitimately doubt the width, breadth and substance of Barack Obama's sweeping national referendum on change. The specifics to be drawn in are quite different, while the resounding message of Obama's campaign echoes. To borrow, it's not a partisan who feels pain when he or she cannot get healthcare for a daughter or son. It's an American. It's not one party or the other who suffers from our lack of energy independence. It's all Americans. It's not a Democrat who faces stop-loss and unending tours in an unending war. It's a father, a mother, a husband or wife, sister or brother. How these issues are solved, however, is where your ideological compass becomes the guide. Democrats believe we are our brothers keeper. With so many Democrats by his side, President Barack Obama will be able to manifest what that means. The message must be clear, sharp and unequivocal and it must be an answer that Americans can see, feel and experience. But the solution comes down across American lines, not only partisan ones.

But if there is one thing President-Elect Barack Obama knows all too well it's that he can't meet the historic challenges he will face with only "blue America." In fact, he promised to do just the opposite. Where he compromises will tell the tale.

Coming full circle, I once again revert to the interview former candidate Barack Obama gave George Stephanopolous, circa May 2007.

"I think that I have the capacity to get people to recognize themselves in each other. I think that I have the ability to make people get beyond some of the divisions that plague our society and to focus on common sense and reason and that's been in short supply over the last several years. I'm not an ideologue, never have been. Even during my younger days when I was tempted by, you know, sort of more radical or left wing politics, there was a part of me that always was a little bit conservative in that sense; that believes that you make progress by sitting down listening to people, recognizing everybody's concerns, seeing other people's points of views and then making decisions." - Barack Obama (on ABC's "This Week")

A president is the leader of a political party, but just as importantly, he's the leader of the entire nation. When the challenges are as great for this nation as what stands before President-Elect Obama, loyalties and responsibility to one, may not match up with the other. Balancing without breaking will be the test.

Follow Taylor Marsh on Twitter: www.twitter.com/taylormarsh

Comments

[OwenScottIII]

Very level-headed assessment, Taylor. Developing a coalition around the center is a stark contrast to the last 8 years. It's what the country wants. It's the only plausible way to implement the Obama message of "no blue states or red states" but "the United States of America." Leftists may complain about a sell-out and righties will try to keep playing the game they are used to; but, President Obama has already turned the page.

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

1) Get over it.
2) Let the healing begin.
3) Maybe you were out of town the last 16 years, but the economy did quite well under Clinton, and not so well (wink) under el Busho, despite el Busho giving plenty of tax breaks to those in least need.
4) TAX THE RICH -- It's about time they pulled their weight.

"We don't pay taxes. Only the little people pay taxes. "
-- Leona Helmsley

[Livvy]

This is a beautiful piece. Thank you. I think he (and we) had a date with destiny.

[ConcernedRedStater]

He’ll push for a tax cut just like Bill Clinton did. Riiiight. Run on it and forget it, the Democrat way. Remove 60% of the voters from the tax roles by stealing from the top 20% (who already pay the overwhelming share of taxes) and guarantee election for your party forever!

“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”
Thomas Jefferson

“The Government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.”
George Bernard Shaw

[ReasonIsMyReligion]

Plz see comment above.