Weeeeeellllll…
That’s what I thought (and I’m sure a lot of Dems did too) when we believed Kerry was going to take the election. But the more I hear about this whole value issues/cultural divide thang, I’m realizing that public image is always going to be the deciding factor for most in this country. I laughed long and hard at Dubya’s good-ol-boy persona in the face of cold facts, but the final appeal was underestimated.
Which brings me back to Obama. In a sound bite constituancy, the spoils go to the guy that can impart that warm fuzzy feeling during the 30 second clip on the evening news. And this guy can do it. Just look at the national (even international) buzz surrounding him now - based on one speech at the DNC. Obama is the prayed-for triple threat of brains, honest charisma and zero dirt. As long as he can maintain the latter (and I have this gut feeling it won’t be a problem - the guy seems to radiate good hearted charm), I say minimize the damage done by a long Senate career and put him on the ticket in 2008. Hell, put him up for President. He’s got a gift for working with and speaking to the public that could be the Democrats’ strongest weapon, and his appeal will cross color lines for all but the most dyed-in-the-wool racists.