Kristof on Obama: Perfect Example of Dreaming
In today's Op-Ed section Nicholas Kristof of The New York Times writes idealistically of how Barack Obama's childhood experiences living abroad, having some first hand Muslim education and growing up poor, single him out as a unique and possibly better-suited candidate for the presidency than many others in recent history. I appreciate the points that Mr. Kristof is trying to make. However as a whole, I disagree with him.
None of Obama's experiences make up for his exceptional lack of experience as a politician and a leader. It is one thing to embrace and enjoy one's Muslim heritage. It is another to confront and deal with a Taliban playing cat and mouse with Pakistan nuclear weapons - a strong man's heartbeat away. The initial warm and fuzzy reaction he is receiving from many will fade when he is confronted with an iron-fisted Putin or a super-powerful and growing China pursuing it's own agenda.
While Kristof's silver spoon analogy is obviously yet another swipe at President Bush (what would a New York Times Op-Ed piece be without one?) he leaves out some facts. Bill Clinton was not born with a silver spoon nor were Jimmy Carter, Richard Nixon or Ronald Regan. Needless to say those listed above had various degrees of success (depending on whom you speak to). Growing up poor guarantees nothing in the Oval Office.
I am not ruling out Obama by any means. I have written here time and again that his gifts are tremendous. In today's media age the most important skill for a leader is to be able to communicate with his masses, George Bush's greatest weakness. In addition, Obama will learn over time and become more and more formidable. I would not be surprised to see him defeat Hillary. Her requiring Bill this early is a terrible sign. She is rapidly becoming a lose/lose no matter what she does.
Obama can very well win his party's nomination. I just think we cannot overlook the fact that he must seriously up his game and not sit back on idealistic laurels.
Obama: Man of the World
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: March 6, 2007
WASHINGTON
The conventional wisdom about Barack Obama is that he’s smart and charismatic but so inexperienced that we should feel jittery about him in the Oval Office. But that view is myopic. In some respects, Mr. Obama is far more experienced than other presidential candidates.
http://select.nytimes.com/2007/03/06/opinion/06kristof.html
