Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m an Obama fanboy. I haven’t been this excited about any political candidate in my entire voting life. I *really* want him to run in 2008. He’s smart, well-spoken and has a very good chance at winning the White House. I was just reminded at why this guy is so freakin’ amazing after reading this Slate article.
2. John McCain can beat anyone the Democrats put up.
“Our sense right now is that McCain would beat any Democrat including Hillary Clinton, and Clinton would beat any Republican except for McCain.” Thus spake political guru Mark Halperin of ABC News and John Harris of the Washington Post in their book, The Way to Win. Obama upsets that equation because of his crossover appeal to independents and moderate Republicans. Like John McCain, the candidate he would be most likely to face in 2008 if he won the Democratic nomination, Obama attracts support more through his style, personality, and biography than by his specific positions. Last week, New York Times columnist David Brooks, a long-standing McCain fan, nearly announced his defection to Obama in an admiring column($). As for McCain himself, he would evidently prefer to run against Clinton than Obama.
Update (October 27, 2006): The Economist has jumped on the bandwagon! Best line: “If Bill Clinton was the man from Hope, Mr Obama is the man with the audacity of hope.”
I agree totally. For the last several years, I have noticed Obama’s rise in the public view and you can almost sense the respect that the man carries with him. I live in Daytona Beach, Florida and he was here in 2004 campaigning for Kerry/Edwards and speaking locally… I really made an effort to go see him but the church where he was speaking was so crowded with people that you could not find a place to park for blocks and blocks away, much less get into the building. I remember telling my wife that this guy is something very special and I believe we have big things to be seen from what he can offer this country.
It is very exciting to see his current recognition and again, see the dignity that he brings to his thoughts, ideas and audience. He would, without a doubt, make for a fine President of this country and would surely get my vote and support.