Putting Obama into perspective

A Black American President may become reality in a few weeks. For a black man to be considered a leader of a predominantly white nation is a social revolution. Many political pundits have labelled it something akin to the French uprising of the 18th century. Something that "will transcend politics" . It certainly is a big event that will change the American landscape forever. And i hope a similar situation replicates down here in Australia.

But there is a problem. Obama's victory (if it occurs) will be over a man who should be lining up for pension and fishing on the Missouri with his pal Bob. The life table from Actuaries suggest he may die during his 4 year tenor (if John won). Not something voting Americans would want to put much faith in. Second in line would be Sarah Palin a woman who should only be filming in a pornographic set. She's no Hillary but she does have the American women by the scruff of their necks. She is popular. But when it comes to the business end she will most likely fall short. Her perceived lack of credibility and little foreign experience will shine through. After George Bush's successful campaign (sarcasm for those under a rock) many Americans realise inexperience and ignorance is not needed for the White house. They don't need another naive President. Obama is no saint though. He couldn't recall the number of years he has been married. If i were American would i want a leader like that? Hell no! But there isn't much to say about the opposition.

Obama is doing very well in the newspaper polls. There is talk of voters changing their mind on the day. Second guessing who they truly want as a leader. Personally that's hogwash. But it would have been interesting to see if Obama has been competing against a white, middle-aged man. Someone of the stature of Bill Clinton or the charm of Al Gore. How well would Obama be polling? His current rivals bare no resemblance to the American Presidents of the past either. Nothing should be taken away from Obama though. If elected it will be a wonderful day for American history but we shouldn't be carried away. Obama was not facing the usual individual that have dominated American politics for so long.