When I watched the above video, I found it very compelling … very compelling. I think Obama is a socialist with regard to his public policy views that have not been fully explained so far. I believe his beautiful words are lacking true substance to actually carry out the well articulated vision. Knowledge does not equate the wisdom practical application obvious in his short time of leadership at a federal level and never in an Executive capacity. I worry that he will be swept into office to only create a whole new set of divisions, anger and disappointment. A lot of people see him as the answer but no one is asking him the tough questions.
Even so, Obama literally soars above the pack, really the nation, with his vision casting. I have said this before, he is the only one hitting on the themes that everyone, except apparently most of the Baby Boomers, are looking for. Pragmatism, respect, unity, peace, authenticity, pressing through, relationship … "WE the people." On the Democrat side, Obama is the only one I see (have seen) wanting to lead all of us. Unlike Hillary who often comes off as only wanting to lead her supporters and force the rest of us to follow her.
We the people, as a whole, are angry with all three branches of government and the two party system. In my view, Obama is the only one talking directly to this in a way that speaks if uniting. He is purposefully, and very skillfully, casting a vision that transcends the the three branches and two parties.
He has a prophetic gifting and I believe it is headed to a bad end. I want to be proven wrong but haven't been so far. His public policy positions are to the left of Hillary and that bothers me to the nth degree. I am not even worried about social issues with Obama because those are luxuries with some of his foreign and economic policies that would send us into a nationwide meltdown. Again, just my opinion.
I honestly believe that We the people are starving for vision and I am praying for that void to be filled with the Light of Christ in some way shape or form. Presidents come and go. Presidents have serious immediate consequences and leave historic legacies. However, it is only Christ who leads for eternity.
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Well, I guess we know where the cool hipster vote is going. This is great pop culture politics. Just like last November when the Obama camp furtively released the 1984 video featuring Hillary as Big Brother.
Here is my problem with Obama and this video specifically: Style over substance. I am less familiar with Obama’s policies because the notion of “The Audacity of Hope” hits me so wrong that it prevents me to venture any further to check him out.
This is very good micro-target message. I don’t think 20 – 30 somethings have ever elected a president. They typically don’t vote at all. But this is a fascinating election and, who knows, maybe style over substance will triumph in spite of the need for real answers to our real issues. But maybe that is the consequence of believing that hipster celebrities have something of value and importance to say. There is something seriously wrong when people seek leadership from entertainers.
I agree. I think part of it is idolatry. We were made to worship and we will worship something or someone whether we realize it or not. The only “substance” is the vision part. He has vision … that is definite. And it is a great vision. I just don’t think he has the wisdom or experience… or even the right ideas to implement or achieve that vision.
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Visionaries are substantive in that they produces inspiration, passion and hope. I say that being fully on board with you regarding the silly “audacity” of hope thing.
I think vision is substantive but it means zero without wise implementation. Just like implementation means absolutely nothing without wise vision. Both can only work for a little while without the other. I feel an article coming on
While I’m a small-government, limited Federal (esp executive) powers, strong domestic policy, secure international affairs type of person which would generally classify me as a Republican, I do appreciate the message Obama presents and presents compellingly.
Yes we can take care of the poor. Yes we can rebuild the Gulf coast. Yes we can build allies abroad. Yes we can make our nation secure.
I think, if I had to consider everything, that I would take a “Republican” approach to many aspects of policy and social concerns, but I’m not sure if the current crop of Republican candidates are adequately addressing the needs of America in a way that connects with Americans. The idea that the private sector can best address the needs of the country only works if the private sector is willing to rise to the occasion. I hope that Obama will use his position not just to influence political change but also to influence cultural change.
Yes we can change the course of this country, and it will take every single American to make that happen. I’m glad that he is calling us to it and I think I can get behind that vision for America.
Oh, a friend (and Obama supporter) sent me this when I inquired about Barack Obama’s leadership experience: http://matthewyglesias.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/02/obama_and_the_details.php
[...] being icing without a cake, a doughnut instead of a steak … but the truth of the matter, as I keep saying, is his speeches do have substance that people are starving for; Vision and Inspiration. Those [...]