Obama’s Thrill

Is it just me? Or has Barack Obama’s candidacy created a type of excitement and thrill in the political arena unlike any I have seen in almost 40 years? I was just a young child in elementary school when John F. Kennedy ran for resident. But I still remember, to this day, the excitement and optimism that he generated in that campaign. He brought America to its feet. It was a new day for our country! I feel the same kind of thrill now with the Obama campaign. As a journalist, I try to step back and evaluate all the candidates and of course, don’t get into endorsing anyone. But I just wanted to offer my evaluation. I was able to meet Senator Hillary Clinton face-to-face this summer when I produced the opening session for the National Association of Black Journalists convention. She was a part of the four-hour marathon that I was responsible for making work. Senator Obama was supposed to be part of that, but he couldn’t make it to the convention until the following day. I remember meeting Sen. Clinton in the backstage area after she had a meet-and-greet with the officialdom of NABJ. The backstage area was full of wires and other tricky obstacles that are all part of a major production. To help guide the Senator from the hallway to the stairs leading to the stage, I held the Senator’s hand. Secret Service men scrambled in front of us with small spotlights pointing to the potential traps that could have led to a disastrous fall for either the Senator or me. We made it to the bottom of the stairs without incident. While we were waiting for her introduction, I remarked to Sen. Clinton that I had met her husband years ago in another incarnation. I told her that I was the first NABJ president to bring a national presidential candidate to our convention (Bill) and that I was fortunate to be the first female NABJ president. I’m sure she saw the irony in that and she winked at me and said ” Alright, Madam President!” Her presentation was strong and bold in front of a room full of inquisitive Black folks. Senator Obama was just as entertainment and formidable in his presentation the following day. He even confronted the annoying issue of whether he is “Black enough” head on with a joke about the fact that he was a few minutes late in arriving on stage. The rest of his presentation was dynamic. But now, a few months have passed and several primaries later, it is clear that this year’s election is going to be unlike any other. Who would have imaged just ten years ago that the primary candidates for the Democratic nomination would be an African American and a woman? That’s how fast things are changing in the world. But I must tell you that I have never seen young people so galvanized, African Americans so energized and such a wave of change happening in our country in more than four decades!!! I, too, am energized and motivated and I pray that this momentum continues to put America back on the right track.