Hillzilla vs Obambi?
Earlier this week, I did a posting about the excitement caused in the United States by the growing popularity of the black Senator Barack Obama and the interest in the possibility that he might challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic candidacy for the 2008 Presidential election.
In an article in today’s “Observer” newspaper, reference is made to Maureen Dowd, a “New York Times” columnist, who has dubbed the possible battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as ‘Hillzilla vs Obambi’, implying that the newcomer will be crushed by Clinton’s experience and money.
Don’t you believe it. There is a desperate desire in the USA for an exciting new face and right now Obama does not need money to win publicity. However, he has two major problems. First, his colour: he can’t change this and, while it is a problem for some voters, it is is an attraction to others. Second, his lack of experience: he should start to surround himself with known heavy-weight advisers who can lend authority to his career and (likely) campaign.
A leader column in today’s “Observer” concludes:
“Barack Obama’s career is in its infancy. The machinery of American politics has promoted but also promptly mangled many promising talents. But he might yet be the first great American political figure of the 21st century. Whether he wins or loses, or does not even run, it is good to have him around.”
It sure is.
December 18th, 2006 at 3:32 pm
An American friend has commented:
Interesting article as are your comments. The Chicago Tribune had an
editorial last week saying that this is perhaps Obama’s time, and a
presidential run would be appropriate for him. Interestingly, the Trib is
very conservative and would undoubtedly endorse the republican candidate,
who ever it may be. There is surely a lot of media hype for him right now,
but that could peak and diminish during the next two years. Also, I have
heard so many dems say that he has yet to prove himself in the senate and
they do not know what he stands for. A big plus is that he would be a
conciliatory candidate. As a friend said the other day, we are so frustrated
by what has been going on in this country for the last six years, we are
looking for a hero and he could just be it.
It would be interesting if Hillary were to capture the nomination. I have a
republican friend who lived for years in New York state and he thinks very
highly of her because she has traveled the state talking to the citizenry
about issues and trying to solve problems. I think she is well-respected,
but will face some of the same problems Obama would face, they are both
minorities of a sort. It will be interesting, to say the least. John Edwards
is definitely planning to run, he would be a good president, I think Al Gore
would be excellent but doubt that he wants to put himself through that again
so we indeed “live in interesting times”.