I Knew Obama When…
What do P. Diddy and Barack Obama have in common?
I talked with both at the 2004 DNC in Boston, Massachuesettes. Not at the same time; not in the same room, but both men making an impression on the folks flooding into beantown to promote whoever was running as the democratic nominee in that year ages ago.
As for one of the men, he was knowledgeable, well-spoken, stylishly dressed and opinionated. Then there was Obama. Okay so they were bothall of those things; Diddy just had more bodyguards. I had seen Puff perform before. Barack had not yet rocked the country. But he sure did that night. It was a performance that made people ask, “Who is that guy?” I actually heard someone say, “He’s a local preacher.” Ahh, no. But he definitely began to spread the gospel of his democratic future that night.
His voice was strong, the language surgically precise. When Obama left that stage the audience went wild. It was more like a nominee acceptance than a keynote warm-up act. There was something about the way he carried himself, commanded respect and exuded confidence. I wasn’t the only person to look around and wonder not “if” this guy would someday run for President…but “when”?
And yet, once the buzz of Obama’s performance died down, I started trying to tick off the specific issues he talked about; the meat of any message. Nothing stood out; nothing had burned a brand in my brain. But I really liked the way the guy worked. Like a great rock concert or a firey sermon, it wasn’t the message as much as the messenger. And in the four years since that convention the messenger blossomed. The message; “change.” Obviously a message embraced by the majority of voting Americans.
Now we begin this period of historical significance, a time for pride in this country for coming so far, finally. Yet, I still don’t know much about the messenger. I ‘ve heard the platitudes; the canned comments; no different than any other politician. It’s just that with Obama the package could not be better. This is a candidate, now President-elect, who has all the goods. He looks Presidential; he sounds Presidential; he’s the prototypical politician for the new millineum in a beautiful box with a big bow.
And that’s what scares me. What’s in the box?
MJB
Ummm, jack?
Comment by Denise — November 5, 2008 @ 7:02 am
Ummm, Denise that was too funny!
Comment by katfish — November 5, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
Thanks for your blog on Obama Michel. I voted for Obama after much thought and research. So many of us in America took little stock in elections. This election things were different. More people listened and read and VOTED! Issues ran the gambit..first Iraq. Then, the cost of fuel and finally the bailout. Had McCain voted “no” on the bailout, the election may have been different. Who knows? Had McCain made a different choice in a running mate perhaps a different outcome…again, who knows. The stars were aligned that Obama was here at the right time. I join with all Americans who through Obama have been given renewed optimism and hope. He is a great speaker, an intelligent man and an honest man. Can he deliver on all his promises? Probably not, but I think he will give 110% trying!
Comment by Minnesota — November 5, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
Indeed, what is in the box? It scares me to.
Comment by Mindy — November 5, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
Don’t be scared, America has be blessed with a great leader. You have nothing to fear except fear itself, have faith and believe in this leader as he will need all our support because he sure has a huge mess to clean up.
Comment by Daisy — November 8, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
Legal Edge folks:
I wonder if you are considering covering the Christian-Newsom murder trial(s)? These horrible murders were not given the press they deserved. We got more information on OJ Simpson’s robbery and kidnapping that we have gotten on this murder of a young couple. Here is a link for the latest information. According to the article, one member of the group of killers has been tried and found guilty and sentenced of accessory charges. The remaining defendants await their trials. Does Tennessee allow cameras in the courtroom? The article says the trials for the others should begin in January???
Thank you for considering this trial!
Here’s the article: http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/oct/17/questions-left-unanswered-after-first-trial-in/
Minnesota
Comment by Minnesota — November 9, 2008 @ 11:48 am
Hello Michel
I’m not sure you are looking for email at lawjerk@yahoo.com so I am writing to you here. There is private citizen who is doing some awesome sluething on the Caylee Anthony murder case. He has live coverage at times and a tons of photos. As far as I can tell he is just a man who has interest in missing persons. In a way, he’s like LE bringing coverage others won’t give us trial junkies! You may want him on your team!
Here’s his website: http://murtwitnessone.com
Please check it out!
Minnesota
Comment by Minnesota — November 9, 2008 @ 7:39 pm
Я уверен, что Вас ввели в заблуждение….
Мастер менеджер I talked with both at the 2004 DNC in Boston, Massachuesettes…..
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