It’s easy for many of us to stand apart the better to fleer and scorn at the solemnities of Democratic Party as Barack Obama accepts the burden of their standard in the presidential race. It’s too easy for us to get caught up in the rough and tumble of the tactical moment. But we should stop for a moment and consider: History is being made. American history. Our history.
One of our two major political parties has managed – against considerable odds – to select an African-American to plausibly run as a candidate for our nation’s highest political office. He won in the face of an internal struggle as brutal and winnowing as anything the world has seen since the Borgias contested for the crown of Italy. He won against an aggressive contestant for the nomination that had name recognition, a popular brand, the backing of a generation of partisans and an air of impervious inevitability. He won against a very real legacy of racism to which some among his party constituents were by no means immune.
There will be time for us later to once again weigh whether the candidate’s qualifications and experience commend him to the office. Time to talk about soaring rhetoric absent detail. Time to question antecedents. Time to ask what vaguely expressed policy preferences might actually cost in elected execution, both in material and moral terms.
But honestly, for patriotic Americans who believe – truly believe – in the magic of our ideals, this is not that time. This is a time to celebrate.
In my own lifetime, the Supreme Court struck down a statute of my own, my native land, that debarred a man of color from marrying a white woman. In my own lifetime, police officers set dogs and fire hoses against American citizens protesting for their God-given rights, as enshrined in our sacred Constitution. In my own lifetime, US Navy ships failed to sail on schedule because of racial tensions, neighborhoods burned, police batons whistled through the air and thumped against innocent flesh. On the other side, race pimps and panderers colluded in off-putting and ultimately doomed attempts to guilt the dominant culture into painful concessions that elided our deeply ingrained cultural expectations of personal effort and responsibility.
Barack Obama tried to run as a post-racial candidate. To our discredit and to his, not all of us were prepared to let him, not everything in his past permitted it. But in winning his party’s nomination despite those barriers he laid to rest many ugly presumptions about who could and could not successfully contest in the struggle for the leadership of a great nation. For the leadership, indeed, of the free world. In doing so he laid to rest the angry racialist rhetoric of his predecessors. We make wry comments about “hope” and “change”. But perhaps we have indeed come to a moment in which an African-American man’s skin color is not a disadvantage so much as it is an opportunity. A chance to publicly declare that what we once were, and ought to regret, we are no longer.
Win or lose in the end, as he takes the stage tonight he he stands in the shadow of a great and courageous man. A man who spoke to the nation about his dream forty-five years ago today – in my lifetime. A man who dared to say: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” Obama’s candidacy is necessary if not sufficient milestone on the path to that dream. We are not there yet.
We still judge – for better or worse – more by the color of a man’s skin than by the content of his character. Perhaps Ms. Ferraro was right, and a man whose race would have prevented him from contesting the presidential election ten or twenty years ago now stands on the brink of success because of it. The pendulum swings from the impossible in one moment to the seemingly inevitable in the next. Eventually it will come to rest at reason because at the end of the day this our national talent, our genius. But in the meantime, we are one step closer to Martin Luther King’s noble vision of a colorblind society.
Later we can sink back into the scrum. We can wish that someone more perfect had come along to bear the burden of King’s hopes and prayers. But in this moment – even as we smile at their self-indulgent excesses – we should pause and congratulate the Democratic Party, and the great country that gave its members birth.
This is a great day.
Thanks, Lex, for reminding me why I constantly read your ramblings. I caught myself this morning debating with my better half about who McCain would pick for VP, as if it really matters. Thanks for reminding us about what’s REALLY important, and stepping back a minute to look at Election-2008 in historical terms. Doesn’t necessarily mean that we won’t jump right back into the political scrum *grin*
A scrum is a good analogy for this. We might not know who emerges with the ball but as long as we have arms around each other’s shoulders struggling equally, it’s good.
Lex,
Well said, but I would be happier if “the first” were also “qualified.” So much of what we (not you and I, but the collective we) find important is based on appearance.
If the press were not allowed to show pictures/videos of the candidates. If we had to make our decision based solely on their rhetoric and their past body of work, would anyone, ANYONE think that Senator Obama had a prayer of winning even 1 state in the upcoming election?
Look, the reality is that Obama has only two main sources of of support: 1) Blacks who are evidently supporting him entirely on the basis of racial pride (at the rate of approx 95%)
and, 2) Liberal whites who, as Shelby Steele points out in his book “White Guilt,” seek to expiate their racial “sins”
by voting a Black into the Presidency no matter his views nor his qualifications, solely to prove that America has “moved past” racism.
Not only was P.T. Barnum right, but so was H.L. Mencken, who said that (if I remember the quote correctly) “Nobody ever went broke underestimating either the good taste or the intelligence of the American public.”
“or” viz “of”
canx #5
Lex,
I tend to agree with Nose but go much further.
I would love to feel proud about the accomplishment…..but I can’t.
Our first black candidate is a rookie politician raised in Chicago politics and presented by hollywood and Madison Avenue. he has no experience and no depth of knowelege that would qualify him to act responsibily as President.
I would be happy about this event if it were a real event. If we had a REAL black candidate with presidential abilities and capabilities.
Hell, for all of this, the Republicans could have done this in 2000 had they not turned their back on Alan keyes, a far more qualified black candidate but, in their eyes, unmarketable.
Hell, for all of this, why not just nominate BB King, is he not just as qualified?
We are nominating candidates based on empty rhetoric and pie in the sky promises as we always have. But the difference is that now they are unable to lead, they are not statemen, and they are dangerous.
Now we have an unqualified socialist black man who wants to be President. Who will serve with a Congress led by 2 socialists and a Supreme Court that is one vote away from scratching out the 2nd Amendment.
Sorry Lex, I believe it is NOT a great day.
#4: There are two other big sources of support. First, partisans; at least where I live, there’s an abundance of blind partisans who firmly believe that their faction is perfect, and that anyone associated in any way with the other party must be entirely evil. No prizes for guessing the name of their party.
Second, and this is the scary one, there seem to be abundant voters – purportedly all grown up and everything – looking for a charismatic Leader who can inspire them with the sound of his Voice, regardless of the direction he might lead them.
It is historic that’s true. But like others here I’d be more chuffed about it if he had qualifications and experience. Which does make me wonder, once again – how did this man get this far?
And reportedly McCain has selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his VP. Either way history is being made.
Let me preface my comments by saying, I couldn’t possibly be more biased. I think Obama, if elected, stands to go down in history as such a disastrous President that people will look back in wistful admiration at the Carter Administration as a model of success in comparison.
So I’m no fan. So maybe I am blinded to the history of his nomination. I recognize it, but I don’t rejoice in it. Perhaps its because I belong to a generation substantially younger than our humble scribe, a generation born well after the events he lists and who grew up in an environment where all the lamentable things he described were ancient history. I have no great excitement that a black man has been nominated for the Presidency, just as I wouldn’t have been bursting with pride had a woman been nominated. Nor do I condemn politicians on the grounds of their sex or race. Let the candidates stand on their merits, not their identities.
I think there’s a dividing line – maybe around 1970 or so -between those born before and after. Boomers have always seemed incredibly absorbed with race and sex and identity politics. I think those born after are much less so.
Therefore, I do not rejoice at this man’s nomination. Yes, it is significant, a milestone. But racial division and identity politics have done far too much damage to this country for this occasion to be declared a triumph. A man has been nominated, a man of blatantly inadequate qualifications and extremely questionable politics and judgement. Sorry Lex – I won’t cease banging the gong against him, not for a moment, so ‘we’ can revel in how far America has come.
Well, you know, it’s kind of like love at first sight, Kris.
What was that line from the Eurythmics?
“Love, love, love, is a dangerous drug..” no wait not that line.
“Love is a stranger in an open car, picks you up and drives you far away…”
I tend to think this is almost a step back in that Obama was nominated primarily because he is black.
When we nominate someone and pay little attention to the physical attributes over which they have no control, then we will have made real progress.
I agree about 90% with Larry, especially about the 1970 dividing line. I understand the monumental nature of a black man being a viable presidential candidate. And it’s wonderful that that barrier has been shattered. But like Larry, it doesn’t have emotional resonance for me. I’m actually sad when I think that the person who has achieved this distinction is such an empty suit. I’d be so proud to say “In my country a man of a formerly scorned and oppressed race can rise through the ranks, be challenged and successful, articulate his philosophies and theories and then reach this pinnacle.” But Obama hasn’t done that. He’s just an empty shell with the “right” color of skin. Sad.
Bizjetmech, are you aware that Sen. Obama’s opposition in the election he won his Senate seat was … Alan Keyes? He went down in flames (I think he got 29% of the vote).
That’s more the writing and ideas I’ve come to see–thanks for rising to the moment…
Despite the immediate rush of cold water doused on you, there are others who share your astonishment and pride at what this says about our grand experiment. As you’ve indicated, this moment is bigger than the man at its center and deserves our notice. Many have died for this possibility–this is a tribute to their efforts as well…
And for you naysayers, true equality has been achieved when incompetent people of color and women have as much likelihood of being elected as incompetent white men…and I think in these electronic walls it has been agreed that there are many incompetent white men in congress.
And now McCain has also risen to the occasion, and the outcome of this election will now be grandly historic…and either way, the dream wins.
Heh, if you want to bring up the Senate race, it’s also worth noting that Alan Keyes was only in the race as a last minute substitute for Jack Ryan, who was forced to drop out after it became known that he had some rather kinky interests of the sexual nature with his ex-wife, who was actress Jeri Ryan, who just happens to star as Seven of Nine on Star Trek: Voyager.
Sometimes you just can’t make this shit up.
Echoing a couple of comments above … this type of writing is a large part of what keeps me coming back here. Although I am little less struck by the historic racial moment than Lex (forgive the paraphrasing), I appreciate his ability to step back from the partisanship of the moment and take a look at the bigger picture.
Being only an interested observer and not quite as tied to the result as the majority here … the damming rhetoric on both sides can become a bit wearing.
And let’s not forget that the reason the information on Jack Ryan came to light was because an Obama underling had the divorce records unsealed, purely as a political ploy.
O! has never run a genuinely opposed race. That’s not transcending our past. That’s just slimy politics.
And for you naysayers, true equality has been achieved when incompetent people of color and women have as much likelihood of being elected as incompetent white men…
Good point, km. Thanks for making me think.
Lex, thanks so much for this article.
While others may not know this, the Loving v State of Virginia statue which was struck down concerned a member of my family who recently passed away this year – Mildred Jeter Loving.
http://charlesjeter.com/dad
While I have a few objections to Obama’s platform, his spot in history last night was defined.
Your article summed up my feelings about the subject more than my own could have without plagiarism. I’m just going to link to it, you have my appreciation for your kind words about interracial marriage to presidential candidate in a single generation span.
Bravo Zulu from this aircrewman.
RonF
Yup, well aware of it. But Keyes came into the race way late in the game after the original candidate withdrew, being buried by accusations of “sexual misadventures” with his wife and other couples.
Keys didn’t have a chance going in.
But if you line up Barak and Obama side by side by experience, there is no contest, Keyes wins hands down.
Please notice I didn’t blame the smear on Obama. I am sure his campaign had alot to do with it but the idiot candidate was guilty as charged…..
RonF
And, if I recall correctly, Obama’s opponent was well ahead of Obama before his withdrawl.
Flatlander said:
Love of what? I am seriously perplexed that a man whose only positive claim is that he can, admittedly, speak with great charisma from a teleprompter – has reached this point. It’s not about black or white.
Historic moment – absolutely.
I’m at the end of the baby boomer generation, yet I don’t see things so much about color or sex. I see experience, ability, competency.
Sorry – Obama doesn’t have any of those. If he were the same person with white skin, I’d still feel the same.
#19 XBrad – “O! has never run a genuinely opposed race.”
You don’t believe Obama vs. Clinton was an “opposed race?”
As lex has more eloquently indicated, Barack ran and succeeded against one of the most recognized and long assumed Democratic presidential candidates, and against one of the most formidable, national political machines in recent history. In fact it was at times a bitterly opposed race against one more experienced, and who had an existing and supposedly dominant political organization that had been built over the many years of the Clintons in politics.
That was a tremendous feat against incredible odds and opposition!
It is also worthwhile to note Obama’s uncommon organizational ability and executive skill evident in his building a talented campaign organization of over 2500 people and multi-hundred million dollar budget, from scratch!
While McCain and Clinton (and other candidates too) had quite a number of squabbles, defections, firings and replacements of campaign personnel, Obama ran a tight ship. He selected the best people, led and held them together, which translated into his campaign’s success. It also shows his exceptional ability and capability trumps experience; albeit running a successful national presidential campaign is valuable and rare experience, in and of itself.
President Bush at the moment has more direct presidential experience than anyone, save for a couple of ex-presidents. But if he could run for a third term, how valuable do you think, would his experience be in getting him elected again?
Obviously this is an historic election. However, I must say that the last ten minutes of the stadium event caused me some concern. As the streamers and confetti were raining down the cameras turned to the crowd for close ups. Many people were shown with their jaws all a tremble and tears rolling down, waving their little American flags back and forth. My reaction was “man, this is creepy.”
Hey Flit,
Bet you a sawbuck that 20 year from now it would be easier to elect Bush than Obama.
Of course he’s got great organizational skills. Didn’t you see his resume? He was a community organizer!
Your argument for Obama rings a soundly as those who touted Edwards for his litigation skills. Yeah, that’s exactly what we need.
I am a loser, and I have more leadership experience than Obama!
N
Fliterman sez: That was a tremendous feat against incredible odds and opposition!
Disagree. Clinton’s hubris, disorganization, and sense of entitlement led to her downfall as much, if not more than Obama’s mad organizational skilz. And NO one knows how much credit belongs to Obama and how much should be allocated to his campaign staff. I’d lean heavily towards the latter, and not the former. And one shouldn’t discount the fervor of The Convinced, either. I think Obama’s victory in the primaries was a remarkable confluence of events, a lot of which were outside of Obama’s control. YMMV.
All that said, to the naysayers of this historic moment: It could have been MUCH worse than Obama. Jackson or Sharpton could have been this nation’s first black presidential candidate. Yeah, not very plausible, but it was certainly possible. Let us now thank our Lucky Stars.