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My girlfriend and I recently visited my sister and her family at their enormous suburban home. It was probably a year or two, since we last saw each other, so we started with a little surface talk, like politics! My brother-in-law fearfully started off by saying he could tell we support Obama, because he noticed my girlfriend's artistically exposed tattoos! I quickly responded that I could tell he supported McCain by the two large SUV's resting in the driveway. I then asked him to raise his sleeve and expose all of his drunken military tattoos, so we could discuss on the same page. He seemed to back McCain, based on his fear of not being able to protect his material possessions. He only talked about economics and how McCain would keep America a powerhouse. He also told me what he felt about Obama, but through conservative talk shows and McCain speeches not an Obama speech. He asked my girlfriend and I what we see in Obama.

My response basically decoded his appeal without going into every issue people think candidates should have etched in stone. There are many Americas not just one, so we all have different priorities and problems to face. I told him that, if he needs a precise answer to Obama's take on issues, view his web page, like I viewed McCain's.

I told him the Obama appeal has many layers. I see intelligent speeches for the first time in eight years. I see calm and collective reactions to sticks and stones thrown at him by the opposition. I see a candidate who respects the military, but does not use it as a platform to be a more prepared president. I see energy and someone who represents all the colors and ages of America. I see a potential president with a name ending in a vowel. I don't see God at the forefront of Obama's campaign. I see a potential first lady who has a drive similar to Nancy Reagan. I see a candidate who will integrate with the rest of the world not corrupt it with American views and soldiers. Obama does not have an agenda like Jesse Jackson had! Obama is not an opportunist like Bush! Last, but not least, I see a candidate who is strong in negotiation, but not naive enough to bow.

I guess the Obama appeal is similar to America as a country. Obama is youthful, optimistic, independent, and always willing to change and progress. It is funny how a liberated, democratic and freedom ringing country like America has people up in arms, if the words hope, progress and change are used.

Learn more about this author, Salvatore Oliva.
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