Barack Obama's status as a front-runner in the 2008 Democratic primaries should come as no surprise to anyone who listened to his keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He was the only speaker from either party, including the presidential nominees themselves, who captivated his audience. Whether you support or oppose him, it cannot be denied that he has continued to captivate the nation since that night nearly four years ago.

Some argue that Sen. Obama lacks experience, but in fact this is not the case. By the time of the 2008 elections, he will have served four years in the United States Senate in addition to his seven years in the Illinois State Senate. That is five more years of service in elected office than George W. Bush had when he was elected President, and three more years in elected office than Democratic rival Sen. Hillary Clinton; no one has ever claimed that Bush or Clinton lacked the experience to be President.

Much has also been made about whether America is finally ready for an African-American President (or a woman in the case of Sen. Hillary Clinton or a Latino in the case of New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson). This is being used as a wedge issue by some opponents, and does not speak well of our progress as a nation since the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The focus should be on the idea that America is ready, even desperate, for a qualified President, which Sen. Obama would certainly be.

Sen. Obama's strengths far outweigh any concerns people may have about his perceived lack of experience. Throughout his career he has worked in a bi-partisan manner, finding the common ground between opponents that enabled real work to be accomplished. He combines intelligence, experience, passion, and compassion in a way rarely seen in politics today. He has been in Washington long enough to understand the political establishment, but not long enough to become a part of it.

The most important thing Sen. Obama brings to this election is the one thing that has been missing from our national dialogue for so long. He dares us to dream big dreams for America. I come from a generation that can only vaguely remember the Kennedy years, if at all. We grew up under Watergate and malaise and Reaganomics. No one has ever challenged us to, in the words of John F. Kennedy, "ask what we can do for our country." We want a leader who will inspire us to be better as people and as Americans. Barack Obama may very well be that leader, and he has a very legitimate chance of becoming the Democratic nominee.

Learn more about this author, Bruno Somerset.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Assessing Barack Obama's chances for the 2008 Democratic primaries?
We want to hear your view. Write now!