Counting the Ways Barack Obama is now President-in-Waiting

Unlike many people, I have had faith in Barack Obama's ability to be President of the United States from the first time I saw his photo taken on a trip to Kenya. i had never heard of him and wondered why they were making a fuss of this man, referring to him as their 'returning Son'. His manner, presence and aspirations intrigued me and I began to follow his progress. Soon I was also inspired by this relative unknown, even having the audacity myself to make a bet with Bill Harrison last year August, barely two months on the Vine, that my instincts told me he would win. Bill was a little dismissive of my instincts. Armed with his facts and precedents, he did not feel my optimism matched up to the evidence or the prevailing opinions and gladly took the bet. But here we are, almost a year down the line, with my instincts about to be massively vindicated and I am completely hooked.

I have watched as Barack has grown in stature to confound even his sternest critic. But that has not surprised me in the least because of three attributes he clearly possesses, which his opponent lacks: leadership, empathy with others and the ability to take others with him. Those are powerful skills which cannot be bought in any shape or form.

1. LEADERSHIP: Barack's leadership is shown in three main ways:
a. First, the unity of his team, the way they all pull together from start to finish without any need to hire and fire midstream. That is essential to maintain morale, to affirm the good job people are doing and to help those team members feel part of the overall success when it is all over. Under the guidance of formidable campaign manager, David Plouffe, Barack has grown incredibly smarter in a short time which has allowed his natural leadership to gradually take centre-stage. He and his team come across as a tightly knit group, supporting each other, being united in their aims and being there for one another. Contrast that to the divisions already noted in the Clinton team and how she deals with setbacks by blaming her staff and getting rid of them when most of the work has been done.

b. Second, his ability to stay on topic and focused. Even when he was getting it from all sides in South Carolina, from the twin-headed Clintons, he still kept his cool. He did allow himself to be dragged into the odd skirmish, but once he saw the folly of that, he quickly withdrew to his usual position of disdain above the fray

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

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