Chris Rock said it best on Larry King Live: Obama is a class act.
That is, he demonstrates a graceful, intelligent poise and sense of respect for himself and others. It’s a fine quality. There’s an august thoughtfulness about him that’s very appealing, an air of cerebral gravity, passion for his causes, and caring. In the debate when Obama spoke of middle America, it was clear that middle America matters to him. He is concerned for those of us who make under $1,000,000 a year and he sees it as his duty to help us have better lives.
I also like the fact that Obama represents the melting pot that is the United States. All kinds of blood runs in my veins: Native American, English, Irish, Welsh, Russian, Czech, Polish, Romanian Ashkenazi, Scottish…. My ancestors interbred with great ingenuity and I am happy to vote for another American whose ancestors did the same thing. I support the mixing of races; it strengthens all of us. Not just genetically, but also in terms of brotherly love. Nothing broadens the mind faster than having relatives–kids, in-laws, a spouse–from a different race, religion or creed. Tolerance comes quick when blood commingles. Tolerance is what will gather us all into a community that encourages individual differences while also strengthening our common bond as people living together on one Earth. Tolerance is what will save us all.
And Obama did something that showed forethought and commitment to the country’s best interests: he chose a running mate with a wealth of experience. There’s no gimmick to Obama’s vice-presidential candidate. Biden is an intelligent, seasoned servant of the people, and the fact that he has a profound, long-term understanding of foreign relations adds breadth and depth to Obama’s candidacy. It leads me to believe that these are the kind of people Obama will choose as advisors and cabinet leaders: experienced, thoughtful, well-credentialed people. People who will guide Obama’s concern for the common man and woman with wisdom and forethought. People who will be able to heal our economic situation, restore confidence in the US at home and abroad, and put in place measures that will support and strengthen Americans for generations.
I’m not sure this touches on the subject, but I must let the author know how much I’m enjoying “Immortal.” One goof: she has the Adriatic and Tyhrrenian Seas on the wrong sides of Italy: The Adriatic is on the East, not on the West. But it is a wonderful and absorbing book.