Wednesday, October 8, 2008

President and Professor, in One

Senator Barack Obama displayed a particular agility on the political debate stage, perhaps never before seen during a modern presidential contest and he exercised it with ease. Someone said, "He is comfortable in his own skin."
As Professor he turned the debate stage, at Belmont University, in Nashville, Tennessee, into his classroom. The subjects discussed Tuesday night were economics, taxation and diplomacy. The later subject was more than just about Geo-political prowess and power plays in the world, although his views in regards to these realities were interesting and refreshing to hear, but he used the very instrument of diplomacy in a basic human way by treating each questioner in the audience with respect--he did not correct anyone in a manner that put down the questioner or the question, nor did he chide them or accuse them of not knowing what they were talking about; for instance, whether they had knowledge of the existence of "Fannie Mae or Freddie Mack." The retort, "Probably Not!" He had no such encounter with these voters.
Senator Obama made no judgment, but he answered the questions responsibly, thoughtfully and with accountability--A good Professor interacts with his class in their present moment, right where they are, and then proceeds to take them to another place, as he or she instinctively capitalizes on teachable moments.
The next President's strategic arsenal will have to include the weapon of instinct, tact, temperament, diplomacy, judgment and vision to take us to that next place; a better place is what the people of America and the world hold hope.
Senator Obama's performance in and command of the political landscape thus far demonstrates he possesses the intellectual capital and presence of mind to do just that.
NewsJReview found at
www.Juliussuber.com/blog

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