Take a good look at the two columns in the Beat this week – in fact, take a moment now to read the two opinions here. Two nearly opposite views on the election of Barack Obama as our next president. And just like everything else during this contentious election season, neither quite tells the full story.
Regular columnist ML Smith’s opinions run decidedly pessimistic, with the assertion that Barack is little more than a tool of the industrial complex that has a lock on the top office in the land. Contributor Dan Bush’s piece captures the spirit of election night in New York City – the celebration of people making history. The juxtaposition between the two wasn’t planned – your faithful editor didn’t set out a pro/con agenda in this week’s story budget. But as dueling pairs of opinions go, it’s a fascinating look at the way critics and supporters of Obama view the man, and why this election meant so much to so many people.
On the surface, this is a tremendous moment in history for our country, with Barack’s election representing a triumph over the repression that African-Americans have faced and continue to face. There’s no denying the emotional connection between Obama and “the people,” the faceless mass who are convinced that Obama stands for what they themselves believe in – the American Dream come to life, as it were. But as Smith points out, there’s a dubious side to Obama’s legend, something his most ardent supporters refused to discuss. There’s a temptation to believe that Obama is a savior, a political leader who can literally change the world. While that might be possible, it’s unlikely. And it’s also unlikely that he’ll be able to keep the promises of his campaign, expanding government programs while keeping taxes low and uniting a nation that seems more fractured than ever.
So what’s the answer? As usual, it lies somewhere between Smith’s dismal view and Bush’s unbridled joy. Obama has a tremendous challenge in front of him, and it speaks well of his appeal and oratorical skills that Americans turned out in record numbers to elect him. But to view the man as a potential savior misses the point of the role of the modern presidency. Obama’s job will be to help chart a course that makes sense for this country, work with Congress and the Senate to pass initiatives that help the American people and restore our standing in the world (something that billions of dollars in aid worldwide, more than any other country by a wide margin, apparently fail to do). The fact that this country elected a black leader cannot be dismissed – it is quite simply epic and monumental. But liberal or conservative, that’s not the ultimate point. Obama is a politician. He’s promising to end the business of politics as usual, and his actions from here on out – not the color of his skin – will determine his legacy.