The Legend of Barack Obama
From out of nowhere, he’s become DC’s brightest star. Will his charisma and sense of destiny propel him to the White House in 2008?
By
Garrett M. Graff
Published Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Obama, half black and half white, has always lived in both worlds. Photo by Garrett Graff.
From the November 2006 issue of Washingtonian Iowa senator Tom Harkin stood at the podium firing up the 3,000 supporters who had paid $25 to join him at the Warren County Fairgrounds in September. The scene was the annual Harkin Steak Fry, a gathering of Hawkeye State Democrats that, with Iowa’s vital spot in the presidential elections, is always a larger stage than the pumpkin-and-hay-bale-bedecked platform it takes place on. It was Harkin’s 29th such gathering, but the day belonged to a 45-year-old freshman senator from Illinois—or as Harkin called him, “the kid next door.” “Honestly—tell you the truth—I really tried to get Bono this weekend,” Harkin told the crowd. “I settled for the second biggest rock star in America.” The crowd came to its feet cheering as a smiling Barack Obama rose. “What a warm reception,” Obama began. “I’m going to have to come to Iowa again.” Obama didn’t wink, but his meaning was clear. The crowd went wild. A few short years ago, no one had heard of the skinny Chicago state senator and constitutional-law professor with the big ears and the funny name. A few months ago, he would have gamely demurred when asked if he’d run for president in 2008. Now all bets are off. According to advisers, colleagues, and friends, Obama just might be willing to be the next president of the United States. It would be the capstone of an amazing rise for a politician whose charisma and personal story—half-Kenyan, half-Kansan, a Hawaii-born, Harvard-educated lawyer—has breathed life into the Democratic Party. At the heart of “Obamania” is his personality and presence—part preacher, part professor, part movie star. His charisma seems effortless, his charm an afterthought. National Journal White House reporter Alexis Simendinger recalls the first time Obama visited the White House after his election. He was mingling in the East Room with other members of Congress. As she watched him move through the crowd, a photographer asked, “Who is that guy? He’s certainly got ‘It.’ ”
The question now is how far “it” takes Obama—and how fast. During his two years on the national stage, Obama has collected a lifetime’s worth of honors and accolades: Just months after winning the Democratic primary for the US Senate—and before he became only the third African-American since Reconstruction to serve in that body—he delivered the keynote address at the 2004 national convention. He won a Grammy for the audio version of his memoir, which spent a year on the New York Times bestseller list. He posed for photographer Annie Leibowitz for the cover of Men’s Vogue. He’s been on the cover of Newsweek. On Will & Grace, Grace said she dreamed she was in the shower with Obama and that he was “Ba-rocking my world.” In terms of seniority, Obama is the 98th senator in the 100-member club; he moved up from 99th when Jon Corzine left to be governor of New Jersey. At home in Illinois he jokes that being 98th means his only task is sharpening pencils. But he’s third-to-last in rank only. Obama suddenly has found himself the standard-bearer for a generation. He need look no farther than his desk in the Senate chamber to be reminded of the last politician who embodied the hopes of a generation: The inside is signed by its previous occupants, including Bobby Kennedy. Much of Obama’s allure is that he is new and exciting enough to be a sort of blank canvas onto which activists of all kinds can paint their aspirations. Says Chris Lu, his legislative director, “He’s like a Rorschach test—you see in him what you want.” Where he goes from here, what he does with his popularity and fame, is a guessing game. With his new book, The Audacity of Hope —a meditation on American values—out in October, Obama launches a book tour and continues a soul-searching process that will determine whether he runs for president in 2008. All signs point to yes.
Obama’s 2004 keynote address at the Democratic convention, delivered in his sonorous baritone voice, transformed him into a rock star—or at least the hottest thing in the Democratic Party. By the time he arrived in Washington as a freshman senator he was much bigger than his transitional office in the basement of the Dirksen Senate Office Building. “He leapfrogged Washington before he got there,” says longtime aide Dan Shomon. Since the day he arrived—the first question at his first press conference was “Senator Obama, what is your place in history?”—the only matter of debate in Democratic circles was not if he would run for president but when: Would he take a shot in 2008 or wait until 2012? As hard as Obama has worked in his career, luck has played a big role in his rise. The frontrunner in his 2004 Senate primary, Blair Hull, and his Republican opponent, Jack Ryan, both were tripped up by troubles with their ex-wives. Had it not been for a restraining order against Hull and allegations of Ryan’s trips to sex clubs, Obama might never have stood before the Democrats in Boston that July. “He knows that he may be the best politician in America, but he also knows that in 2004 he was one of the luckiest,” says David Axelrod, his top political adviser. A combination of skill and luck put Obama where he is today: poised to be the first black US president—if he wants to be. There are hurdles he has to clear. He has no administrative or executive experience. And although he has dedicated himself to foreign policy, he has no national-security background. Then there’s his family: His wife, Michelle, has opposed his forays into electoral politics because of the strain it puts on the family and the long absences it requires from their daughters, Sasha, five, and Malia, eight. According to sources close to the family, she has expressed concerns about his security should he seek the presidency. “It’s a good time for his politics, but it’s not a good time for him personally, with his young family,” says adviser and law-school classmate Cassandra Butts. At least half a dozen African-Americans have preceded Obama as candidates to be America’s first black president, from Jesse Jackson to Virginia’s Douglas Wilder. Colin Powell’s 1995 flirtation with the race traced much the same arc Obama’s has—the “Draft Powell” movement coincided with the publication of his memoir. But none has arrived at what seems to be such an opportune time with such broad appeal.
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Comments
"Legend" is a good title for this piece. Obama is 7 parts myth and 1 part puffery, and here we are stuck with him until January 2013. As this unfortunately overwhelmed and ill-prepared man sinks beneath the oil-laden waves, one is left to wonder who else George Soros will unleash upon us.
Posted by: Qatmom, Jun 18, 2010 09:07:19 PM
hiyaaa, heeere i come!!!
Posted by: Dum Dum, Feb 18, 2010 10:52:01 PM
writing abot barack
Posted by: renee, Feb 17, 2010 04:02:22 PM
Many wait from Obama immediate recovery and resolution of all problems they had through many years so far. It’s unfair. During a year in White House Obama has done a lot. Here’s a brief summary of major accomplishments of Barack Obama during his presidency:
http://myhowtoos.com/en/red-hot/93-growing-list-of-barack-obama-accomplishments
Posted by: Dawood, Nov 21, 2009 09:07:05 AM
Wudi, have you looked at all at what he’s "promised", yet hasn’t come through with yet?
An example is our debt. He said we would get out of the recession, yet we’re still having problems with the economy AND we’re about another TRILLION DOLLARS IN DEBT!
Posted by: Eli, Sep 06, 2009 04:23:53 PM
I’m wrapped in emotions. First, I feel that this nation is extremely blessed to have such an intelligent person lead this country the correct way..Now I can travel without getting Anti-American things shouted at me or being whispered about because I’m American.
Second, I feel a deep sorrow for the racists and GOP members who do not want to, neither will they help President Obama out with leading this country which is theor job.
Third, I never thought I’d live to see a man,muchless the President of the United States of Ameica that is my father’s age and is soooo FINE! President Obama’s body looks better than my 27 year old boyfriend. The Obama’s are our inspiration in sooo many ways! Congrats on a grrrreat catch Michelle!
Posted by: ATLRealist, Apr 21, 2009 12:44:30 PM
Alex Jones just produced a phenominal movie everyone needs to see.
Youtube search: “The Obama Deception Part 1/12”
Follow this link to watch the 12 part movie on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrpRocaEfQE
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National TEA Party Day
Wednesday April 15, 2009
Posted by: ForTheRepublic, Mar 19, 2009 11:10:39 PM
obama is the man? am a Nigerian but i love him he as inspired me to continue the good work cause even when it seem no one is watching your good work will oneday bring you to lime light. Obama i love you, be good and lead your people well.
Posted by: faith obaseki, Jan 26, 2009 02:47:52 AM
Sarah Palin is the best future leader for this nation, not Barack Obama. Our to be beautiful 45TH President as of January 20, 2013 Sarah Palin would be better at leading this nation from January 13, 2013 forward than Barack Obama would . The greatest reason Sarah Palin would be better at leading this nation from January 13, 2013 on would be ideology. Our soon to be Vice President Sarah Palin is conservative in that she is pro life, marriage, guns, low taxes, low government spending, small government, unintrosive government, traditional and Judeo Christian values, Bible reading and prayer in our public schools, and military spending. She is also pro free and private enterprise. Barack Obama is a liberal who is anti everything that I have described that Sarah Palin is pro about or for. Please vote for Sarah Palin over Barack Obama on November 6 2012 and give Sarah Palin the opportunity that she deserves and that being our 45th President from January 13, 2013 to January 20, 2021. From January 20 2013 to January 20 2021 or 45th President Sarah Palin will be the greatest President that we have ever had since President Ronald Reagan, and co-equally with President Ronald Reagan , our 45th President Sarah Palin will be the greatest we have ever had.
Thank You
John Warren
Posted by: John Warren, Jan 20, 2009 04:01:56 PM
He is the best president,no matter a black or white.He is perfectly suitable for precidency
Posted by: shimlah, Jan 15, 2009 07:27:12 AM
HI!!!
I WILL GIVEW YOU 100 MILLION DOLLARS
Posted by: Barack Obama, Dec 17, 2008 07:04:19 AM
who are we to say what color or gender one has to be before we embrace them as our next PRESIDENT?? I have only heard of this man giving in all his of time and attention to causes that ’excuse me but most of the image american’s you have in your head" wouldn’t fought for nor gave up the PARTY years of your lifes for. My heart tells me that this is good man,one that for most of his decisions weren’t selfish, he’s only flesh & experienced enough to belive the good of god, country, & man. As I said "Who are we"??? I am PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN come 1-20-09 from Arkansas
Posted by: aileen, Dec 01, 2008 10:28:06 PM
he is good president of u.s.a.
Posted by: Rahul Jain, Nov 27, 2008 11:09:24 PM
Maryann, you clearly have access to the internet: You can research. Go to Senate.gov or read numerous government websites including Google for Government which he championed. He is an American,born in Hawaii and raised partiallly there, except for 4 years when he was out of the country as a child just like many other children go out of the country to school. He returned at age 10, finished up school in Hawaii. If you want first hand information, ask Congressman Abercrombie from Hawaii, he is the man who introduced his parents in the late 50’s in Hawaii. He was there at his birth and knew him as a child.Obama later came to the mainland to college in California, finished up at Columbia, then later at Harvard. His entire adult life has been spent in Public service to this great country as he will do serving as our president for the next 8 years. HE HAS CLEARLY PUT COUNTRY FIRST IN HIS LIFE AS A PUBLIC SERVANT AND WILL CONTIUE TO DO AS EVIDENCED IN IN CHOOSING HIS CABINET. He has clearly chosen the best and brightest people in their field. About time a president dit!! He is a brilliant articulate, well learned, well read and intellectually curious American Public Servant. He is wise beyond his years. A rarity in Washington. Enjoy the Cliff’s note version of our wonderful President-Elect Barack Obama.
Posted by: SAM, Nov 23, 2008 06:30:02 PM
Jim, you are an idiot. Do your own research instead of parroting the lies spewed by the bigoted Berg who is pissed at Obama taking what he presumes belonged to Hillary and who is so disgusted at Obama winning.His law suit was rejected for lack of standing, facts & substance.So was the one filed against McCain. The idea that Obama relinquished his American citizenship if false.The law is on Obama’s side on this one.An American cannot relinquish his citizenship unless it was done under oath in the presence of an American official overseas or an American court in the USA. Berg is so full of vitriol that uninformed people like you buy it. Get over it. Obama is the next American president.MSM won’t carry it as well as they won’t carry the ones against McCain. They were all thrown out of court. They have no releveance. Also Berg has no standing to challenge Obama’s citizenship, the law is also on Obama’s side. One of the many reasons the case was thrown out. There are no facts to back them up but suppositions and conjecture.
Posted by: SAM, Nov 23, 2008 06:13:32 PM
If you really want to know about Obama, check out www.theobamafile.com
There are some spelling errors here and there, but as far as I have read, the information is all accurate.
It reveals many things the MSM refuses to cover.
Also, check out www.obamacrimes.com to get the latest news about Berg v Obama
Posted by: Jim, Nov 18, 2008 10:24:25 PM
He is just a man who cares deeply enough about our country to step up and used his education and intelligence to help move this country forward in a positive direction.
Posted by: Greg, Nov 18, 2008 02:16:30 AM
this marks the end of the ideology that blacks are not wise. i believe that anyone regardless of his/her color can reach the top with determination and hardwork.
Posted by: Kwakye Benjamin Addo, Nov 17, 2008 11:40:31 AM
Being an Indian, even though i am no way related to the American Elections; I am literally Delighted.
In his speeches, Obama sounds an Intellectual; he is witty and absolutely Charismatic.
He deserves to be President.
Posted by: Aakash Sharma, Nov 16, 2008 06:09:38 AM
I am nowhere related to the American Elections as i am an Indian; but am literally Delighted. In his speeches, Obama is charismatic, intellectual and polite. He deserves to be President.
Posted by: Aakash Sharma, Nov 16, 2008 05:59:59 AM
I’m white, from Mississippi but still voted for Obama because he’s smart, intelligent, educated regardless of his color or race. he is our President. Actually, an Indian physician that I work with and love and adore made me change my mind and vote for Obama for President, and I don’t regret my decision.
Posted by: Kelsey Culpepper, Nov 08, 2008 08:18:13 PM
He is so handsome, deserves to be our next President. Don’t care if he’s black, I’m white but will still vote for him regardless of what other rednecks in my state do or say. Mark my words, he is the US President 2008!!
Posted by: Shannon R. Hall, Laurel, Mississippi., Nov 08, 2008 08:14:34 PM
Obama is a prophet whose time has come. He will reverse America’s sins and war crimes against the world and the millions America has slaughtered around the world. He will bring wealth, justice, rip off ignorance, and confidence back to Americans. His works will lead to a more tolerance world that feeds off synergy and not fear and propaganda against others.
Posted by: Wudi, Nov 08, 2008 01:29:05 PM
Yes, he is a legend, but who is he?
Posted by: Maryann, Nov 07, 2008 01:09:22 PM
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