Barack Obama’s on Our Side – But is He a Fighter?Paul Hogarthbyline‚ Jan. 18‚ 2007“Barack’s Senate record has been cautious – but he’s not a triangulator,” said an old friend of mine who used to work closely with Barack Obama and was one of his former students at the University of Chicago. “He’s always been an incrementalist, but has the right long-term vision,” said another friend from Chicago who has followed his career closely over the years. Both of these people are leftists who wouldn’t say such kind words about Obama if they felt that a familiar politician had sold out after reaching the national stage. They’re answering a question that many progressives have about a politician who was unknown less than three years ago – who really is Barack Obama? As we look ahead to the 2008 Presidential election, Obama is the fresh face that everyone is excited about. He gives us hope, even if we don’t really know much about what he stands for. As he plans to announce his candidacy on Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday, liberals are eager to know more about the guy to see if he’s the candidate to get behind – given the frightening prospect of a Hillary Clinton nomination. |