Author: Aidan Lewis
Perhaps the power of Senator Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 28 was best exemplified by the three minutes of exuberant applause and cheering that greeted him the moment he stepped on stage. The historicity and zeal of the moment were undeniable; the young presidential candidate received loud vocal approval throughout his address. While his words might not have rivaled his “Yes We Can” speech for sheer eloquence and effect, they did not disappoint, and they reaffirmed something that has been on my mind lately: in the age of poor diplomacy and a terrible national image, America needs a leader like Obama more than ever. Obama deserves to win the election on the basis of charisma alone.
One of America’s greatest failings since the presidential election of 2000 has been its foreign policy. George W. Bush’s war mongering and lack of positive, resolute action in the midst of real international concerns have left what often seems an indelible stain on our nation’s face abroad. Thus, when Obama proclaimed, “America, we are better than these last eight years” to a throng of supporters in the Denver stadium, he voiced the chagrin of a majority of citizens tired of being misrepresented as proponents of a bumbling, belligerent and uncompassionate institution. President Bush has garnered neither respect nor acceptance for the American people globally. Instead, Americans abroad are often the targets of ridicule, contempt and hostility based on the nation’s leader and his ineffective—or downright misguided—policies.
Undoubtedly, a man is more than the sum of his policies; if this were not true, Obama would not have made it this far in the political scene. His reticence in discussing specific approaches to achieving the oft-mentioned “change” in Washington has been scorned time and time again as a poor veil for naiveté and uncertainty. Regardless of details in his policy, however, Obama has already proven that he has the necessary personal appeal to elevate America in the eyes of the international community. President Bush’s wealth of ignorance in dealing with world leaders has not helped the American image, and the gestalt of his presence is less than inspiring. Senator McCain, in terms of charisma alone, is similarly lacking. The disparity between enthusiasm at a McCain rally and at an Obama rally speaks for itself.
Only Obama possesses all the attributes of a successful and popular world leader. He is charming, articulate and dignified. He is far more willing to engage in open dialogue than McCain. Whereas the Republican nominee rejects the possibility of talks with organizations like Hamas, Obama recognizes the important role discussion has played in seeking peaceful solutions to past conflicts. Above all, Obama has a vitality that McCain is missing completely. It is not so much an issue of youth versus age as a difference in style and vigor. Watching speeches by the two candidates, it is difficult to shake the feeling that Obama still has energy for the race ahead while McCain is already fatigued.
The opposition always talks of the emptiness of words—how an eloquent address or a moving appeal in and of itself is barren. I disagree. There is a lot to be said for powerful verbal communication: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy—pardon the ostensible cliché of these allusions-and other past presidents have made phenomenal impressions just by the force of their words. No one can criticize a speech solely because it is compelling, let alone criticize a political figure solely because he has charisma. Obama’s flourish, artistry with language and distinguished demeanor could be an incredible cure for the ailing American image. His personality alone should win him the vote.
Aidan Lewis is a first year ECLS major. He can be reached at alewis@oxy.edu.
This article has been archived, for more requests please contact us via the support system.
