Obama showed political intelligence and leadership today

[BeyondGeography]

I'm on a business trip right now with a non-political junkie who says he could vote for Obama or McCain. He also said something that bothered me: "I hear Obama and Hillary are fighting over Martin Luther King. What's that all about?"

As if we need to be reminded, people don't follow the twists and turns of this campaign as closely as we do. They peek out of the corner of their eye or they hear only the most sensational things. The Clintons understand this. Push the envelope, start a fight, get all those white folks nervous about racial conflict and lots will abandon Obama. Plus, the blacks will come back to us in the general anyway. Heck, we'll even get Obama to campaign for us; he wouldn't want to be seen as a selfish traitor to the party, would he?

I think Obama saw this was on the road to nowhere for him, the party and, ultimately, the country. He also realized that if he spoke up first it would be consistent with the unifying goals of his campaign and the character that has won so many of us over. And he would disarm the opponent.

What he also did was something you don't see very often; he offered the Clintons a way out, and a chance to rebuild their standing with those in the black community whom they have offended, with the following quote:

==Asked whether he believed either Mrs. Clinton or former President Bill Clinton had shown racial insensitivity in recent days, he said: “I don’t want to rehash that. I think that Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton have historically and consistently been on the right side of civil rights issues. I think they care about the African-American community and that they care about all Americans and they want to see equal rights and justice in this country.”==

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/obama-tries-to-stop-the-silliness/index.html?hp

He gave up something small (a chance to further isolate the Clintons) to get something big (restoring balance to his campaign and to the overall race, not just his campaign).

That's leadership.

[jody]

1. How can one show leadership if they are not in charge of anything? n/t

[Muttocracy]

3. so the only leaders you know are CEOs and people who won elections? n/t

[jody]

8. I do know that senators and congresspersons represent their constituents -- do you? n/t

[Cha]

5. Oh dear...you poor

thing.

[jody]

9. Don't feel sorry for me, I'm blessed beyond your wildest dreams! n/t

[Cha]

12. Then you should know

that you can lead in all kinds of ways..it's one of life's most valuble lessons.

[jody]

14. I've forgotten more about leadership than you and Obama will ever learn. n/t

[Cha]

19. Then your question was

disingenous just like I suspected from the beginning.

[jody]

23. What do you mean with that ridiculous statement? n/t

[Bonobo]

25. "Jody from Alabama" forgot more about leadership than Obama will ever know? Wow, can I know you?

[jody]

32. Can you know me? Sure if you make the effort. n/t

[Big Blue Marble]

16. He is in charge, clearly in charge, of his message.

As with all candidates, that is his most important asset. By speaking this way and with this timing,
he reset his course and his message in a brilliant way. It was superb. Thank you Obama.

[jody]

24. So Obama's leadership is shown by his message which is all talk and no substance. LOL n/t

[Big Blue Marble]

28. Get a grip.

Every candidate's leadership is shown by their message.

[jody]

33. IMO a candidate's message is what his/her speech writer, campaign manager, and advisers place in a

speech.

Most candidates are little more than actors on a political stage until they have shown their true feelings through accomplishments.

In Obama's case he has little to show in the way of accomplishments.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

2. The Clintons don't need to rebuild their standing it's been consistent for 3 decades.

nt

[Big Blue Marble]

18. You have no idea of the irony in your post. n/t

[Thrill]

4. What do you expect from the next President of the United States!!

[Cha]

6. Nothing less...Obama is the

real deal and showing Class by leading the clintons outta the mire.

[Olney Blue]

7. I'm impressed.

[jenmito]

10. Not only did he not take the repeatedly-offered bait, he rose above it and came out looking

presidential. And what a great president he'll be!

[jlake]

11. Well, there's a first time for everything.

But I don't think he did.....you make Obama sound like master of the universe and in charge of the fate of everything....bizarre.....

[sb5697]

15. As you post

a huge pic of Hillary...go figure.

[jlake]

17. What's wrong with my sigline? Just because I see through the obsession of Obamanation

does not mean I am a "hilbot".
I support my candidate because she is genuine change.

[Bonobo]

26. Genuine change...*snicker snicker*

[jlake]

27. Just keep shoveling in that GOP campaign Obama is running.

No need to ask questions or open your eyes.

[ripple]

31. Says the poster with an airbrushed photo for a sig

I'm referring to the 'open your eyes' portion of your post, of course.

Not that Hillary's appearance matters at all, provided she doesn't sprout horns.

[Big Blue Marble]

20. And you may be a little bit biased.

Is it necessary to step on a positive Obama thread, being enjoyed by Obama supporters.
What is it with you guys? You have sticky fingers or something?

[jlake]

22. I applaud Obama when he earns it. I am not that partisan... this is just over

the top worship.

[comradebillyboy]

13. I was a good move by Obama because

the whole race bating thing was hurting both of them. They can find plenty of other things to fight over.

[vee]

21. Don't expect anything from Hillary, It's in her plan to have this country in total chaos by feb 5th.

Just ask any of her minions here, they'll tell you.

[Diane R]

29. Today you saw which one was the true leader. Obama leads, Hillary put her finger to the air.

[AtomicKitten]

30. He is a true leader that is above the petty bullshit the Clintons are trying to peddle.

[beachmom]

34. AWESOME!!! Everyone could see transparently through

what the Clintons were doing, and Obama just shut them down. And did so graciously. Don't underestimate Barack Obama.