Carl Leubsdorf: Obama-JFK comparisons run deep

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/columnists/cleubsdorf/stories/DN-leubsdorf_28edi.State.Edition1.2a2e846.html

DENVER – The parallels are compelling. They suggest a potential path from here to Nov. 4.

And they will never be more vividly on display than when Barack Obama tonight becomes the first presidential nominee to accept his nomination in an outdoor setting since John F. Kennedy's historic 1960 "New Frontier" speech at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Like JFK, Mr. Obama chose an outdoor venue – the Denver Broncos' Invesco Field – to show that his candidacy extends beyond the politicians and interest-group leaders who have dominated this week's convention proceedings.

But the comparisons extend beyond surface settings.

Like JFK, Mr. Obama is seen by friends as a dynamic, charismatic leader and by foes as too young and inexperienced, with elitist tendencies. Like JFK, he had to surmount establishment resistance amid internal divisions still evident at his convention.

Like JFK, he's a Northern Democratic senator seeking to end two Republican terms. Like JFK, his goals include issues – health care and energy – on which political gridlock has stalled action.

Like JFK, his running mate is a well-regarded, veteran senator with some controversial aspects.

FULL story at link.