The proof that Sen. Barack Obama has the momentum is the countless articles written, not only about him and his presidential campaign, but also about the cult he has inspired. Amongst the articles piling up on my desk, I came across two new articles about Obamaphilia. Recent polls point out that Obama has managed to blur the divide within the society. Although he is still struggling with the Hispanic vote, Obama wins over white, black, women, men, poor and rich electorates. Yet, two articles from the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times highlight the last divide that Obama has not bridged so far; the generational one.
Rather than talking about young people versus old people, the articles prefer the dichotomy between the realists and the dreamers. The realists think that, despite his qualities, Obama will not win the Democratic nomination because “there is still a great deal of racial prejudice in the U.S., and thus a substantial percentage of whites who will not vote for a black candidate for president under any circumstance” (Winds of change, N.Y. Times, February 5th). As for dreamers, they express great interest in the election but seem unconcerned with such factors as Obama’s race or perceived electability. As the New York Times’ journalist says, “they are just fed up with the status quo, and they want change. And they’ve found a rock star who embodies their desire.”The Los Angeles Times’ article wants to be even more persuasive. The journalist pretends to hesitate: “did I want to be some dreamer hippie loser, or a person who understands that change emerges from hard work and conflict?” (The cult of Obama, L.A. Times, February 8th). Finally, the journalist asserts: “what the Cult of Obama doesn’t realize is that he’s a politician. Not a brave one taking risky positions like Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich, but a mainstream one.” A couple of days after these articles were written, we can say that Obama has now the momentum. The remaining divide seems to be that between optimists and pessimists.
Rather than talking about young people versus old people, the articles prefer the dichotomy between the realists and the dreamers. The realists think that, despite his qualities, Obama will not win the Democratic nomination because “there is still a great deal of racial prejudice in the U.S., and thus a substantial percentage of whites who will not vote for a black candidate for president under any circumstance” (Winds of change, N.Y. Times, February 5th). As for dreamers, they express great interest in the election but seem unconcerned with such factors as Obama’s race or perceived electability. As the New York Times’ journalist says, “they are just fed up with the status quo, and they want change. And they’ve found a rock star who embodies their desire.”The Los Angeles Times’ article wants to be even more persuasive. The journalist pretends to hesitate: “did I want to be some dreamer hippie loser, or a person who understands that change emerges from hard work and conflict?” (The cult of Obama, L.A. Times, February 8th). Finally, the journalist asserts: “what the Cult of Obama doesn’t realize is that he’s a politician. Not a brave one taking risky positions like Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich, but a mainstream one.” A couple of days after these articles were written, we can say that Obama has now the momentum. The remaining divide seems to be that between optimists and pessimists.
