"The Audacity of Hope"

Going back to the US Presidential election - and given that I've been mocked by some in blogland for backing John McCain - I thought I'd share with you an experience I had on Sunday.

I caught 5 minutes of Barack Obama giving a campaign speech in Dayton, Ohio. He was talking about his favourite subject - hope. His hopes that he can bring Americans together. His hopes to secure some republican supporters' votes in November. His hopes to be President. And I have an admission to make.

I was impressed.

He is an eloquent speaker - something which could not be said for the outgoing President. He takes the attacks from within his own party well and dismisses them with the same contempt that they are thrown at him. He inspires. And even if he does not win the democratic candidacy or, more likely, wins the candidacy but loses the general election to John McCain, he will have a legacy which is much more positive than that of the incumbent President. For he has shown that from his background, from being born into a single - teenage - parent, not particularly wealthy family you can get to where he is currently, close to the Presidency of the United States.

It is what hopes and dreams are made of. And I am impressed. But for all the talk of change, I think continuity is also required. And experience. And that is something which, in four or eight years, Barack Obama will have in spades. But not yet.

But I am impressed. And I won't be disappointed if he does become the next US President.

[edit] Also, I was just reading a rather good blog entry by Jeff at Tactical Voting on Barack Obama, and found this video of him dancing on the Ellen show in the US. Good to know that if he doesn't win the race for the White House, there's always a job for him in showbusiness (or as a university rector..).