A Love Story

I have been in love with Obama for a long time.

Wait. Let me explain. Before you dismiss this as infatuation, let me tell you that this is not a crush. I love Michelle. Having her as our first lady is going to be amazing! I ain't after her man. It's a different kind of thing.

When I first encountered Obama years ago, he was running for Senate in Illinois. He blew me away. I was working on a film in Chicago at the time and everyone, everyone was all about him there. You just knew that he was going to be a big, big deal. His passion and spirit and ability to inspire people was unlike anything I had seen.

I find politicians pretty blah overall. Whenever I used to vote, I always felt like you pick the best person out of a pathetic lot and keep your fingers crossed. So finding someone like Barack Obama has been great.

Yes, Obama conveyed this message of hope (which he is beginning to get some flack for now). But deep down inside I had this feeling that if any Black man had a shot at being President, it was him and deservedly so. Though I was skeptical about his coming into the Presidential race so soon, I supported him.

A while ago, I had lunch with my Uncle and he asked me who I was voting for. I was shocked and said of course Barack Obama. He said he wasn't going to vote for him because, "A Black man can never be President. Not in this country." I know my uncle comes from a time of severe segregation and prejudice the likes of which I (hopefully) will never know. So I get where he is coming from. But I had to disagree.

We got into a debate about where he stands with this and that. I agreed that Obama still needs to be a bit more transparent about his ideas because he can come off as all style and no substance. I gave him that one.

As the debate went on, my Uncle held his ground that though Obama was an impressive candidate, a Black man would never make it to the White House. He said, "White folks will never let that happen. You're being naive."

I gave him this heartfelt response that I wanted to share here as we wait to see if Barack is going to make it over this crucial hump in his campaign. It became clear to me right in that moment.

Campaigning for Barack Obama. Believing in Barack Obama, for me, has been like falling in love. It is scary and there are many, many reasons why it will crash and burn. Many people will tell you that you are crazy for doing it for whatever reason people come up with to put down something that brings you joy. But by doing it whole heartedly and believing that it can happen, this thing that seemed completely impossible, something amazing can come out of it. It is faith, blind faith, which is something, I do not exhibit often but I am doing it this time. I say a prayer about it at night and even when I can not be actively involved, I give a little money or just keep him in my thoughts. And I feel good about it and it is reaping results. Honestly I cannot believe we are so close. It is just beyond my wildest dreams.

Listen, my head is not fully in the clouds. If I have to, in November, I will vote for Hillary. She is a great choice but it's not the same. She does not inspire me in the same way but I know that the country overall is going to a better place if Hillary is at the helm. And yes, having a woman as our President is incredible too.

But for now I am in love with Obama and it makes me feel good inside.

Comments

[The Rover]

Amen.

[ms world]

SPEAK THE TRUTH! I'm supporting Obama because he is brilliant, creative, and real. Like- Oprah said when people complained she was supporting Obama because he's Black - "don't play me small." I have no beef with Hillary except she's not Obama. However, if Hillary & her camp try to pull a fast one Obama by somehow getting Florida & Michigan delegates to count- I'm voting for McCain. And I totally understand the sentiment with older and some younger Black people who simply believe that a Black man can become president. i think it is so sad but reflects certain people's reality.

ms World