Monday, July 7, 2008

Obama: The Convenient Candidate

Now, don't get me wrong, I like things to be convenient just as much as any one else; the alarm clock next to the bed, a tall glass of ice water next to the easy chair, a Chick-fil-A down the street, or a laptop that connects to the internet in any room of the house. However, some conveniences are more one sided and are designed to deceive.

I've been watched the presidential contest for months now. Though I must admit, when my choice flamed out, I haven't been near as passionate, simply an interested observer. I have been amazed at the crowds that Obama commands at every stop and have wondered why. Now that time has passed and many things have been said, I can't help but conclude that Obama is the convenient candidate.

For example, Obama is conveniently black. Why claim to be an African-American when half of your DNA is white? Why not claim to be the other half? Or better yet, why not simply claim to be an American? The convenience here is to catch the historical wave. There is nothing new about saying you are an American running for president. But being the first black man to capture the White House is really saying something.

Obama is conveniently moderate. Now, being a conservative, I've noted the records of those who had thrown their hat into the presidential ring. Interestingly enough, Obama's record was the most liberal of all the candidates. He even bested Hillary Clinton... which is hard to do. But now, Obama claims centrist positions that he hasn't claimed in the past. One example is taking credit for backing a welfare bill in his home state of Illinois that he actually opposed as a state senator.

Obama is conveniently Christian. I know that he denies accusations about his Muslim past, but there are way too many reports about his life to excuse them. This is a Christian nation, for better or for worse. Better in my opinion. And would be more convenient for anyone running for president in a Christian nation to be an avowed Christian.

Now, as more news spreads throughout the blogosphere, be sure to pay attention. You may not hear much about these controversies on network news programs, but there will be plenty being blogged. Determine for yourself if Obama is for real or, like me, conveniently real.