The Democratic Convention

The greatest obstacle that Barack Obama faces is not that his color is different than that of any other men that have reached the White House, or that his name doesn’t sound American, or even that his some of his ancestors are of African descend. No. The greatest difficulty that Obama, his wife and his supporters are going to have to face in this week’s Democratic Convention in Denver, Colorado, is how to shatter the perverse perception that his color, his name and his origin bring. All of those aspects invalidate his “Americanism”, they cast doubt on his patriotism, highlight his “otherness” and facilitate him being type casted as being outside the traditional American “values”.

We should stress the similarities that he has in common with his fellow Americans, but that shouldn’t be all. It is necessary to persuade the independent voters who aren’t biased, that the old cliché of the country [that of a nation racially homogeneous], has long since ceased to exist.

In a convincing way, we need to modify the traditional idea of what it means to be American and restore it in broader terms.

We have to begin by admitting that no, Obama is not the typical “All American” white collegiate football player with the short hair and the middle class family. But that instead he is one of the 102 million Americans that form the minority in the United States that represent 34% of the nation. And that he, too, is similar to Anglosaxon-Americans like Bill Clinton, or to Jewish-Americans like Congressman Henry Waxman.

Hilary Clinton’s participation, programed for the second day of the convention, reinforces the message that political parties should come together in the moment of truth. It also shows the need for change of direction and of focus on the country’s economic policy for the benefit of ordinary people who have lost their jobs and their homes, and who have no health insurance and can not pay the cost of a college education.

Wednesday’s program will discuss the topic of national security. On top of affirming Obama’s position about the war in Iraq [placing it as a fatal error of the current administration that will continue if in Novemeber the voters vote Republican once again], he will also have to confirm his decision on removing American troops as soon as possible.

Another important message that day will be brought up be a select group of politicians who have strength in New Mexico, Indiana, Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Having the backing of ex-President Bill Clinton and Senator Ted Kennedy symbolizes the unwavering support of the two highest-ranking politicians within the Democratic Party candidate.

This is the framework in which Barack Obama will give the most important speech of his life. Although he is regarded as one of the most talented orators of his time, this speech that is in store will provide us with a unique opportunity to understand Obama’s main message. The applause of the masses can not be achieved with subtle, paused, calm, intelligent and nuanced messages. It is found with the birth of passion and enthusiasm of the people.

What Obama has to do is show the nation that he can reach the 75 million Americans who are expecting to either hear his speech live or watch him on television just as he was able to reach hundreds of thousands of Germans during his recent tour of Europe.