Tailwind for Barack Obama

Those who took a close look at the United States in the past weeks and months might well conclude that the country was securely in the hands of Christian fanatics. America’s only grass roots movement worthy of the name is white, conservative and regressive. And the Democratic president, so admired just two years ago, is now a despised figure.

But that impression would be wrong, as fortunately shown by the recent “One Nation Working Together” demonstration. This time another America took to the streets: a mixed society of diverse cultures, skin colors, religions and social backgrounds. It is a reflection of the “melting pot” made up of European, African, Asian and Latin American backgrounds.

The right-wing opposition that recently assembled under the banner of “Restoring Honor” threw code words into the debate designed to show their hatred for America’s first black president. They say he is a Muslim, they question his patriotism and accuse him of being a socialist, which to them makes him a traitor.

The “One Nation” demonstrators are the exact opposite: They are proud of Obama, and they see him as the symbol of hope for themselves and for the entire nation. They want him to do more. They don’t want less government — they want more. Not less social justice, but more. That’s why they voted for Obama two years ago, and they’re beginning to remember that now.

Exactly one month before the midterm elections, this demonstration by Obama’s liberal base was long overdue. But whether it will succeed in reversing prevailing public opinion and quashing the fears right-wing ideologues spread every day on their radio and television shows remains an open question.