The Case for Obama cont: Got Mad Skillz, Yo

A president should be someone special. Have abilities and traits that are not normal. Not superman, but not the everyday man either. As they are interviewing for the most powerful position on the planet they should be anything but ordinary. They will sit at the head of many conference room tables, surrounded by the brightest and smartest people in the world, and they had better be able to demand respect, process advice from various sources, well intentioned and not, and calmly make reasonable decisions, amidst fear and uncertainty. Obama is well suited for this role by consistently displaying the following traits:

Intelligence:
A degree in Political Science with an emphasis on Foreign Relations from Columbia. Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard Law School and President of the Harvard Law Review. Taught Constitutional Law for 12 years at the University of Chicago Law School.

In his book, Audacity of Hope- BTW, it's not a memoir, but an book about his social and political views. Anyway, while reading it, five or six times I put the book down and said to Annie, "This is the best written description of constitutional issues I've ever read". Then I would bore her to tears by paraphrasing a portion I had just read. His grasp of foreign, economic and social policy is consistently tempered with historical perspective, precedent and a thorough understanding of the law and constitution.

Temperament:
Charles Krauthammer, a conservative columnist for the Washington Post, in a less than complimentary article about Obama concedes that, "Nonetheless, he has both a first-class intellect and a first-class temperament."

Two hugely important issues demonstrate how Obama has shown a conservative nature, one that thinks out the issues and puts aside fear before acting.

1. War in Iraq- everyone else rushed in, Democrats included. Obama studied out the issue for himself and came to a much different conclusion. One who takes council from his reason rather than his fear tends to inspire me. He asked for more evidence, said we were getting in prematurely. Turned out to be exactly right.

2. Economic Crisis- McCain was touting a different strategy every day while Obama's demeanor was collected, methodical and deliberate. This temperament instills confidence and can help keep the nation calm during crazy times. This is especially important with such a fickle stock market, that often rides the roller coaster of panic and hysteria.

Experience:
12 years teaching the constitution. Understands it thoroughly. More of a statesman than an executive. Reminds me more of some of the founding fathers and/or Abraham Lincoln, than an executive. Over 800 bills sponsors/co-sponsored in Illinois State Senate. Over 100 in US Senate.

All this said, I admit this is his weakest trait, but sufficient, with all others considered. If you think about it, it's the first trait to go when you want someone new in power.

Judgment:
See Iraq/ Economic crisis comments.

Also, he selected a very strong, intelligent (despite his continual gaffs) running mate. Someone who can challenge him. I respect that.

Finally, I like a guy who will look at both sides of an issue before plunging into the political fray. This endorsement by one of his old colleagues who often disagrees with him speaks volumes. Here is a taste:

"This was a pretty amazing conversation, not only because of Obama's mastery of the legal details, but also because many prominent Democratic leaders had already blasted the Bush initiative as blatantly illegal. He did not want to take a public position until he had listened to, and explored, what might be said on the other side. He took the law exceedingly seriously, and he wanted to get the statutory and constitutional provisions right. This is the Barack Obama I have known for nearly 15 years -- a careful and even-handed analyst of law and policy, unusually attentive to multiple points of view."

Well Articulated:
This one needs no explanation. Let's just say that back when I didn't support Obama, I wished that my candidate spoke and explained complex human and political issues as well as he did. A leader must be able to persuade and earn respect through his words- they are incredibly powerful, especially now when a leader is likely to have a camera in their face 24-7.

Finally, Powell's endorsement below better articulates many of my points. I don't agree with everything he says, but thinks it's well said: