This article was written the day following the ABC Democratic debate and reflects my thinking concerning the future course of the Obama campaign as a result of that experience.
Two issues face us at this point in the Obama campaign.
First: The campaign is definitely going on too long despite any hoped for positive effect of its outcome other than an Obama victory. The only presidential contender benefiting from this prolonged campaign is John McCain. He can simply sit by and observe the two Democratic contenders inflict further damage on themselves and each other.
Clinton appears to join those wanting to prolong personal attacks rather than discuss issues. Her negative ratings increase as a result, but she apparently sees personal attack as the only means to stop Obama’s momentum. Obama, in turn, seems reluctant to confront Clinton on her “baggage,” perhaps out of respect for a fellow Democratic candidate whom he will support should Clinton win the Democratic nomination. Meanwhile, McCain appears to garner prospective votes, particularly from undecided independents who might otherwise support Obama.
A decision certainly cannot be made to end the Democratic campaign prior to the Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina primaries, but combined results in these major contests should give a sufficiently convincing idea of who the eventual victor will be to enable super delegates to finally declare preferences according to popular vote or personal conviction.
Second: Obama must become willing to stand positively and not apologetically on his record and to participate combatively in debate interchange though subjects may not be desirable. While there is some salutary value in airing frustrations with an enthusiastic crowd of supporters after a disheartening debate performance, prolonged complaining about the inequities of press practices is only counter-productive for campaign success.
Obama has no reason to be ashamed of past associations or actions. His affirmation of Jeremiah Wright and William Ayers underscores valuable contributions both men have made to their communities despite occasional radical statements. Both men are Americans, after all, Jeremiah Wright having served as a Marine. Church members and community leaders of all races respect Wright, who has served for years as a minister of a large Chicago congregation. William Ayers is now a respected professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago. He was never charged with direct participation in terrorist activity regardless of his statements. Neither individual is seeking to undermine our democracy through subversive activity.
Obama’s association with these men underscores the inclusiveness of his campaign together with his willingness to respect and tolerate views differing from his own. This tolerance is a needed quality in what seems to be a prevailing climate of inquisition in which even Democratic candidates are expected to adhere to a right wing, evangelical Christian, conservative catechism before being selected for office.
Obama had good reasons for associating with these two men. Distancing himself from past inflammatory actions and statements is certainly appropriate provided he does so quickly and clearly without allowing himself to be pulled into apologizing for his overall association with two people who presently make positive contributions to the Chicago communities.
The one benefit to be gained from events such as last night’s so-called debate is for Obama to use this time as a proving ground for what may be an even more challenging Presidential campaign following the conventions. Communicating feelings of discomfort over personal associations and imperfect statements will only translate to voters as uncertainty and faltering conviction. Obama’s great contribution in this campaign is to embrace others in his vision of a new climate of hope and change. This climate is by nature transformative, embracing all Americans, including Jeremiah Wright and William Ayers, regardless of past imperfection of action and comment.
The lesson for Obama and all of us here is to stand firmly and positively beside our convictions and those we befriend despite all criticism designed to bring us down. Then, and only then, can we all be united in this new community of hope.
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