Whether Obama studied this movie or not is a moot point. The man IS a student of what it takes to succeed politically and he is a master orator that knows how to say all the right things, without really saying anything at all…
Another movie that comes to mind is “Being There”, with Peter Sellers as Chauncey “Chance” Gardiner. A
man who becomes a presidential candidate while essentially a blank canvas on which each of the film’s characters paint their own picture, sometimes making Chance out to be much more than he really is.
The truth is, of course, Obama’s “mystique” and “mythology” is of our own making, but not without his own acquisence. He does his job of saying what we want to hear, in a way that is both meaningless and meaningful, and we do our part by projecting the passion for policy, the message for a “miracle”, the demagoguery for “destiny”.
Never before in American history of Presidential politics, has such an “empty suit” of SO little accomplishments or experience, been promoted to the possible pinnacle of power with little more than words that tickle our ears. Sure, he’s run a great campaign, he’s gathered powerful endorsements, and his ability to raise money is phenomenal…but what has he REALLY done with his life other than set the stage, bit by bit, for his life’s quest to be President? It is both fightening and fascinating…
Those that are fascinated, are there in his corner…those that are frightened (like me), at what might happen under an Obama Presidency (with a majority Democratic congress) are able to see through the empty rhetoric and decide that we need far more than promises and posturing. We need a leader who is PROVEN and READY…we need McCain!
