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Saturday, November 29, 2008 12:00 AM

In Barack we trust?

Obama campaigned on his personality and judgment and won. Now, like it or not, he isn't beholden to anyone.

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  • Saturday, November 29, 2008 07:28 AM

    As one who tries to be compassionate

    I'm feeling kind of sorry for Readerreader at this point.

    Being infatuated and delusional leads only to tragedy, whether in love or politics. Worse, when you combine the two.

    As for Obama infatuation, I imagine there is some of that, as well. However, as far as I can tell, unlike Palin infatuation it is mostly based on some relatively realistic assumptions in that here is a man of extraordinary intelligence, intellectual curiosity and excellent education (is there any doubt of that?); combined with an impressive temperament that is even, cool and magnanimous; a far reaching strategic sense and the discipline to carry those strategies forward (did you pay attention to the campaign?); a reasoned and temperate world view grounded in liberal understanding and a connection to the average person; a strong sense of family and moral values (watch him with his wife and children, it's not an act); all wrapped up in a certain wry personal warmth and an amazing, exceedingly rare, ability to inspire and motivate people to reach for their higher selves.

    He may not be perfect, as he would be the first to tell you, but he is a damn sight better than anything I've seen come along in decades. Will he disappoint many, if not everyone, on some particular? Of course, that is the nature of things like governance. As for how he will perform on the whole as President, we have the future to supply us with that answer, but the signs so far are all positive.

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