DNC Convention 2008

Maybe it’s because the Olympics just ended and I’ve been accustomed to late night TV viewing. Maybe it’s because there’s “something magical in the air”. Whatever it is, for the first time in my many years in the USA, I have been watching the Democratic National Convention. I had only been following the primaries peripherally, and never watched a single debate during them, because I don’t think it makes a big difference to me.

It was actually quite interesting, inspiring, and morale-boosting. It also recalled moments of high school AP US History where because we had spent so much time on colonial America, slavery, and the Civil War, we rushed through modern times and modern politics, so I never really got a good grasp of the modern US political system. The roll call didn’t seem to make sense – why place the losing primary candidate(s) on the ballot in the first place? The major speakers were each amazing in their spirit, their enthusiasm and their words.

And then there was Obama.

I haven’t read his book. I haven’t listened to his earlier speeches. But I can see that he is indeed a great orator. The kind that get’s you all excited and think “yes we can!”. It is true, that four (or eight, yikes) more years of what we’ve had for the past eight years would be a disaster. At the same time, I don’t follow politics because I’m leery of politicians. Obama might be a different kind of politician but he’s still a politician. And as he stood there, promising Americans a panacea to each and every single problem and a golden future for themselves, their children, and the world, I couldn’t help but doubt his ability. Sincere? Yes. Realistic? No. But then again, I’m the one who is pessimistic so maybe we should give hope a chance.

Anyway, now I look forward to watching the Republican National Convention next week, and the showdown debates to follow.