In response to a comment I made on another diary I was asked the question that is the title of this one. I started to reply and then realized that this needs to be a diary of its own.
As a matter of fact, I was an enthusiastic Obama supporter for over two years. His speech at the 2004 Democratic convention blew my spouse and me away. I couldn't wait to vote for this man. Here, I thought, is a true leader and we will see him lead us through the next four years. I even told all my friends and family that this man should be the next President of the United States.
I was wrong. Here is why.
I am uniquely positioned to observe Barack Obama. I live in Iowa, right across the river from Illinois. I can see Obama's district from where I sit at my computer. Two of our three broadcast network stations are based in that Illinois district, so we get a lot of news about the state. Anything said or done by Barack Obama is covered well.
After the convention I watched newscasts daily, looking for news about Barack Obama. I just knew there would be great things coming from him and couldn't wait to see the reports on my TV.
Those reports never materialized. No speeches, few appearances, no evidence whatsoever of the leadership I was sure was there. What little he did or said was obviously carefully scripted in terms of how it would affect his chances in the 2006 run for the Senate. He was riding the wave from 2004 right into Washington and he didn't even need to paddle the boat.
Even then, when he was elected to the Senate in 2006 I was still a firm Obama supporter. "Now we're gonna see some leadership," I said to hubby. "This guy's a Senator!" (Hubby just smiled. By that time he had figured it out. I'm a little slower and much more stubborn.)
Once again, silence. Public appearances were few. There was no legislation from him, except for a couple of no-brainer bills that even Republicans voted for. I could find no indication that he understood the problems we face and had solutions for any of them. It quickly became obvious that the next two years would be devoted solely to positioning himself for the 2008 campaign, though he had promised the voters of Illinois that he would serve his full term in the Senate if elected.
Once I realized that leadership was going to be a problem I started looking at his experience. That was when I knew I'd been wrong. His experience is no better than his leadership. He has two years in national office and much of that time was spent away from Washington campaigning. That is not enough experience, given the mess we're in.
Now it's becoming plain that his temperament is no better than his experience or his leadership. But the evidence of his character flaws is just a sideshow. We need a leader. We need someone who can speak for all Americans. We need an individual who understands what it is like to be the leader of the most powerful nation on earth.
What we do not need is a neophyte, running on a platform of unity, who gives the brush-off to everyone who dares to disagree with him. We do not need someone who speaks pretty words but can't get a job done.
Barack Obama can't lead and he won't follow. I wish he'd get the hell out of the way.
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