Have other youth realized the impact of Obama's campaign so far - exceedingly great. Charisma seems to be carrying him as the Democratic candidate, but how far will it take him - perhaps to the White House, but after that? How many lives will be benefited? Those questions are left to voters abroad and that's the issue - how far will he take America? My answer: Nowhere. Similar to JFK, Barack Obama has the same characteristics: likeability, appealing to youth, charisma... However, how effective was JFK in the White House. Many politicians cover up his short-lived reign with his charisma and charm that won him the presidency. And who could blaim him? I mean, if I was any other ignorant youth, I'd do the same thing - vote for JFK. However, this null and void approach to electing presidents is how young politicians make it there. Did you know that JFK didn't pass a single major bill pass Congress in his two or so years reigning as president? That's sounds absurd, right. Look at George W. Bush passing bills every so often, believing what he and his administration believe is best for America. Similar to JFK's campaign, Obama believes in "CHANGE". I couldn't blame him - some things need to be changed. But it's one thing to say something, that to carry out with it. Let's see in the near future how much a charismatic attitude can accomplish while in this race and perhaps the White House.
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Is whether or not JFK could have gotten the Civil Rights legislation passed. Johnson had to call in pretty much every political debt he'd been owed since the New Deal in order to do it, and I am uncertain about whether or not Kennedy would have been able to pass it without being able to do the same. On the other hand, Kennedy was doing a fine job leading the country before he was assasinated. Unless, of course, you think his handling of the Cuban missle crisis could have been better.
"We cannot redeem evil, we must combat it." -- Jean Paul Sartre
It's interesting to see the opinion of other on Obama. At the beginning of this race, I was intensely unsure. I thought Obama or Clinton? Why not Biden? Maybe I should vote Guiliani? Well Romney has charisma! I have gone through a major political identity crisis and have come to the conclusion that our nation needs a pick-me-up. There are so many people who just cringe at the word government, so why not do something different. It's one of those things that can HOPEFULLY only go up. Plus, just think, WHAT IF Kennedy had lived? I mean, Lyndon Johnson did throw us into the Vietnam War...and there is a good chance that that may have never happened under Kennedy's administration. He may have pulled out troops rather than putting them in.
These "what ifs" turn into such an interesting thing. I think that Obama, though young, though charismatic...he may be the change that not only the United States, but the WORLD is looking for. Do we ever really know?
-- Amber
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/akoenig