Is Obama the Best We Have to Offer?

Over the past several months, I have heard and seen my fellow black folks swoon over the presidential candidacy of Senator Barack Obama. The commentary has gone from "he is our Moses" to things like "he represents our best interests". This leads me to ask myself if Senator Obama truly is the best candidate black folks have to offer. Now some might think this question irrelevant, given the fact that the election is upon us, but I deem it relevant because so many of black folk are voting for him primarily because he is black.

There is always a danger when any ethnic group decides consciously or by implication to nominate one person as representative. There is tremendous pressure and scrutiny automatically applied to this individual. In Senator Obama's case, there is no exception. He is subject to evaluation because so many place hope in him; a hope he encourages with his rhetoric and proposals.

Yet to answer the question of whether black people can do better in proffering a candidate for the highest office in the land, we must address our definition of "best". The dictionary defines "best" as being "of the highest quality, excellence, or standing". With this definition, many will view Barack Obama as one of the best or the best candidate the black community has to offer. However, when added to the definition of "best" that which "works in the interest of those represented", Senator Obama may fall short. Certainly in order to wear the label of best, we ought to consider positions and proposals, as well as their likely impact on those represented by the candidate.

In fairness to Senator Obama, he has not sought to represent black people, nor be the black candidate for President. However, the perception for those who have already and will yet cast their vote for him he is such a candidate. Perception is the better part of reality for many in the black community. Those most vocal say that the Senator is OUR candidate, and it is OUR time; strongly believing that his election can erase or ease years of pain, both real and perceived.

Nevertheless, this enthusiasm over the prospect of a black man ascending to the Presidency still does not answer our question. Is Senator Obama our best? Decidedly, he is one of the most brilliant and articulate political figures in recent memory, compared even to John F. Kennedy for his ability to inspire hope in the masses. However, is he the best? Before we assign the title of "best", we should be sure that the person would pursue a course beneficial to those so inspired by the prospects of their elevation.

Examining Senator Obama from a policy perspective reveals much concern as to the likely impact of his policies on those he says he wants to help most. His economic policy will likely force more jobs overseas and into foreign lands, while his domestic agenda promotes dependence on government for answers. This fundamental look at his policy uncovers an agenda that, at its core, continues to promote victim status among many who feel let down by their government. Senator Obama shies away from a message that embraces industry and perseverance as means to success in America. His focus has been to inform people who are hurting, that the reason for their pain is the government in general and George Bush in particular.

It is my humble contention that the best in the black or any community will be those willing to stand on truth, and unafraid to speak it to those who need it most, even if it brings discomfort to the listeners. I find Senator Obama either unwilling or unable to embark on this critical task. It is for this reason he cannot be the best we have to offer America. We can and must do better.