The US president elect has changed the game. Barack Obama had to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to rise to the highest office in the land.
Prior to his election, Obama had to overcome obstacles including:
- race,
- an unusual name,
- the entrenched and powerful Clinton-Democratic faction,
- relative youth and limited Washington experience, and
- an American war hero.
With his calm and focused demeanor, he refused to allow race to define his candidacy. With tenacity, superior fund-raising, impressive endorsements, and a powerful grass-roots effort, Obama was able to outlast a determined Hilary Clinton. With the best voter-registration and get-out-the-vote drive since Ronald Reagan's Young Republican push, Obama was able to reach disaffected groups such as young-Americans, Hispanics, and African-Americans. His campaign harnessed the power of the Internet to turbo-charge his effort, leading to his impressive victory over John McCain.
Throughout the long journey, his foes and detractors were anxiously waiting for Obama to slip up. Despite tough attacks on Obama's inexperience, patriotism, and past associations; he stayed on point and refused to get dragged down. He instead clearly articulated why he was qualified for the job. Rather than taking a defensive posture, he pressed his opponents on issues where he believes he offers a superior solution (i.e. the economy). Obama had to run a perfect race in order to win the presidency. Any error would have created doubt in the undecided swing voters. He understood the task, and executed flawlessly under enormous pressure and scrutiny.
Even with his grit, determination, class, and intelligence, the idea of an African-American named Barack Hussein Obama winning the presidency is still astounding. Barack Obama reminds me of another African-American superstar - Tiger Woods. Defying the odds in a field dominated by white men with brilliance, hard-work, and class.
The glass ceiling has been shattered. Excuses for failure due to difficult challenges are harder to buy. President-Elect Barack Obama provides a brilliant example of the amazing potential inside each of us. The key ingredient to unleashing this potential - HOPE.
