April 26, 2008

Tokyo (JAPAN)

Is Criticism of Mr. Barrack Obama Justified or A Case of Mistrust?

I cannot be certain if my hesitation toward supporting Mr. Barrack Obama is based on a legitimate foundation of concern (no experience), or if I am also falling victim to the inclination that no one can be that good.

On the one hand, I think Mr. Obama could do a great deal of good as President of the United States, a position which would make him the most powerful leader in the world. I have already discussed the many talents he possesses, but I still cannot help feeling a strong reservation toward him. This post was written to try and figure out why...

I suppose my biggest reservation revolves around the fact that it is dangerous electing a leader based on their personality. The problem with such an approach is that one can never know someone's true personality, especially not when a candidate spends millions and millions of dollars every month selling themselves to the public. Hell, the entire two year process of campaigning is exactly that - demonstrating to the public that you are what they are looking for.  Is it any surprise people think so highly of him? Granted, Mr. Obama comes across as a much more decent person than the other candidates, but is this also augmented by the fact that so many political candidates are often rubbish? Is it also because he is more adept at campaigning? Could it also be because, without a record of past actions, he can say whatever he wants (depending on how the wind is blowing)?

Personally, I have very little trust in the morals of people in power, and especially politicians. The long and short of my reasoning is that no one is perfect, and anyone who must constantly behave in a way so as to appear perfect is a fraud. Granted, putting on a show is the name of the game in politics. However, given that every politician is putting on a show, I am hesitant to think I understand someone (1) whom I have never met, and (2) whose true thoughts and actions I can never know. Mr. Obama has no record, so if I choose to vote for him it is entirely based on the fact that, through his campaigning, I feel his a good guy who has what it takes to be President.

Is that really an effective means of making my decision?

Or am I perhaps a scarred victim of the Bill Clinton era who has very little trust in the concept of "a personable and honorable politician"?