Obama's Game Plan (Sept. 30, 2007)

"Politics is not a game, it's a mission for me ... the times are too serious and the stakes too big to continue with the current game plan", presidential candidate Barack Obama cautioned on September 20 before a crowd of approximately 5,000 at the World Congress Center, Atlanta.

 In yet another step to the White House, there were allusions to biblical Joshua and his rod of correction that echoed Obama's earlier remarks in March at the AME church in Selma, Alabama.   Again, he expressed his aversion for the present Washington political ethos in conducting the nation's business and urged the pursuit of a new order that was free of special interests politicking, and implicitly millennial.  Herein lies his unbridled optimism, reassuring hope, and enlightened perspective of the aspirations of Americans broadly writ. 

Obama reiterated his unswerving commitment to justice, integrity, and innovation.  His proposals and resolve reflect that.  For example, he criticized the "no child left behind" policy for inadequate funding.  Similarly, health care and insurance for all Americans is a cornerstone of his envisioned social policy.

 Obama steered clear of Reverend Jesse Jackson's alleged criticism, denounced violence, and appealed for equal justice in the Jena-6 case in Louisiana.  Yes, the junior Senator from Illinois drew a comparison between the possible penalty for the black teen-agers and that imposed on former Vice President's Cheney's aide Scooter Libby for obstruction of justice after having disclosed the remit of the CIA employee Valerie Plame.

 In the pragmatic world of day-to-day politics, leadership requires more than vision; effectiveness more than hope.  True grit is often the indispensable ingredient in the rough and tumble of the legislative process as well as the international political and economic environment.  Promoting U.S. interests and ensuring the security of the country are fundamental duties that Obama must handle in the context of a diminished US image abroad and in the face of unprecedented threats.

 So the current administration's game plan must be transformed.  And this requires taking risks that could even back fire.  But the dividends could be higher.  Therefore, as head of state, Obama cannot afford to rely only on intellect, instinct, and experience.  He needs capable advisers who can help him rescue the country from the precipice caused in part by reckless and expensive military expeditions that were orchestrated by officials who have none or scant military service. 

The enigma facing Obama is to find an equilibrium between the merits of tradition and the justification for change.  In his view, the administration's current game plan is disastrous both at home and abroad where current economic policy fosters the growing division between the rich and the poor, woeful social policies, and squandering of US prestige abroad. 

 Obama has not been afraid to admit his fallibility.  Clearly, he will be hard pressed to live up to his promises when he assumes office as president in January 2009.   But from all indications, he has the mettle, insight, and drive to find the equilibrium, put his plan into action, and manage change effectively.