Obama & Company: Headlines

I just switched over to BBC News and saw yet another headline involving Barack Obama. Not surprising, I realize. Yet in this one and the others like it lining the papers and websites now the new President is tangential. The story to be found on your front page today concerns the Obama family, particularly Michelle and the couple’s 2 daughters. The headline reads “Obama family moves to Washington” and goes on to detail the family’s move into the Hay-Adams Hotel before they will make their more permanent move to the White House.

Obama Family

The attention being paid to this story, which seems otherwise irrelevant with such issues as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the economic catastrophe, suggests to me an important social shift that will redistribute the political weight of the country. As occurred with the oft-compared presidency of John F. Kennedy, the Kennedy family unit took precedence. They set trends, became members of each American’s extended family, and became components of the Camelot ideal. I think with Barack Obama and his family, this is their future. Michelle Obama has already been called a style icon (maybe maverick), wearing classical looks by the best fashion houses, as well as more manageable pieces from retail-giant Target. The kids, whil avoiding the spot light, are continually used in pieces about getting ice cream with their famous father, all of which contributes to a softened image for the new President.

This could be what this country needs, a family unit to rally behind. To break the divide that seems to break the country in half every two years, we need something to soften harsh, blind politics. This could do it. And while these stories are irrelevant, I see the purpose in them. It worries me that the administration has this much control over the media or that the media is so biased. But to get that family image out there is good in the end, I suppose.

Obama & Company…

Office of the President-Elect

I have been impressed by Barack Obama’s White House transition. While I have never been an age to really examine the ascent of one President and the descent of another, one can assume from the great emphasis placed upon the, now-termed, Office of the President-Elect, a smoother and more efficient change can take place. One can hope, at least. I was never Barack Obama’s most fervent suporter, perhaps still holding a grudge on behalf of my primary candidate, Hillary Clinton, but I can certainly admit that I now believe in his ability to lead. Part of that has come about with his strong leadership in this transitionary period. Even on a well-deserved family vacation in Hawaii, he seemed to be working for the country. Blame the media’s bias or what you will, but to look like you are working when you are on holiday is impressive.

What I have particularly been astounded by is the great importance that has been placed upon the nomination (and investigation) of each would-be member of the new cabinet. The height of media speculation centered around the nominee for Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, who has since been confirmed for the position (with a quick-fix provided by the newly accommodating Bush administration). With an in-depth analysis of the breadth of hers and President Clinton’s investments and business dealings, the country saw how serious the Obama team was taking their message of change. Now it has become even more clear with former Presidential candidate Bill Richardson’s resignation from the Commerce Secretary position for which he was nominated.

Bill Richardson

I am torn with this resignation. I commend Richardson on his service to the country and acknowledge that he is a gifted peacemaker, being a former UN Ambassador under the Clinton administration and making ties with North Korea that have led to the (somewhat) deescalated tensions there. However, and this is where my grudge remains, he completely turned on Hillary Clinton during primary season to back Barack Obama. I should not be surprised: political stability often means trading personal opinions and ethics for those of the populace, meaning go with the flow. But this was such an obvious ploy to be a major player in the Obama administration by denying those who gave him the ability to be in this position. To have his finances now in question by federal prosecutors is yet another example of these same ethical values, though it must be noted that his guilt remains to be found.

I have no idea how the transition will actually run, though I think American confidence in the transition is much greater than would have otherwise occurred without these great efforts. If one poll is to be taken as representative of the entire country, nearly 75% of the country trusts the new administration’s work and thinks they are doing the right thing. Well done, marketing strategy of David Axelrod.