Monday, February 11, 2008

Why Charisma Matters ... esp. to Christians

1. Is Obama "charismatic?" The answer is objectively yes.

2. Is charisma bad/ We have seen charisma misused and used well. Among those we now see as great presidents, all but one Jefferson (who was tongue tied) was very charismatic . the successes of Lincoln, Washington. Roosevelt, Kennedy could not have occurred without their charisma. This country, as your cite points ut, is going to need to "sell" some hard decisions ot a misled and divers polity.
3.Role of Jesus, as a Jew and an atheist it is clear to me that belief in your god is hardly a guarantee of good things. The atrocities committed in your God's name must be offensive to that God is he is, as you tell us, a good God.

BUT, let me point to the real good that has been done in Jesus name ... John XXXIII, Cesar Chavez, Tom Jefferson, MLKing ... surely you see how these folks used their charisma to do the will of the good God of their beliefs?
4. Is Obama shallow?

is no simpleton like GW Bush. Extremely bright people from Oprah to Nora Ephron all have come way saying this is one committed bright man.

5. Is he not a good person?

The record of service speakes m0re than any words. Of this years crop of candidates, McCain and Obama stand out by their willingess to sacrifice for their beliefs.

6. Is there meat on the bones?

This is the weirdest accusation of all. Our system does not allow certain topics to be discussed. NONE of the candidate pass this test any better than BHO. None has a well described pan for Iraq, none has the details needed to deal with emigration, etc.

What is true is that the Clinton brand is fairly predictable. Assuming she works for the same duality as Bill, we can securely expect that we know what we will get. That is not bad, it is reassuring. Clintonism means leftish compromise and good administration.

What does worry me, however, is that Clintonism, of she is the second coming of the brand, has also failed to show le4adership ... the3 same charisma you talk about ... on HARD issue4s requiring sacrifice. Bill Clinton is not FDR and she may not be wither. Here are some examp0les;

a. immigration reform: The Repricans have painted a mythic picture of a righteous America expelling the 12 million illegals. This can not be done. The cost alone is prohibitive .. perhaps 100 billion dollars!. Does he have the charisma to tell people that?

b. tax reform: Our tax system is crashing and needs serious reform that will cost most voters money
Does he have the charisma to tell people that?

c. Iraq. We can neither just leave nor can we occupy Iraq indefinitely. Does he have the charisma to tell people that?

d. Darwin, the Big Bang are real and MUST be taught 6t all kids. Does he have the charisma to tell people that?
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