The Race Speech

Yesterday, Barack Obama delivered a key speech focusing on race. Like the issue surrounding Reverend Wright, this speech will undoubtedly be analyzed in depth, with each analysis merely using Obama's words as a mirror to prove preconceived notions about his candidacy. His supporters say he has shown courage by addressing an issue that is fundamentally ripe with prejudice. His critics say that he has failed to address any issues but merely pandered to the Black community.

From a broader perspective, however, the act of making this speach was monumental in three ways:

First, and foremost amongst his critics, Obama refused to "disown" reverend Wright. This, politically, is similar to Ford's pardon of Nixon after the Watergate scandal--the public may disagree with the actual decision, but it resets the dialogue by showing courage and character in an environment lacking moral leadership. The recent media cycles have been ripe with self-created scandals, from extreme statements regarding race, to sex scandals, to questionable links between politicians and extremists (of which, Rev. Wright is not alone). This speech was a clear call for the end of this destructive pattern, and a shot across the bow for sensationalists.

Second, Obama took the courageous step of addressing race in America. This is the monumental element of the speech. Regardless of the pursuasiveness of the arguments, this was the first mainstream attempt in three decades to address the deeply rooted racial issues undermining American society to this day. While bringing attention to the segregation and inequality reminiscent of slavery, he, more importantly, illuminated the universal resentment surrounding our racial heritage. Through this, he showed a deep understanding of the fundamental ideals at stake in this struggle and established himself as a defender of those ideals. He is no longer the black candidate, but the constitutionalist candidate.

Finally, this speech marked a turning point in the campaign strategy. For roughly a month since Obama has been the front runner, he has been consolidating his base, as I have already discussed in a previous post. Through this process, I believe that the moderate vote has become somewhat disgruntled, fuelling the claims of racial pandering, extreme liberalism, and cult mentality. Yesterday's speech, however, was a clear attempt to address a criticism. The appeal was broad, and the demeanor was calm and composed. The speech confronted specific issues, drawing support from historical evidence, personal history, and logical progression from one point to the next. This is the beginning of an attempt to appeal to a broader audience, to engage his critics and frame the debate around his plan for America.

Strategically, however, there are still criticisms. I watched one political pundit argue today that the timing of this speech was convenient given the recent controversy. Obviously, my position is that the timing marked a deliberate effort to address the controversy. Another criticism was that the speech skirted key issues. Again, I read the action as courageous and direct. But the role of these speeches is a debate worth having... and if Obama really does reach out to a new crowd and address key issues, these criticisms will sort themselves out.

Rumor has it that more speeches are underway. Who knows... we even might get some boldness and insight on the economic front.