Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama brought his broad smile and message of hope to a packed Toyota Center Tuesday night, telling the boisterous crowd that Texas is key to winning the Democratic nomination. Buoyed by a win in the Wisconsin primary minutes before he took the stage, Obama told his supporters that he needed them in the March 4 primary and again in November. Texas has not played a pivotal role in a presidential race since 1976…. “We do know this, Houston: The change we seek is still months away and we need the good people of Texas to get there,” Obama said. “If we’re blessed and honored to win the nomination, then we’re going to need you to help win the election in November.”
Damn…19,000 people at Toyota Center in Houston to hear Barack Obama, and here I am 2,500 miles away. I did watch his speech on CNN, and I gotta say that the man is not just about words. Yes, he’s a gifted, erudite, and articulate man. After all, he’s taught constitutional law in a previous life. But what’s wrong with being inspirational and using words to his advantage? When last I checked, part of a President’s responsibility is to use his bully pulpit to inspire, to encourage Americans to reach for something better, something different, something that may seem just out of reach. Yes, words ARE important, as is how they’re used…and right now, no one uses them better than Barack Obama….and that’s not a crime.
I’m excited that my former home state is finally relevant in Presidential politics. It’s still highly unlikely that a Democrate- ANY Democrat- will carry Texas in the general election, but a good showing by Obama could seal his place as the likely party standard-bearer. And when’s the last time that Texas was anything close to relevant in Democratic politics? This campaign season is likely the first time since the rise of the Boll Weevils that Texas Democrats have had a voice that might actually make a difference. Texas may just ending being responsible for Barack Obama securing the Democratic nomination…and it’s difficult not to be excited about that prospect.
WHAT firewall??
