By Michelle J. Nealy
It is officially time for Barack Obama to bring out his big guns if he plans to win the Democratic nomination, and I’m not talking about the ones he hides under those White Armani shirts. I’m talking about his star-studded group of celebrity supporters: Oprah Winfrey, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Maria Shriver, Jennifer Aniston, Robert De Niro, Chris Rock, Bill Richardson and George Clooney. (I mean really, who doesn’t love Clooney?)
Last week, we heard from one Obama supporter, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. He ruffled a few feathers. I think that it’s time that we hear from some others. Much has been made of Obama’s relationship to Wright. Undecided voters are now wondering whether or not Obama is as “angry” and as “Black” as his dashiki wearing ex-pastor. They wonder whether or not Obama secretly shares Wright’s opinions on race and foreign policy? I say, “Enough with the wonering.”
Obama and Wright have been friends (yes, friends) for several years, and they share a number of opinions on family, spirituality, marriage, fatherhood, self-reliance and the importance of community. Obama shouldn’t be penalized for those opinions that they do not share. No one penalizes Sen. John McCain for his “relationship” with White, televangelist and suspected racist, Rev. John Hagee.
Imagine if your character was defined and redefined by your most controversial associate. Wouldn’t you just remind everyone that you have a diverse group of friends that encompass a monolith of thoughts, opinions and ideas? I know I would.
As a matter of fact, you might even assert, that the diversity of your friendships allows you to expand your own horizons and execute on behalf of the American people, as an elected official, more effectively.
Certainly, Obama’s celebrity friends cannot win the election for him. But they do possess the power of influence and momentum. They implore Obama’s commitment to unity and diversity. They remind voters that Obama is not the “Black” candidate, but, in fact, the best candidate. Together, they could’ve drowned out Rev. Wright weeks ago, compelling undecided voters to come to the hope side.
Photos courtesy of The Washington Post and JAMD.
