Abstract The paper discusses Barack Obama's feelings about his black heritage and his white family as well as his reasons for running for president. The paper considers what his election would mean for the United States and concludes that Obama's election as president would signal an important watershed in race relations and political policy in the United States.
Outline:
Introduction
What Does Obama Think About Being Black?
Was Obama Ashamed of his White Mother and Grandparents, or Were They Ashamed of Him?
Why is Barack Obama Running for President?
What would Barack Obama's Election Mean to the United States?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Obama's thoughts on being black are revealed in his autobiography, Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance. In Dreams from my Father, Obama describes his life up to the time he enters Harvard Law School.
"Obama was born to a black father, Harvard University-educated economist Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., of Kenya, and a white mother, Ann Dunham. His parents divorced when he was four, and his mother married Indonesian Lolo Seotorio. His new family moved from Hawaii to Jakarta, Indonesia, where he lived until he was ten. His birth father was absent for most of his young life. Barack Obama moved back to Hawaii when he was ten, and saw his father for the last time before his father was killed in a car accident in 1982. He went on to enroll in Occidental College, and later transferred to Columbia College at Columbia University."
Abstract This paper discusses the arguments for and against Senator Barack Obama becoming the President of the Unitd States. The paper specifically discusses the arguments with regard to his religion and background. The paper argues that there are many facts to support Senator Barack Obama as the best choice for the next President of the United States.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Taste of "New"
Talk to the Mullahs
Voting for McCain is almost like Voting for George W. Bush
Why Choose Senator Barack Obama for President
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "There are many facts to support Senator Barack Obama as the best choice for the next President of the United States however; the truth is that the Senator just happens to fit the template that is envisioned by many in today's highly globalized and diverse society. A society in which many of the old shells of societal standards and norms have fallen away and a veritable metamorphosis has occurred giving rise to a higher consciousness and higher level of cognition among the fresh voting groups in the United States. Groups of voters comprised of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and in fact, a group of U.S. citizens who have attended school, worked, attended church and other community and societal and institutional functions side-by-side with one another."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that for a memoir written by a senator and an aspiring presidential candidate, 'Dreams from my Father' by Barack Obama is a brilliantly candid document. True, the writer points out, that Obama was not a candidate when he penned the work in 1998. Still, he was clearly ambitious and had a future political and legal career on his mind and a potential agenda. He was a graduate of Harvard Law School, the editor of the prestigious Harvard Law Review, and in only two years he would be the Democratic junior senator from the largely Republican state of Illinois. The writer discusses that rather than affirm homilies about the goodness of America, Obama speaks openly about the difficulties of negotiating a viable sense of self and identity in contemporary America.
From the Paper "Obama discusses how he struggled to know who he was as a young man, racially and in terms of his future. He grew up in a divided America, still polarized by the ideological revolutions of the Civil Rights movement and the ant-war movement. The quest for stability and identity is something that most adolescents can relate to, but this intense self-examination is rarely expressed by politicians who often want to project a secure sense of self, to avoid being accused of waffling. Now that Obama's youth and supposed inexperience are an issue in the Democratic campaign for the nomination, he might regret some of his words in Dreams from my Father, but from the point of view of telling a good story, his tale is compelling because it is so easy to relate to his struggle, whether a reader is black or white, or of mixed race."
Abstract This paper aims to predict Barack Obama's success as President of the United States. In order to do so it considers how he would rate as a business manager. The paper questions whether Obama can perform the tasks that are required of him in office and whether he has the proper psychological make-up to be successful as president of a nation such as the United States.
Table of Contents:
Leading
Planning
Organizing
Controlling
Conclusion
From the Paper "Organizationally, Obama continues to improve as well. He acknowledged that one of the reasons he lost to Clinton in the New Hampshire primary was that she was more effective at mobilizing her base to vote -- particularly women ("Obama analyzes," 2008). It's a mistake Obama has not duplicated, showing a strong ability within his campaign to analyze results and make appropriate changes. As was mentioned, Obama has been creating voter registration surges in many states (and first-time voters fall solidly in his camp), and voter turnout often has shattered records. Obama's campaign has improved at mobilizing his base, such as people of color and political moderates. This is a tribute to the controls process within the campaign and his ability to relate to -- and create empathy with -- his core bases."
Abstract This paper argues that, due to insufficient governmental experience, questions raised about the legitimacy of his American birth, his questionable motives and ethics, and a plethora of controversies, Barack Obama is unqualified to be the American President. The writer suggests that Obama's reluctance or inability to produce a valid birth certificate may only be the tip of the iceberg and points to Obama's connections with Tony Rezco, a convicted governmental corrupter, and Bill Ayers, leader of a radical terrorist organization, as examples of illicit activities.
From the Paper "The most obvious qualification for a presidential candidate is formal experience, a glaring omission on Barack Obama's resume. USA Today lists his total applicable experience as three years in the U.S. Senate, seven years in the Illinois Senate, and one stirring keynote address at a Democratic National Convention (Keen). Half of a Senatorial term and a handful of years in state government hardly qualify a politician for party leverage, let alone the highest office in the land. Even Democratic leaders, such as party chairman Matt Pearson, recognize his greenness saying "He could use a little more experience...it's just not his time yet" (Keen). With major Democratic players discrediting his resume, how can anyone justify Obama's rawness?"
Abstract The paper highlights the generational gap between Civil Rights Movement leader, Martin Luther King and post-Civil Rights Movement leader, Senator Barack Obama as seen from Martin Luther King's "A Letter From Birmingham Jail" and Barack Obama's speech, "A More Perfect Union". The paper discusses the difference in tone, methods of communication and the type of inequality that they are trying to end. The paper shows how Obama's candidacy is well-connected with the cultural and political time period in which it is platformed. The paper emphasizes that had it not been for activists such as Martin Luther King and Jesse Jackson, it is likely that the country would never have allowed a black politician to run for the presidency.
From the Paper "The history of the United States is saturated with struggle, of which the civil rights movement is perhaps the most significant. What is interesting about the contemporary political paradigm of the country is however that apparent culmination of struggle into an understanding of equality as desirable at least on an intellectual level, if not quite yet in practice. This new paradigm is most evident in the discourse of politicians from minority groups, and most notably in that of Senator Barack Obama, one of the candidates for the presidency. The new paradigm becomes most evident when this new discourse is compared with that of historical leaders in the paradigm of the struggle, such as Martin Luther King. Such comparison brings to light a certain generational gap between the leaders in the civil rights movement and those of the post-civil rights ideal."
Abstract This paper discusses how perseverance is what motivates a person to keep trying after being defeated over and over again. It covers the stories of Winston Churchill, Barack Obama, and Dan Millman in demonstrating how perseverance enabled them to achieve their goals. The writer also includes his own personal experience with persevering and discusses what it means to him.
From the Paper "People who have lived through events requiring perseverance can always voice their opinions or feelings on what it is and why it is important. Some of the most important historical figures in the 19th and 20th centuries have things to say which will be remembered for eternity. The historically famous American general Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Allied commander of the Pacific during World War II, said "Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul" (qtd. In ThinkExist.com). While the passing of time makes the human body weaker and frailer after a while, quitting something can destroy someone's soul and the will to go on. MacArthur most likely realized giving up was not an option in his battles against the Japanese. Winston Churchill, one of the most magnanimous and praised world leaders in history also felt what MacArthur experienced. "
Tags: Winston, Churchill, Barack, Obama, Dan, Millman
Abstract The author of this paper compares the economic platforms of John McCain and Barack Obama, candidates for the Presidency of the United States, prior to the election and Senator Obama's victory. In the paper the author identifies some of the main differences between the two candidates and their respective taxation policies. The writer focuses on two distinctly different tax plans held by each candidate : One relates to tax reductions whilst the other relates to healthcare credits. The writer examines the differences between the candidates' plans, postulates their effect on the American economy and declares whose plan, in the writer's opinion, is the better.
From the Paper "Both John McCain and Barack Obama have laid out some pretty innovative tax plans. I was actually surprised at some of McCain's policies. People always write him off as being completely unknowledgeable about the economy, but I was impressed with his health care credit idea. Of course though, I know that he has a whole team of economic advisers. I think it's one of the most progressive plans that he has put out. There is one downside to that plan. By privatizing healthcare, it causes people's taxes to go up. Even though they are receiving subsidies or credits against them, they will be put into a higher marginal tax bracket."
Abstract The paper examines Barack Obama's "Audacity of Hope" speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and analyzes why it thrust him onto the national stage. The paper discusses Obama's message of pride, unity, change and hope through his use of ethos, kairos, pathos, beautiful language and rhetorical prowess. The paper therefore shows why "The Audacity of Hope" speech will always stand as a shining example of American rhetoric and patriotism.
From the Paper "Some people consider Barack Obama a messianic figure who will save our nation. Others consider him an intellectual elitist who basks in his achievements. Others consider him a radical liberal with terrorist connections. But most consider him a hard-working and charismatic statesman who will strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries. Despite these different views, everyone agrees that Barack Obama is perhaps the greatest orator of our times. It was his "Audacity of Hope" speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which thrust him onto the national stage. From California to Mississippi, his words captivated our minds and touched our hearts. His speech made us think, made us cry, and most importantly, made us dream of a brighter tomorrow by stirring our spirits and moving our soul."
Abstract The paper considers how the 2008 presidential candidates Ron Paul, John McCain and Barack Obama, have used their websites to raise money, enlist volunteers, disseminate their policy positions and strengthen their brands. The paper analyzes these three websites and demonstrates how, while they are fairly usable and take a similar approach to presenting key information and recruiting support, they are not particularly deep, they try to control the user experience and they vary widely in their ability to positively convey a positive and relevant brand image. The paper specifically notes and explains the branding shortcomings in Ron Paul's website.
Outline:
Content Presentation and Usability
Branding
Conclusion
From the Paper "The 2008 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and memorable in recent history. On the Democratic side, Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are continuing a hard-fought race that could remain undecided until the Democratic national convention. The Republicans have seemingly chosen a candidate in Sen. John McCain, but Congressman Ron Paul, an anti-war conservative, refuses to drop out of the race and has developed almost a cult following. The race for both parties' nominations has been made even more exciting by the rise of the Internet as a campaign, news, and social commentary tool."
Abstract This paper presents a statistical analysis of media coverage of Barak Obama using the 'Newsweek' magazine as the media source. The paper relates that the analysis uses 10 weeks of issues spanning from September 22, 2008 thru November 24, 2008. The paper further relates that all of the information in the tables is from the magazine, which is the primary source for the analysis. The information is presented in the form of statistical tables in order to provide a clear and concise account of the coverage pertaining to Barack Obama and the election.
From the Paper As of October 13, 2008, the Obama campaign had shattered all fund-raising records, raking in $458 million, with about half of that coming from donors who contribute $200 or less" (Isikoff, 2008). In Ohio alone, he had 1400 neighborhood teams that had been recruited, trained, and managed for the six months leading up to election day (Thomas, 2008). Ultimately, his campaign had over "3.1 million contributors, million volunteers, 2.2 million supporters on his main Face book page, 800,000 on his MySpace page and perhaps a million or more names on Obama's own campaign Web site" (Fineman, 2008).
There were 3 presidential debates and one vice-presidential debate. The first debate was on October 2, 2008, and was supposed to focus on foreign policy. However, the economic crisis became a topic of discussion and in the end, the press scored McCain as winning the debate but the public proclaimed Obama the victor. The second debate was on October 7, 2008, and was fashioned to represent a town-hall style forum. Obama was proclaimed the victor of that debate as well, and fortunate for his campaign, the Dow dropped 500 points that evening.
Abstract The paper describes Obama's background with all its hardships and how it reflects the reality of American life and offers hope to so many others who do not experience the privileged life past presidents have enjoyed. The paper outlines Obama's ideas in "Dreams of My Father" and "Audacity of Hope" and looks at the parallel expressions found in King's letters from a Birmingham jail. The paper asserts that Obama brings hope and dreams to the American people by giving them a voice and by representing all the diversity of Americans in that voice. The paper emphasizes how it is not a voice beholden to corporate interest groups or manipulative old guard politicians from old money rich families, but it is the voice of all American society, and the diversity that her people represent.
Outline:
Introduction
Obama's Life
The Evolution of Obama Between "Dreams" and "Audacity"
Parallel Expressions in King's Letters from a Birmingham Jail
Barack Obama's Projection of Hope and Dreams
Conclusion
From the Paper "Telling a story with different cultural backgrounds. Being able to adapt through understanding that each individual is coming from a different culture and background. Sharing different points of view in life and respecting each other. This can be found in Barack Obama's life, and this is what he represents. President elect Obama is, in a word, diverse. Not only is he of mixed racial heritage, he lived in different places when he was young. In this day and age, in our multicultural society with a globalizing economic market, a diverse leader who represents diverse voices is what this country needs, and this is why he was elected. However, diversity of experience alone is not enough to make someone appropriate to lead the United States. Obama is also eloquent, passionate, sensitive and intelligent, and most of all he is honest."
Tags: diversity, race, instability, father, identity, African, Americans, King
Abstract This paper explains that the inclusion of African-American Barack Obama and a woman in the person of Hilary Clinton in the 2008 primary presidential elections underscored the issues of race and gender in the history of the United States. Next, the author relates that Barack Obama directly addressed the race issue through his speeches by invoking that the Americans must deal immediately with the divisions in the society. In addition, the paper discusses Republican candidate John McCain, a traditional white person from Arizona, and the issue of his age.
From the Paper "At the same time, the race, which goes on between Barack Obama and John McCain, reveals the attempt to consider the American society a neutral color blind society. Barack Obama is not only an African American but also his origins are different from the traditional presidential campaign. More precisely, he was born in Hawaii and his father was an African who won a scholarship to study in the United States."
Abstract This paper relates that, as a result of the power of the 2004 election bloggers, most political campaigns today have an Internet strategy. The paper points out that the stratospheric rise of presidential candidate Barack Obama is a testimony to the power of the Internet and its ability to rally young people who do not belong to the formal party structures. The paper discusses the impact of the Internet on politics and political campaigns and suggests that that, because of the Internet, political power has shifted to the common hands of thousands of ordinary independent Americans bloggers.
From the Paper "The Internet also provides a sense of control for those who feel powerless. Rather than merely consume political media, the Internet permits the individual to disseminate editorial material, unapproved of by the candidates, in an unedited form (unlike even a letter to the editor of a major newspaper). Yet this intense personalization, also suggests that one of the assumed positives about the political influence of the Internet, namely creating connections between like-minded people unrecognized by the system, might be doubtful."
Tags: bloggers grassroots personalized power, young people
Abstract This paper explains that, following in the footsteps of Barack Obama who gave an eloquent and effective speech during Howard University's Convocation Day, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick delivered a wondrous and thought provoking keynote speech in 2008 at Howard University's Charter Day. The paper then explains the use of rhetorical devices in this address, such as colloquialistic expressions, humor, pathos, repetition, ethos, metaphors and euphemisms. The paper concludes that the speech of the second African-American governor ever elected, Deval Patrick, profoundly affected the Howard institution.
From the Paper "A major rhetorical device that was used in this address was one of colloquialistic expressions which are can be "used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation'. In lieu of boring the audience citing historical precedent and preaching the sanctity and integrity of the institution of Howard University, an esteemed and highly regarded intellectual stood center-stage and spoke from the heart as he educated about the audience about education. Instead of opting to bedazzle the crowd with such intellectual and academic words of grandeur, he spoke in every day terminology."
