Its been a month since the US dodged a public relations bullet. It was the result that stirred relief in many. As the dust settles on the re-election of Obama, the question arises of why he got a second term in office.
Best in Show
Rest assured, quite like the US presidency, this post is not political. Even the goings on in Congress and the House of Representatives have little to do with how America is run. Obamadrama is about showmanship, putting election campaigns right up there with beauty pageants and dog shows. Spin and rhetoric are integral components of commercial appeal. Obama can certainly deliver a speech. He strikes the perfect balance between the hopefulness of Martin Luther King and the charisma of JFK. Even during a time of economic decline, the listener is left with a sense of possibility.
Like her husband, Michelle is also a compelling speaker. She's got the credentials to back it up too. She is a high achiever and the most popular First lady since Jackie Kennedy. They are a sexy First. Perhaps Obama is a better actor than Reagan. Either way people like the package. Add two gorgeous girls et voila. Its a Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilfiger and Gap advert all rolled into one. The Obama's have become the wholesome, box-fresh, all-American brand that people want to buy into. Its Oprah appeal and then some.
"Yes we can!"
Equality in the Land of Make-Believe
The problem with politics is homogeneity. In a world where politicians have morphed into the same guy, each considered just as inconsequential as the next, Obama created some respite from our monotony. Which brings me to the elephant in the room. Demographics. They voted for the black guy. Once again we can believe the facade that America is the land of opportunity. A single term in office would have felt too much like lip service to this ideal.
Politically Incorrect
In our apathy towards politicians, we no longer trust in their policies or promises. So we look for other distinguishing traits. Charming and conventionally attractive candidates get more votes.
'The country runs better with a good looking man in the White House. Look what happened to Nixon. No one wanted to f*ck him, so he f*cked everyone.' Samantha Jones, SATC TV series.
Crude perhaps but not untrue. Obama proved very popular with female voters.
Obama is not going to magically reduce crime, lower taxes or boost the economy. That is not his job. His job is to be a figurehead, to raise the morale of the nation and charm its allies. He has accomplished that. Christmas of 2008, was the first year we ever received Christmas cards with the First family on the front, indicating that they have become one of America's most sellable commodities.
