As we all know, the Democratic National Convention is in full force in Denver, CO. From August 25-28, the DNC will not only pick Barack Obama as the Democratic candidate for the Presidency, but will attempt to somewhat establish the agenda for Democrats prior to the November elections; the entire country is watching what takes place in Denver, and it is a great opportunity for Democrats to attract national attention.The media coverage of the DNC has been extensive, to say the least. In an innovative way, the Democratic National Committee has invited not only traditional media, but bloggers and other “New Media” types, alike (apparently, the RNC will also be inviting bloggers from across the country to cover the event). This is an excellent avenue for complete access to the conventions for all Americans, regardless of location. Jason Williams of The Sidetrack will be attending the DNC this week and will be reporting to KVNU’s “For the People” program on the latest developments of the convention. In addition, Jason has posted an excellent commentary of the presence of bloggers at the convention and the occasional scrape with “Old Media” types. I am excited to ask him about the latest coming from Denver.
And now for some of my thoughts on the convention. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the Democratic National Convention, nevertheless, I have been closely following the events by means of both “Old” and “New” media sources. And something that has drawn my attention is the attention that has been given to Barack Obama’s image and life story. Michelle Obama gave an unprecedented, headline speech last night, focusing on the “Obama story,” including her working-class roots and the struggles which the Obama family has endured over the years.
I don’t like to be cynical (imagine that), but it really irks me when I hear “working-class” thrown around in politics. Republicans and Democrats are both guilty for trying to sell themselves this way; afterall, it makes us feel like we can connect with them on a more personal level. These claims, however, are usually embellished, to say the least. Democrats are particularly guilty of such hypocrisy, as national Republicans usually cannot hide behind labor unions and other blue-collar interest groups. Republican or Democrat, each and everyone of them talk as if they actually understand the plight of the working-class; almost as if they have been there in the trenches with us.
Michelle Obama’s speech, was an attempt at this. Wisely, Michelle Obama brought attention to the Obama family values, her working-class roots, and the “blue collar” Barack that would restore hope to all Americans. The speech had the media-world gushing with glee, a working-class President! Not a bad address, but it was hard for me to swallow. Are the Obama’s working-class? Have they really experienced life like most “blue collar” America?
Let’s take a look…
The Swamp puts it this way: “Everywhere she goes, Michelle Obama, a native of Chicago’s South Side and daughter of a city pump operator, vouches for her husband’s understanding of working-class struggles. The moment is more important than ever for Obama, who, by all accounts, rose from humble beginnings and isn’t that far removed from financial struggle in his own life.
But he also emerged with Ivy League degrees and ultimately earned millions of dollars in book contracts, and it may be those details combined with his manner of soaring oratory that help fix the word ‘elite’ in the lexicon critics use to describe him.”
Michelle Obama: “I remember those days clearly, sweating to get that mail. That collection agency, the loan debt people calling you telling you that you’ve got a few more days before you’re in trouble.”
When I heard this, I automatically asked, “What loan debt people? Were they calling about your student loans, Michelle?” Afterall, Michelle Obama is a Harvard graduate and her husband has a similar background, as well. And yet so far, the Obama’s have been unable to provide any authentic documentation confirming these “tough times.” Not to mention, “she’s a Harvard Law School graduate who commanded an annual income of more than $300,000 in 2005, and her household’s income last year exceeded $4 million.” Cynicism doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface for me here, for maybe I could relate a little more to the $300,000, but $4 million is kind of a stretch.
Certainly the Obama’s haven’t had the life of a George W. Bush or a Ted Kennedy, yet I feel that they are exploiting their supposed “working-class” roots, and while it is resonating with many, I don’t feel that they were as disadvantaged as they profess. Barack Obama may claim to have had it rough, but many who grew up with him remember it differently. Obama’s grandparents paid for his education. He grew up in Hawaii, not the Jim Crow South as it may seem from his rhetoric. Does this guy really share our “hopes” and “dreams?” Sorry, but I don’t buy it.
- Federal Farmer (Marc)
