I actually like Barak Obama. I probably disagree with everything he stands for politically so I couldn't vote for him for president but I think he has heart, which is admirable. He has an idealism which feels fresh at least and he doesn't seem, well, scary. He's been compared to Ronald Reagan in his skill for connecting with people and when he talks and it really does sound like he knows what he's talking about, even if you disagree. His campaign has been focussed around being a uniter and not a divider. He says he wants to change Washington and I agree that it needs changing...
...but, can he win? Does he even have a chance? Edwards practically called Obama a featherweight in this campaign, though he is not one to talk IMO. Right now the heavyweight, Hillary (and no that's not a comment on her actual weight, in case that needs explaining), has built up a nice lead and is pummelling everyone else in the polls. Obama may just be in the wrong league against Hillary Clinton, whose drive to win as well as political skill seem to be rather effective. Still, that didn't stop her contenders from getting a few jabs in lately by pointing out her double talk on issues and general vagueness on where she actually stands.
It may be too little too late but then again, you never know with politics. You can be on top one day and the next, dead in the water; case in point, Howard Dean. I think if Barak Obama can wear her down a bit more with these kinds of jabs, then perhaps he'll have a shot... but then will he have thrown his idealistic view of "changing the atmosphere of Washington" out the window or does it simply mean he's moved up a weight class? Realistically, I think Hillary will adapt and learn to block those jabs, but that's for another article...
