In his song Waiting on the World to Change, John Mayer says
Barack Obama challenges such people to dare to hope, to reject cynicism and join together behind him to challenge that system. If his early success is any indication, Obama may be accomplishing something rarely seen in American politics. During an Iowa Caucus with record turnout, it was young people and independents who gave him the win.
The same didn’t happen Tuesday in
No matter who you support in the presidential race, it’s hard to argue that Obama’s ability to inspire young people isn’t a good thing. More important than any political view is ensuring that young people are engaged and ready to lead this nation into the future.
I’ve been listening to Obama’s plea to the youth of
The thing is, I’m as cynical about our nation’s political system as anyone I know. But that has never stopped me from participating. I write about politics for a living. I’ve voted in every election since I turned 18.
I believe
I watched the candidates debate on Saturday. While some of the Republicans used the “change” buzzword during the debate, none clearly defined what they mean.
On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton said it means ending GOP domination in
True. But the fundamental change that’s needed – and for which Obama is calling – transcends gender, ethnicity and political affiliation. That’s the reason Obama’s message inspires young people. My problem is that my cynical side doesn’t believe the president can change the system. I believe Obama intends to make such change, but
Can Obama inspire and lead a movement that changes
I believe Americans want the sort of change Obama promotes. Time will tell whether they believe he can accomplish it.
A version of this article was published today in the Albuquerque Tribune and on the Diary of a Mad Voter blog published by the Denver Post’s Politics West and the independent Web site NewWest.net.