Obama - the smartest guy in the room
I am happy for black people who feel that they finally have one of their own in the White House.
But that’s not why I voted for Barack Obama. The reason I supported him is because he was the smartest guy in the room. He is brilliant and self-assured and doesn’t mind having smart people around him. He tolerates clashing ideas and discussions and wants to tease out the best thinking before recommending policy.
He is a Horatio Alger story who took advantage of the opportunities that came his way. While he is sophisticated enough to walk with kings, he doesn’t appear to be an elitist and genuinely seems to care for the powerless, the dispossessed, and the struggling.
He was raised in a multi-cultural, multi-racial environment and has a jump on those who are still struggling with living with those who are different than they are.
He is a spiritual man, able to quickly and humbly credit the Almighty for his good fortune. He admits that he prays to God during times of stress and celebration. He has a complicated faith and is still working out his salvation.
He is a well educated centered man of the people who is comfortable in his own skin. We desperately need people like him in high places.
