Barak Obama is a great man. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you the same. Despite his relatively short exposure in the public eye, I feel like I know him and I trust him completely. Without question, the man is fantastic. No public figure has stirred the minds of young people since Tickle Me Elmo. Even though his abundant charisma is not enough to sway certain demographics – as I found out in this piece – he still inspires hope and confidence in the vast majority of the nation and beyond. To help commemorate his first 100 days in office, I decided to spend some time with one of the many young voters that helped make this possible.
I spoke with Jonathan Reeves of the Young Democrat Society about the momentous, heart warming event that continues to inspire schoolgirl like giddiness whenever I think about it.
[US Correspondent] We’re here to discuss the history that was Barak Obama, a Bla — African-American becoming the 44th President of the United States of America. Truly momentous. How do you feel?
[Jonathan] Great. Marvellous. I couldn’t be happier to be alive and witness to the first African-American president. It’s a time of hope, a time of change. Everyone in my family is so happy. Except my sister, Claire…she didn’t vote.
[US Correspondent] Really? She’s one of those confused undecided voters huh?
[Jonathan] Yeah, I don’t think she likes Obama…she gets mad when I mentioned “change”.
[US Correspondent] Strange. How do you see America in the next 4 or even 8 years with a new face in the White House?
[Jonathan] Well I think that President Obama will achieve great things, not least ending racism. What he stands for will heal the dried cracks that have appeared America over the past 8 years, like Vaseline.
[US Correspondent] Yes, I hear what you’re saying. He truly represents a break from the past.
[Jonathan] Definitely. I feel infused with hope whenever I hear him speak, he’s so articulate. It’s fantastic to see the progression the country has made and all of that is epitomised in him. I’m so hopeful for the future.
[US Correspondent] It’s amazing how he was able to come from seemingly nowhere and make such a strong case for his cause.
[Jonathan] Indeed. He is a real uniter. He means so much to so many people.
[US Correspondent] Obama.
[Jonathan] Obamaaaaa…mmmm. Feels good.
[A woman storms into the room]
[Claire] What the hell is this!? I’ve been listening to you two from the back room. You’d think you’re talking about Christ in here.
[US Correspondent] What’s going on h–
[Claire] Quiet! You.
[US Correspondent] Me?
[Claire] No, you.
[Jonathan] Me?
[Claire] Yes you. Out NOW! You.
[US Correspondent] Me?
[Claire] Yes. I’m taking over the interview.
[Jonathan leaves studio]
[US Correspondent] Well, this is highly unusual…
[Claire] Call it “change” and deal with it.
[US Correspondent] I see what you did there, clever. Take a seat. I understand that you didn’t vote?
[Claire] That’s right.
[US Correspondent] …And have you always hated African-Americans? Or is it just those doing better than yourself?
[Claire] Not at all! I didn’t vote because I didn’t feel confident that either man could handle the situation the country is in.
[US Correspondent] You can’t be serious? Haven’t you heard the man speak?
[Claire] It’s not enough to be articulate. What else does he have going for him?
[US Correspondent] He’s black?
[Claire] You’re kidding me?
[US Correspondent] Sorry, I meant African-American. Guess I have to get used to that now.
[Claire] No, I mean you only support him because he looks different from the last guy?
[US Correspondent] Not just that. I am inspired by his story. It speaks volumes for his character. Abandoned by his father yet gaining the wisdom from such a young age to understand his purpose in life and go after it. Betrayed by his closest friends and paying for other sins. Coming back from the brink to carry the hopes of an entire nation on this shoulders. Inspiring.
[Claire] What are you talking about? Obama hasn’t paid for anyone’s sins. What friends are you talking about? I think your confusing him with Jesus, again.
[US Correspondent] …
[Claire] …
[US Correspondent] …You’re right, that was Jesus…I’ve been making that mistake a lot recently.
[Claire] This is what I am talking about! The expectation is so inflated you think he will solve all problems with hope and a speech. It’s utterly superficial.
[US Correspondent] Doesn’t the population have the right to hope?
[Claire] I guess they do. But hope it a dangerous thing when not tied to reality.
[US Correspondent] Reality is overrated. The country needs something different?
[Claire] Different? His inauguration speech is what Bush would have sounded like if he hadn’t spent all those years drinking.
[US Correspondent] You’re implying that Obama is no different than any other politicians?
[Claire] That’s exactly what I’m saying. Look at his team of so called ‘rivals’. It’s full of the same people from the Clinton era, the very people who helped who helped create the mess we’re in. That’s not change.
[US Correspondent] You clearly don’t understand “change”. Let say that last week I give my car a new coat of paint and get new plates. It’s now a totally different car. That’s change.
[Claire] No! It’s the same car.
[US Correspondent] Not quite. Sure the wheels would be the same, the steering, engine and that slight dent were I may or may not have hit a pedestrian, but it will be much harder to connect the car to any alleged crime scene. Do you see my point?
[Claire] I hope not.
[Claire] Err, forget I mentioned it. It was hypothetical anyway.
[Claire] As I was saying, the blind faith him is unfounded. The hype is ridiculous. The amount of crap I’ve seen selling just because it has his face on. Worthless junk.
[US Correspondent] You’re not looking in the right places. Let me show you this “Obama Translator”, I it got off eBay.
[Claire] Are you serious?
[US Correspondent] Oh yeah, just say something into it.
[Claire] OK…Our country is in a unprecedented situation and it will take more than smooth delivery and promises to salvage our economy from the grip of the banking elite and return to sound principles instead of trusting the self preserving practices laid out by criminals and corrupt politicians.
[Obama Translator] …Yes we can!
[US Correspondent] Can’t you just feel the hope? Money well spent.
[Claire] This is my point exactly. This circus of hype and useless memorabilia that sound him distracts from the real issues.
[US Correspondent] You’re right. We’ve been talking all this time without addressing the real issue.
[Claire] What’s that?
[US Correspondent] How long have you been a lesbian?
[Claire] Are you crazy!? Why would you even suggest that?
[US Correspondent] Your obvious anger and unfounded distrust of our new sav– president makes it very apparent that you harbour a deep seeded resentment of men which can only lead one to believe that no man would have been good enough. It’s clear you wanted to see a woman in charge. To have power over you.
[Claire] I’m not a lesbian!
[US Correspondent] Then you must be a racist. I see no other explanation.
[Claire] I am definitely not a racist.
[US Correspondent] But it doesn’t make sense otherwise…describe your early relationship with your father? At what point did you know you hated men?
[Claire] Are you even listening to me!? You actually think that because I don’t fawn over him, I must be gay or hate black people?
[US Correspondent] They prefer “African-American”…You’d think a lesbian would be more considerate to other minorities.
[Claire] I AM NOT A LESBIAN!
[US Correspondent] Geez. If this was such a sore subject, you probably shouldn’t have brought it up in the interview.
[Claire] Unbelievable! I’ve had about enough of this. You’re too far gone. Enjoy the next 4 years.
[US Correspondent] You mean 8. I’ve already started printing “Obama2012: We Still Can” t-shirts.