Posted by
Bonninator on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 3:59:11 PM
I wrote this blog over five months ago; however, it is still as relevant today as it was then. Please check in to read my next blog regarding the subjects of experience and change as they relate to leadership.
THE OBAMA CULT
Most agree that Barack Obama is both eloquent and charismatic. His abilities as an orator and motivational speaker are evident; yet, his meteoric rise in popularity is a cult-like phenomenon. Obama gatherings repeat a litany in its purist form — Obama chants his compilation of promises as his followers respond in kind. Rallies overflow with the emotion, awe, and reverence of faithful followers. The religious fervor of the Obama supporters is evidenced by tears with hands prayerfully clasped, and people fainting in the spirit of the moment.
Although there is nothing wrong with the emotion, excitement, and cheering of a crowd — any football game bears this out – the atmosphere defies the fact that Obama’s resume’ is so lacking that he would not qualify as an executive in most major corporations, much less hold one of the highest executive positions in the world. His campaign slogan of a future his followers can “believe” in requires faith that he is able to deliver on his promises and lead them to the promised land.
Obama loathes “special interest groups” and “lobbyists” and asserts he will set us free of these evil doers because thou shalt not use money to influence; yet, his backers are the wealthiest of the wealthy and some of the most influential people in the world. Are we to believe that Obama supporters are without special interests? Oprah Winfrey didn’t need a lobbyist. She directly used her money and starpower to point the way to this political messiah. Because we are looking for someone to fill the position of Chief Executive, based upon his resume’, Obama should have never made it as far as an interview — unless, of course, we choose to have faith in the resume’ Oprah hands us and simply “believe.”
Yes, we all need something to believe in. But the truth lies in the fact that Obama has no track record to qualify for the job he is vying for. When we need an inspiring speaker, let’s consider Obama; however, when we need a president, we must look elsewhere.