Political phenomenon Obama vaults into national spotlight-Chicago Tribune

[wndycty]

Political phenomenon Obama vaults into national spotlight

A win in November would put him in top tier of black leaders
Racial, social expectations bring fierce pressures

By David Mendell
Tribune staff reporter
Published July 26, 2004

BOSTON -- Sitting in a chair reserved for the national power elite, in an NBC skybox high above the floor of the Democratic National Convention, a relaxed-looking, smiling Barack Obama on Sunday was in a place he could scarcely have imagined six months ago.

After fielding questions from Tim Russert on "Meet the Press," Obama made the rounds of other Sunday talk shows, a ritual for emerging political talent. Obama's graceful performance prompted CBS' Bob Schieffer, a veteran Washington journalist, to dub him "a rock star."

Since winning the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in March, Obama's political career has risen at an astonishing pace, and it is likely to gain even more momentum Tuesday night when the 42-year-old Illinois state senator delivers the convention's keynote address.

The eyes of blacks, liberals and others looking for appealing new politicians will focus on the slim Harvard Law School graduate, as Sen. John Kerry and Democratic leaders have turned to Obama to present a fresh, optimistic face to voters.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials/elections/conventions/chi-0407260217jul26.story

[jean]

1. let's protect this man at all costs - he is wonderful