Why are people insisting that Barack Obama run for President?

[Cascadian]

I am still mystified that people want Barack Obama to run for President in 2008. Give the guy a break! He has hardly completed his first term as Senator from Illinois. He has hardly begun his political career.

Are Democratic voters THAT desperate for somebody to run. Granted, he is smart, articulate, and has some charisma but come on! Wait for Barack in 2012 or 2016.

The reason I mention this is because I saw a poll at the KPTK AM 1090 Seattle's website. I also have seen a petition for Barack Obama to run as a Democratic nominee.


http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/Obama

http://www.am1090seattle.com/index_pollthanks.shtml


John

[babylonsister]

1. This is the first I've heard of this! nt

[creeksneakers2]

2. I wish they'd draft Leahy n/t

[MadMaddie]

3. I agree he is not ready yet.

I think because he has the Charisma and itappeals to a lot of people.

He need some years under his belt.

[canichelouis]

4. He knows he's not ready

Hope he stays a good guy.

[dolstein]

6. Kerry was a four term senator and he wasn't ready

Simply knowing how long someone has been in the Senate doesn't tell you whether they are ready to be a presidential candidate, much less president. Some people can hold office for decades without developing the political instincts it takes to get elected president.

[dolstein]

5. I think the reason is simple

People with long senate careers don't get elected President. And it's not as if Obama can get any more popular than he is now. John Edwards was a one term Senator when he ran in 2004. If Obama runs in 2008, he'll have more experience in elective office (remember, he served in the state legislature) than either Edwards or Hillary Clinton.

I don't think he'll run, but he's be a credible candidate if he does.

[athena]

7. I think he should run.

He'd be a great leader -- someone with guts who knows where the country should go and doesn't just rely on polls. I don't see anyone else with a potential for true leadership. (As much as I adore Kerry, a true leader would not have been afraid to reveal his liberalism by making clear statements on the war, abortion, etc.) The only reason Obama has been keeping a low profile recently is that first-term senators aren't supposed to make too much noise.

Also, he's not that young; he's 44. He'll be 48 in 2008. Clinton was younger than that when he became president. I don't think this country can afford to wait much longer for a leader to rescue it from the mess it's in.

BTW, every liberal should read his wonderful and extremely well-written autobiography.

[athena]

8. Also, everyone, check out his podcasts:

They're at http://obama.senate.gov/podcast/