More Obama

Barack Obama recognizes that his popularity right now is mainly fueled by his being a stand-in. He's the embodiment of hope.

If you ask even passionate supporters of Barack Obama what his position on CAFTA, social security reform, Medicare reform, taxes, or American foreign policy was, they probably couldn't tell you.

They're responding to a gut reaction. I'm not saying it's invalid. But even Obama recognizes that he's riding a wave of hope. He brings a history of bridging gaps and compromising. Being a fierce partisan satisfies your base but it doesn't get anything done.

Obama is untainted by Washington. His relative inexperience means he's also inexperienced at corruption and selling out. His history is compelling and he's a brilliant man.

In the book, he relates this story of a black Illinois State Senate colleague (let's call him Frank) who is blasting the Senate on a matter of race. A white colleague of Obama's tells Barack, "You know, I like Frank but the more he talks, the whiter I feel." This was significant to Obama in how he relates to people. He chooses to focus on our similarities.

Make no mistake, as a civil rights attorney, Barack Obama supports affirmative action but is open to better ideas.

I think this is the main reason I like him so much. He believes in doing what works. And that's how I am. I don't care if the idea is Democratic, Republican, liberal or conservative. If it works, then that's what we should do.

I think people see a real "uniter not a divider" in him. He's sincere in that he doesn't think everyone with an R by their name is his enemy.

Whatever he decides to do, I'm confident he'll make America a better place.