Wheaton Wire

Issue date: 3/5/08 Section: Commentary

Media Credit: Heather Langley 10

No one should underestimate the Clintons' toughness and political skills, and a political eternity separates us from the Democratic National Convention this summer. However, I believe that Senator Barack Obama is the likely Democratic presidential nominee.

Obama is a political rock star, and so he has no reason to listen to a political science major from a small liberal arts college in southeast Massachusetts. However, if Obama were to retain my counsel, I would lay out the following, five-point roadmap to the White House.

First, I would tell Obama he needs to embrace his message of hope, optimism and unity. Cynics and political opponents will snipe at this message, but it must be recognized that Obama's attitude is what catapulted him from Illinois State Senator to within striking distance of the presidency.

The American people are not simpletons. They are not being "duped" by Obama. He should never allow his opponents to make him embarrassed or self-conscious about his message.

Secondly, I believe that Obama must infuse more substance into his campaign. An informative website is not enough to convince a skeptical electorate that Obama is ready to be commander-in-chief. He may be avoiding hard stances on substantive issues because he doesn't want to diminish the hopefulness of his campaign. But substance will buttress and complement his broader message, not detract from it.

He also may be afraid of alienating voters who like his message but who will turn away once his positions are known. Because of his likeability and personal credibility, he can retain the votes of people who don't necessarily agree with him on every issue.

Thirdly, I would counsel Obama to select New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson as his running mate. Richardson's presence on the ticket would allay concerns about Obama's lack of foreign policy experience, make Obama more popular among Latinos and increase Obama's "play" in New Mexico, Colorado, and Nevada.

Fourthly, I think it is clear that Obama must a strike a balance between spiritedly defending his integrity and positions and the easy slide into inside-the-beltway pettiness.

Finally, I would caution Obama to be wary of appearing self-righteous, arrogant, and entitled. I predict that, in the coming months, the Republicans will try to paint Obama as the leader of a cult.

He must not make this task easier. Self-deprecating humor and deflecting attention off of himself and onto his cause will be critical in defusing such criticisms.

If Obama follows this roadmap, I believe he will be elected president, and I audaciously hope that a president someday will follow my advice. Until then, I will have to lay out my plan in The Wire and leave it to others to lay out the roadmap for Obama's success.

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