got hope?

At a time when voters and the nation are supposed to be ramping up the excitement, I can’t help but feel more and more discouraged. I listen to conservative talk radio, and the barrage of criticism and borderline hate speech is relentless. I know that millions of Americans (including my dad) are just eating it up. I’m fascinated and outraged by the narrative McCain and his surrogates have managed to paint ---- Obama as an elitist, as an outsider, as a celebrity, as the “chosen one.” Nothing could be further from the truth when you actually pause to consider the facts of who Obama is and the historic nature of his candidacy. In fact, if anyone is an elitist it is John McCain who comes from a long line of privilege. The racial subtext being spun and re-spun is disheartening: the old fear of the black man rising. And Obama is in a tough spot because if he projects confidence, he is seen as overreaching. If he is successful, he is seen as elitist. At a time where we should be celebrating a historic achievement, Obama is caught up in subtle and not so subtle allusions to Hitler and the anti-Christ and basest pandering to white fear. I’m worried that his campaign will not be prepared for this vicious undercurrent, which is corroding the confidence of average Americans not trained to critically look at narrative.

I’m ashamed and angry at how quickly the narrative has shifted and been turned upside down. I definitely underestimated the pervasiveness ignorance in American culture. And I wonder if Obama’s inspiration, story, and intelligence will be enough to defeat lies, fears, and misconceptions. We Americans love our security. Over the last few weeks it seems like Obama has been a one man show. Where are all the supporters, where is the party to boost him, defend him, and frame this election around more than elitism? And where are the people directly challenging racism and hate speech? Let me say it even more specifically – where are the white people directly and publically challenging racism and hate speech? I know it’s a delicate dance because the Obamas are doing all they can right now to avoid identification with “race.” But we the people have to call things for what they are. It is absolutely wrong to let the Republicans get away with the horrible and ignorant types of associations they are making.

I heard Rush Limbaugh a few days ago joking (or perhaps not) about how many times he could get away with calling Obama little black boy. This election may not be about race, but the Republicans are not above using race to win. They are not ignorant, just bloodthirsty, as they savagely maligning the story of someone who has risen against incredible odds. I admire Barack and especially Michelle because I understand the odds that have been stacked against them. I see these odds working in higher education every day. These are two people that had to dig down deep and believe in their own dignity and worth long before it was affirmed by others. Michelle Obama is one of the most authentic figures in politics right now. And yet, her authenticity is framed as anger and unpatriotic. What is wrong with our country? Michelle Obama speaks from her heart and sees through the game of politics, yet she is saavy and strong. Is this not the type of role model we want for our sons and daughters?

I’m eager to see what Obama has to say tonight. He needs to be concrete, strong, and substantive. He needs to directly confront these charges of elitism. And the people of the United States need to rise to the occasion as well. We need to meet him half way. We need to show our support and start speaking out against the lies we encounter. I feel convicted that I can no longer just stand by. I don’t think Obama is going to be the savior of the world or of the nation, but if Obama loses because of fear and doubt, I will stand ashamed.

As much as I was inspired by Michelle’s words on Monday, I worry that we as a nation will miss our opportunity to tell our “own children about what we did together in this election.” I worry that we will miss the opportunity to “tell them how this time, we listened to our hopes, instead of our fears. How this time, we decided to stop doubting and to start dreaming. How this time, in this great country - where a girl from the South Side of Chicago can go to college and law school, and the son of a single mother from Hawaii can go all the way to the White House - we committed ourselves to building the world as it should be.” And that is truly depressing.

Anyone got hope?