At this point it’s almost a cliche to say that the candidacy of Barack Obama has sparked excitement around the world. But on the continent of Africa, that excitement and the hope that his campaign inspires is particularly poignant. Such is the case in the obscure African nation of Benin, which hit the headlines recently when it briefly hosted President Bush. Sulpice O. Gbaguidi of the newspaper Fraternite writes, ‘Hurricane Obama has already done damage to the very small circle of remaining American presidential candidates. The sublime Black Democratic candidate has effectively erased any trace of the usual symbolism used by Black candidates. … Barrack must quickly forget the failures of the Black community represented by Al Sharpton and Senator Carol Mosely Braun. And neither did Republican Alan Keyes nor Lenora Fulani , a perennial independent candidate, lift Black skin to a pedestal. … if the Kennedy family – which supported Bill Clinton in 1992 – happen to be Obama supporters, it is for the White House that Barrack’s destiny is being forged.’
By Sulpice O. Gbaguidi
Translated By Sandrine Ageorges
March 11, 2008
Benin – Fraternite – Original Article (French)
His candidacy has thrilled America even as his native country of Kenya is in turmoil [Actually, America is Obama’s native country]. His wife Michelle already dreams of becoming the first black “first lady” of the world superpower. In his latest book entitled The Audacity of Hope, Barrack Obama expresses his ambition, coupled with a determination and impressive daring: to succeed George W Bush at the White House. But blocking his path to the U.S. presidency is the obstacle of Hillary Clinton, a fearsome woman who has already tasted the flavor of American power as first Lady. Nothing, however, can dilute the passion of columnists for the Senator of Illinois, who defies the dinosaurs of American politics.
Like his two young daughters Malia Ann (9 years old) and Sasha (6 years old) – whose souls must have conversed with the heavens to create a seismic shift at the Democratic caucuses, which are nevertheless slow in delivering their verdict – I am allowing myself to indulge in the craziest optimism for the fate of Barrack’s presidential future. Although the chances of Republican veteran John McCain remain intact and one shouldn’t sell the bear’s fur too quickly, Hurricane Obama has already done damage to the very small circle of American presidential candidates. The sublime Black Democratic candidate has effectively erased any trace of the usual symbolism used by Black candidates.
Far from the exploits of Dick Gregory, a comedian and ardent defender of civil rights who entered the starting blocks of the marathon for the White House as a foil, Obama appears to be a serious contender for the Oval Office.
Better than Shirley Chisholm , the first Black [woman] elected to the House of Representatives who was swept away during the 1972 Democrat primaries, the Kenyan [Obama], smarter and better equipped, has offered a real challenge to the wife of the former U.S. President. In my opinion, Obama – the very model of Black ambition – is more explosive than legendary pastor Jesse Jackson, who was unable to obtain the Democratic nomination in 1988, and was defeated by …
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