You Would Think He's Already President

As a man much larger than himself careened Obama around the parked sport utility vehicle sternly and quickly by the arm, the senator points to another, sportier car and says, "I think I'm going in that." Over the screams and cheers and confusion, his words were barely audible and soon enough he was inside the SUV nonetheless and departing.

Today, on February 2nd, the anticipated arrival of Senator Barack Obama (D-Il.) to the Fairfax, Va campus of George Mason University was heralded by crowded masses of students jammed inside the student lounge (some who had been camped out in front of the stage before the morning's first classes), blue banners announcing "Students for Barack Obama", and security blocking doors and stairwells. Half the school was there, violating I'm sure maximum capacity regulation.

When he spoke, the students applauded and affirmed and cheered. Like a true politician, he could captivate his audience. And though he touched upon all the issues that are of particular importance to the minds of today's academia and tomorrow's families, his platform today did not extend into the realm of action and strategy.

Yes, global warming and failing systems of education and health care need to be addressed and repaired, I as a member of the very community that he recognized as the one that will bring about changed, as generations have before in their youth, want to know the How.

How will he universalize health care? How does he plan to retract from the war we are neck deep in over in the Middle East? How will he reverse the effects of global warming and how will he improve education? I'm not looking to support and put my faith behind a personality, or even a good man with good intentions. I'm waiting to see something more than just motivational speeches. Don't get me wrong, as I would be pleased to see that something more coming from Obama.

But the way the crowds swarmed to him, and the way they afterwards hovered outside awaiting for his exiting appearance as he made his way to the caravan - he was a celebrity, he was a god descended from on high and they were worshipers hoping to place a hand on his sacred robes. It was as if he was already President even though that is a long and uncertain road yet ahead. Today on campus Obama was the perception of immortal significance in the hearts and minds of many, but today will shortly become tomorrow. It is tomorrow, that I'm more interested in.

Students for Barack

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