Barack Obama leaving the door open for 2008

[dazzleman]

I think people's expectations of Obama have been built up unrealistically.  When that happens, disappointment follows.

People have been touting him for the presidency without really knowing very much about him.  His biggest credential, apparently, is that he's black, but can appeal across racial lines, something very rare for most black politicians.

That alone is not enough.  I think those who have been talking him up for the presidency when he has less than 2 years in the senate have done him no favors.  The substance will never match up to the hype, and he will be worse off than he would have been had he bided his time a little bit.

Obama is definitely not ready to run for president in 2008.  If he does, it will be a big mistake, IMO.  Even if picked for VP, he runs the risk of succumbing to the Geraldine Ferraro syndrome of tokenism, though not as badly as she did.

[dazzleman]

  Even if picked for VP, he runs the risk of succumbing to the Geraldine Ferraro syndrome of tokenism, though not as badly as she did.

No, not close.  An equivalent would have been Rep. Howard Ford being picked by John Kerry in 2004.

Do you mean Harold Ford?  I think you're right BTW.  The Geraldine Ferraro example was overstating the case.  She came from out of nowhere.  Harold Ford is a much better comparison.