I’m not so sure Obama won’t run in 2008

September 7, 2006
By Billy Dennis

Chicago Sun-Times columnist/blogger Lynn Sweet concludes Sen. Barack Obama couldn’t possibly manage a run for president in 2008:

I’ve been gone for a few weeks in Africa with Obama, but when I left I gathered that Obama does not have the equipment, the staff, the systems of a big league political organization. In Washington, I’ve toured Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s expansive offices — and I’ve been at Obama’s storefront, a setup big enough to handle a Chicago aldermanic campaign.

Sweet’s other points: While Obama is a terrific fundraiser, he hasn’t raised nearly enough cash for a run. He’s considered something of a savior among many in the Democratic Party, once he decides to run, the gloves come off and he picks up enemies he didn’t know he had.

My two cents: Obama is in a predicament: If he doesn’t run in 2008, when does he? If the Democrat nominee loses in 2008, the choice is easy — run in 2012. That would give him enough time to be able to claim some seasoning, and he would be coming off a (one assumes) victorious re-election bid. But if a Democrat wins, he’s gonna have to wait until 2016, 12 years after his historic victory in 2004. He’ll have to chose whether to seek re-election to the Senate or run for President. This also means he’ll has 12 years worth of votes and public statements for his foes to use against him.

Of course, he could take a vice-presidential spot on the ticket in 2008. If the Democrats lose, he goes back to the Senate. If they win, he bides his time till 2016, which is what he might have to do anyway. But what Democrat is going to want a running mate with more charisma than he or she has?

For all we know, Obama just might decide to screw it and run in 2008. He’s spent the last two years with everybody the United States — and now Africa — whispering in his ear about how HE should be president. Obama has been taking a level-headed approach to all this praise so far, but if you keep hearing the same thing over and over, you start believing the hype.

Don’t underestimate the Obama’s ability to raise cash for himself, should he decide to run. Don’t underestimate his ability to attract young and energetic staff. Howard Dean — a man with far less charisma — nearly won the nomination because brought in new ways to raise funds (through the Web) and motivated young, liberal activists.

If he wins the nomination, the Democrats can deflect the criticism of his lack of experience by pointing out that the current occupant was a Governor, but considered a mental lightweight, and he got the nation embroiled in two wars, and that it might be time for a president who is smart, charismatic and brilliant.

Barack Obama,president,2008,2012,2016,Lynn Sweet,Chicago Sun-Times

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4 Responses to “ I’m not so sure Obama won’t run in 2008 ”

  1. RomanII on September 7, 2006 at 3:45 pm

    I like how Obama talks, but will someone tell me what he has done, as a State officer or as a U.S. Senator? What is it that makes him a candidate for President? Anybody is better than Mrs. Clinton, but if they want to win, they better find a better candidate than either of these two. The presidency is theirs for the asking.

  2. Silence NoGood on September 7, 2006 at 3:45 pm

    Obama, definately has some strong points, but, in no way does he have enough coin to make it happen.

  3. Mahkno on September 7, 2006 at 4:01 pm

    I read an article once… I think it was in Chicago magazine, that looked at Obama’s candidacy. They looked at all sorts of metrics, looking at past candicacies and presidential winners. Like is he too young? Answer, hardly. Is he too inexperienced? Answer, no. Many candidates and presidents had less experience than Obama. Indeed, the longer he stays in the Senate the less his chances of success are. 6-8 years of congressional time seems to be the limit for a successful candicacy. The longer you are in, the more problematic votes you have.. just look at Kerry’s campaign.

    There are reports that Hillary may decide not to run. I personally think that is a good thing. Nothing against Hillary really but I think having an ex president for a spouse presents some issues regarding who is in charge. If she doesn’t run, an Obama candidacy becomes much more viable. If we end up in a shooting war with Iran or North Korea, all bets are off. Start looking at Generals.

  4. Silence NoGood on September 7, 2006 at 6:16 pm

    Neither is truthfully going to get anywhere for the two reasons you mentioned. So, why waste the campaign money?