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Authors, sign in!Over the next few days, the press will spend a significant amount of time talking about the deals forged between Clinton and Obama, the roll call vote, or the perceived drama that exists between the two political giants. From my perspective, the press knows how to stir-the-pot by raising the past, but they are missing a huge opportunity to capture a major undercurrent of the convention. While some focus on the Obama-Clinton “Young and the Restless” story of the primary, I rest in the hope that America will see the culmination of Obama’s candidacy by the thousands of young faces in the crowd.
The young faces are not in Denver just to party. They are in Denver because they accepted Obama’s open invitation to change the world.
A perfect example is Clarissa Unger from Colby, Kansas. Clarissa is twenty one (21) years old, a first-time voter, and a Kansas Obama delegate.
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Clarissa at various Obama events. My first impression of Clarissa can be summed up in a few phrases: dedicated, inspired, and ready to lead.
After meeting such an inspiring young advocate, I was pleased to see that Topeka Capital Journal featured Clarissa in yesterday’s newspaper. Thank you Topeka Capital Journal for an excellent article.
Clarissa’s story makes a simple point that needs to be repeated. Obama has inspired a new generation of leaders.
This election cycle has also activated the historical spirit of the Kennedy era. The teenagers and college students in the Kennedy era are now the leaders we call President, Prime Minister, or Ambassador. I fondly remember Bill Clinton’s introduction to America in the 1992 Democratic Convention. The picture of Bill Clinton and John F. Kennedy meeting in the Rose Garden is forever etched in my memory.
It was symbolic of the transfer of hope and responsibility between generations. It was a unique meeting of Presidents, a unique meeting of human spirits that have changed the world forever.
In this election, the unique meeting of human spirit between generations is taking place once again. Just as America witnessed JFK’s powerful movement in the 1960’s, America saw thousands of young voters flock to the primaries to vote for Barack Obama. They are inspired by Obama’s cause. They are inspired by Obama’s call to action.
Obama’s powerful rhetoric and policy brilliance is not the product of sole personal distinction. Through video clips and speeches America is learning about Obama’s life and his story of the American dream. While America learns the story of Obama, his message of change is predicated upon one word that captures the essence of why young voters are answering his call to action. Yes WE can.
Pay close attention America. Among the young faces in the crowd, you will see one of our next Presidents. You will see the community activists, volunteers, ambassadors of peace, and public servants.
Obama has inspired a new generation of leaders.
Just as time sets boundaries for the life of all mankind, a generation is defined by the boundaries it creates. History is not a marker for remembrance. History is a message defined by those who have created it.
Our generation has yet to define its message to humanity. Our history is unfolding, we will mature, and I am confident that our generation will sacrifice for a larger purpose, and spread the message of love and hope throughout all humanity. Thank you Barack Obama.
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