Between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton: A Different Kind of Politics

As far back as February 2007, I had suggested on this blog that "the next wave of change the world will know, spiritually a well as politically, may well be led by women and people of minority." Read this article here. Almost a year later, the democratic race has gradually narrowed down to Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. While it is never wise to rule out any one in politics (after all, a year ago, Hillary was the top runner nation-wide, but today she shares that position with Obama), yet most people believe that the democratic race is coming down to a choice between Hillary and Obama. And that is what is interesting to me.

We are living in changing times. There is a power shift in the air. Obama and Hillary are proof of that shift. Obama may not even be aware of the import of his 'change' theme, but he is reiterating something that is already in motion. There is a huge change in the political terrain taking place across the globe.

It is interesting that the democrats may present either a woman or black man as their presidential nominee during the next presidential elections. I am glad to be alive to witness a time like this. We ought to be celebrating this time. I am sure that Martin Luther King Jr. would have also rejoiced at this prospect. While it can not be said that we have achieved all that the civil rights movement fought for, it can certainly be said that we are making significant progress. Obama and Hillary are proof of that progress. Hillary may be a white woman and a former first lady, but she is a woman. Obama may have had a white mother, but he is a black man.

The choice between Obama and Hillary is a choice we should make with pride as a nation. Yes, there is race and minority written all over this democratic primaries. But it is not race and minority in a negative sense. Instead, it is a celebration of what is good and great in all of us irrespective of race or gender. As a nation, we are forced to step back and take a good look at these two contestants, and admit that whether you are black or white, male or female, it is the stuff the individual is made of that is more important than their gender or skin color. Hillary and Obama challenges us as a nation to look beyond individual bias or prejudice, and respond to a higher call: that of exercising our democratic rights from a standpoint f dignity and mutual respect for one another. And before you write me off as a left wing, let me remind you that I am neither a democrat nor a republican. I am simply a neutral observer.

Just take a good look at the dynamics of this race and you will appreciate my joy. Hillary Clinton is a white lady, but she and her husband have enjoyed tremendous support among a majority of the black population in this country. In fact, the issue for the Clintons now is how to keep that support base from switching to Obama. On the other hand, Obama is a black man who has had more support among white people than he had had among black people. Look at his victory in Iowa, a traditionally white state, or his strong second-place finish in New Hampshire, if you want proof. Even among women, the support is split between Clinton and Obama almost equally. More women voted for Obama in Iowa, but in New Hampshire, more women voted for Hillary. This is interesting. It seems that the everyday people of this country recognize something that the established institutions may not have come to terms with yet: it is time for positive change. People are reaching across the isle to embrace candidates based on their integrity, policy and ability, in spite of race or gender.

I am not a politician, but I sense like most people, the 'game' of politics is going to be a lot different from now on. The established institutions in both parties had better be ware, otherwise they will lose touch with a majority of American people; and may pay dearly for that. The world is set for change. I guess as a Christian, it is in place to suggest that some of these political changes we see may possibly herald major spiritual and social changes that are coming our way in the near future. Like Morris Cerullo always says, 'every truth is parallel'. Is it possible that our world is in a sort of birth pangs, crying for a new kind of order based on justice and equity? Who are the ones chosen to lead in this hour, politically as well as spiritually? Usually, such people may not always come from the established class. Remember, Jesus Christ our Lord was born of a virgin, in a manger. Abraham Lincoln had a very humble beginning too. After all, it is written that ‘the stone the builders rejected has become a chief corner stone’.

The next time you see Obama and Hillary either on TV or on a campaign trail, celebrate the change they both represent. We should not allow ourselves to be drawn by the media or fanatical supporters of these two into losing sight of the amazing transformation taking place before our eyes. It doesn't matter who you support, Hillary or Obama ( or a republican candidate), we ought to celebrate the emerging change they both represent. It is certainly not going to be politics as usual.