President Barack Obama: Destiny and the '08 Election

Deep down, since July 27, 2004, I've always believed that Barack Obama would be elected the 44th President of the United States.

That doesn't mean I never had doubts that he was the most-qualified candidate. On the contrary. Hillary Clinton almost had my primary vote, and, at times, I pictured her, not Obama, as the Democrat with the best policies and plans. Truthfully, I wavered in that Super Tuesday voting booth, surprisingly confused at having to choose between two exceptional candidates.

But on that fateful summer evening in 2004, an unknown young African-American leader from Illinois presented exactly the right solution... exactly the right uplifting tone, moderate look and electrifying words ... exactly the right contrasting change required to lead the U.S. out of the mire and muck of the deceit, bankrupt spending, incompetence, arrogance and extraordinary greed of the Bush administration.

New Presidents Elected in Reaction to Last President
You see, I believe we elect new presidents partly in reaction to the last president:

• George W. Bush, a self-avowed Christian, seemed refreshingly moral and stable in 2000 in contrast to Bill Clinton's personal transgressions and the dysfunctional drama of both the Clinton marriage and White House.

• Bill Clinton seemed refreshingly dynamic, innovative and inspiring in 1992 in contrast to stodgy George H.W. Bush, who puzzled over "that vision thing," and notoriously glanced at his watch during a debate as if bored or anxious to make tee time at the country club.

• Ronald Reagan seemed refreshingly decisive, bold and strong in 1980 in contrast to Jimmy Carter, who appeared conflicted, indecisive and ineffective, especially in the aftermath of the 1979 takeover of the American embassy in Iran.

• Jimmy Carter, a born-again Christian and Sunday School teacher, seemed to be a refreshing outsider in 1976, a much-needed contrast for a nation still reeling from the Watergate scandal and Richard Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974.

In stark contrast to eight disdainful years of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, Barack Obama seems as if he refreshingly understands and genuinely cares about the pressing concerns of middle-class Americans and of those without health care insurance, without good public schools, without the financial ability to afford college.

Obama makes us feels as if he supports and celebrates the details of our lives.

And Obama, in contrast to all other viable '08 presidential candidates of both parties, passionately spoke out against the Iraq War, and is unequivocably committed to withdrawing U.S. combat troops from Iraq as soon as practicable.

Like Bush 2, Clinton, Reagan and Carter before him, Barack Obama feels like exactly the refreshing tonic our country needs to cure the terrible ailments caused by the previous administration.

The Milestone Obama Speeches
A few minutes into Obama's 2004 Democratic Convention keynote speech, I called my then 13-year-old daughter into the room, pointed to the the TV, and told her that the unidentified man speaking "would be elected the President of the United States" in 2008.

When he announced his presidential candidacy on a frosty Illinois morning on February 10, 2007 by proclaiming "It's time to turn the page," I knew that he would be the right person at the precisely right time in 2008.

When Obama prevailed in the Iowa Democratic primary on January 3, 2008, I felt that he also won the hearts and minds, and spoke directly to the frustration and anger, of this Bush-weary nation when he exuded, "We beat back the policies of fear and doubts and cynicism."

And when Obama secured the Democratic nomination on June 3, 2008, I believe that, unbeknownst to us, he secured the presidency with his message for post-Bush America, when he orated to thunderous acclaim:

"America, this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past. Our time to bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love."

Go back and read these four milestone speeches along Barack Obama's path to the presidency.

As you read them again, you'll find his words and plans remarkably consistent, more specific than you might remember, and quite responsive to the needs of the American people after the destruction wrought by Bush administration.

• Obama's Inspiring 2004 Democratic Convention Speech
• Obama's Speech Announcing '08 Run for the White House
• Obama's Stirring Iowa Primary Victory Speech
• Obama's Primary Season Victory Speech

History, Destiny and President Obama
I believe that history will record that 2008 was inevitably a Democratic year, and that, after his speech on July 27, 2004, smart, ambitious, handsome, chameleon-like, hyper-talented Barack Obama was destined to be elected the 44th President of the United States.

Conservative and liberal pundits alike on ABC this Week agreed today that Obama will handily win the November 4th election. And all polls point to a strong Obama showing at the ballot box.

So although I write these words 48 hours before polls close, I feel fairly safe in assuming an Obama victory on Tuesday.

Let's savor Obama's destined historic election for a few days... before we move on to tackle the weighty task of holding President Obama to the promises he made in those glorious speeches.

Related Reading
Obama's Stirring 2002 Speech Against the Iraq War
Five Reasons Why Obama Will Win the '08 Election
Five Reasons Why McCain Will Lose the '08 Election