Don’t underestimate the power of words in the hands of a talented leader. Words can inspire, set forth a vision and lead the nation to fulfill its potential.
Obama’s life story positions him perfectly to restore America’s place in the world and reaffirm old alliances. The multiracial blood that courses in his veins; his experiences as the child of a single mother and as a child who saw his father just once in his life; and his moving around the country and to Indonesia enable him to relate to a world no longer dominated by Pax Americana.
These experiences are certain to help him rebuild America’s standing in the community of nations – as noted, an important element in safeguarding Israel’s security and existence.
How Barack Obama manages change – in both domestic and foreign affairs – will be a major element of how well he succeeds as president. He is untested, for sure, and is young as presidents go.
But Obama has the capacity to manage change in the interests of enhancing human freedom and opportunity; in restoring to America its genuine spirit; in making both the United States and Israel more secure in a dangerous world; and in rebuilding the ties that once joined Jews and African Americans in the struggle against inequality.
So we wake up to a new America, the America of Archibald MacLeish, an America that “is always still to build.”
Barack Obama has the capacity to build something very good. Let us wish him well and pray for his success.