Sen. Barack Obama poses in Indianapolis, Friday, April 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
by Frank James
Peggy Noonan, once a speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan and a columnist for the online Wall Street Journal, offers Sen. Barack Obama some unsolicited advice, with her usual pithiness,
Hillary Clinton is not Barack Obama's problem. America is Mr. Obama's problem. He has been tagged as a snooty lefty, as the glamorous, ambivalent candidate from Men's Vogue, the candidate who loves America because of the great progress it has made in terms of racial fairness. Fine, good. But has he ever gotten misty-eyed over . . . the Wright Brothers and what kind of country allowed them to go off on their own and change everything? How about D-Day, or George Washington, or Henry Ford, or the losers and brigands who flocked to Sutter's Mill, who pushed their way west because there was gold in them thar hills? There's gold in that history.
John McCain carries it in his bones. Mr. McCain learned it in school, in the Naval Academy, and, literally, at grandpa's knee. Mrs. Clinton learned at least its importance in her long slog through Arkansas, circa 1977-92.
Mr. Obama? What does he think about all that history? Which is another way of saying: What does he think of America? That's why people talk about the flag pin absent from the lapel. They wonder if it means something. Not that the presence of the pin proves love of country - any cynic can wear a pin, and many cynics do. But what about Obama and America? Who would have taught him to love it, and what did he learn was loveable, and what does he think about it all?
Another challenge. Snooty lefties get angry when you ask them to talk about these things. They get resentful. Who are you to question my patriotism? But no one is questioning his patriotism, they're questioning its content, its fullness. Gate 14 has a right to hear this. They'd lean forward to hear.
This is an opportunity, for Mr. Obama needs an Act II. Act II is hard. Act II is where the promise of Act I is deepened, the plot thickens, and all is teed up for resolution and meaning. Mr. Obama's Act I was: I'm Obama. He enters the scene. Act III will be the convention and acceptance speech. After that a whole new drama begins. But for now he needs Act II. He should make his subject America.
I like Noonan; once had a great conversation with her on the Bob Dole presidential campaign plane in 1996. She's very smart and has an urbane, cool manner of speaking that makes her easy to listen to.
But if Obama is a "snooty lefty" would it be fair to call Noonan, and the others who question his love or understanding for the woof and warp of Americana "snooty righties" or "snooty" whatevers? Who said they get to determine whether someone feels America appropriately?
Obama has as much a right to claim he gets America as much as she does.
Obama, after all, was partly raised by his white maternal grandparents in Hawaii, people who appear indistiguishable from the Americans Noonan describes as waiting for their flights with her at an airport's Gate 14.
As Obama has related on the campaign stump and in his book "Dreams of My Father," his maternal grandfather who he called Gramps, fought in Gen. Patton's Third Army in World War II. A furniture salesman with big dreams that often didn't come to pass, he comes across as an American Eveyman, a sort of Willie Loman in Hawaiian shirts.
His grandmother, Toot, didn't have a college education, worked as a secretary, and eventually became a bank vice president. That's a pretty remarkable American success story, occurring in an era when such jobs were typically out of reach for many women.
Obama's grandparents sound like they were very similar to many of the people whose votes he's having trouble winning now. In "Dreams of My Father" he wrote of his grandfather:
"His was an American character, one typical of men of his generation, men who embraced the notion of freedom and individualism and the open road without always knowing its price, and whose enthusiasms could as easily lead to the cowardice of McCarthyism as to the heroics of World War II. Men who were both dangerous and promising precisely because of their fundamental innocence; men prone, in the end, to disappointment."
Seems like Obama has given some pretty deep thought, actually, to particular kind of American man, men like his grandfather who made up the Greatest Generation. Agree or disagree with his analysis, It seems he may have more of a sense for these Americans than Noonan would give him credit for.
What's striking is how much Obama's grandparents are like so many of the voters who won't vote for Obama now. He knows these people. They sound like the "bitter" people of his infamous, San Francisco statement in this excerpt:
"They would occasionally grumble about how the Japanese had taken over the islands, how the Chinese controlled island finance. During the Watergate hearings, my mother would pry out of them that they had voted for Nixon, the law-and-order candidate, in 1968... "
Because of his personal experience of his grandparents, Obama may actually have a better sense of this segment of America than most any other African American politician today. And because of that knowledge, he probably knows all the things Noonan seems to think he doesn't.
Another thing. As a 46-year old African-American who clearly excelled academically, Obama probably has a better understanding of American history than many of his detractors.
He was likely taught American history as seen through the eyes of white Americans when he attended school in Hawaii since that was the standard history curriculum then. Only later did history as taught in U.S. classrooms expand to include the view of Native Americans or African-Americans.
Perhaps an Hawaiian school would have taught indigenous Hawaiian history as well. But it's a safe guess that Obama learned as much about the Gold Rush and the Wright Brothers in school as Noonan did.
So where does that leave us? We're left with the thought that Obama's great problem is that if he hasn't by now communicated his personal story, or his appreciation or understanding of America to someone as attentive to the campaign as Noonan, his problems may be worse than many observers think.
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Comments
Does McCain ever get angry when he thinks about the history of racism in this country? Does he ever feel shame at the way the native peoples were treated by our ancestors? Does he cringe at the actions of Joseph McCarthy? Does he look back at Dr. Martin Luther king with pride and admiration? John McCain carry that history in his bones too? Can we ask the elitist righty about that?
Posted by: JT | April 25, 2008 11:43 AM
As a former Clinton contributor I was recently solicited to email my thoughts to Geoff Garin, Clinton's new Chief Strategist….some kind of outreach program, I assume.
Here is some of what I wrote:
Dear Geoff:
Drop out. That would be my advice. Your team put up a good fight but it's over. You're actually making a lot of us very tired.
Have your candidate make her speech after the next primaries thanking the wonderful people of NC & IN - and the entire country - and then have her throw her support to Senator Obama for unity's, her Party's and America's sake. She could go out on a high note (possibly even a winner in Indiana).
This would instantly restore her greatly diminished credibility and help get back the support she has lost within the party and the Senate and become a true leader in helping possible new President Obama to shape and pass legislation. Eventually she can replace Harry Reid (this might be good for you and Howard Wolfson going forward as well).
Otherwise, she walks away from this, still the loser, but with culpability (deserved or not) for damaging what had been shaping up as a transcendent Democratic year, albeit one in which she is no longer the person to bring this agenda home.
It's too late for her to become the nominee in any real world scenario other than one which would be so bitterly divisive that's the thought alone is horrific. Make a rousing endorsement speech for Senator Obama. Those negatives will get cut in half, Bill's legacy may eventually be restored and her successful future will be assured.
Gary - from Chicago
Posted by: Gary - Chicago | April 25, 2008 11:52 AM
Yes we need someone who can dredge up all the sentimental and patriotic things he can think of.....cause that would show he is:
1) Knows his history
2) Can use this patriotism against us (Bush)
3) Is just another politician
Posted by: bill r. | April 25, 2008 11:56 AM
I'd say passing on making millions after he graduated Harvard Law and instead volunteering and working the streets of Chicago to make America a better place from the ground up proves everything I need to know about how he feels about America. Every candidate, Left or Right, loves America just as much as the next. They just have different ideas on which direction the country should go and how best to grow the economy. It's as simple as that. Sadly, our political discourse has devolved into shouting matches and inane distractions.
Posted by: jackson | April 25, 2008 12:00 PM
I support Hillary Clinton 110%. Barack Obama represents a small portion of America and thats not good enough. I could never vote for him.
Posted by: brigitte | April 25, 2008 12:09 PM
Obama loves America becaue of America's promise. This is the land of opportunity. Where someone from humble beginnings has a chance to do big things. Obama loves the American dream. Is it wrong if his patriotism isnt of the blind variety. The type of patriotism that makes one unable to see America's faults. Oh yes, we have our faults. We've made mistakes. But Obama knows that in no other country is his story even possible. Do you still manage to find something wrong with that? Are you PROUD of slavery? Why did it take women so long to get the right to vote? Are you proud of the Klan..or black militants? Like most countries are are good, bad and ugly parts of Americas history. Do you love the shameful things this country has done? I dont. But I do know, from Obama's speech on March 18th..he said it is wrong to elevate what is wrong with America will all that we know is right with America. Thats honesty..the type of honesty you simply wont get from either Clinton..
Posted by: Wayne | April 25, 2008 12:12 PM
Damned if you do, damned if you don't according to Noonan. If you don't respond to bogus charges that you didn't deserve your combat medals the US Navy awarded you, you appear weak and the lies appear to be true. If you fight back and respond forcefully Noonan says you sound like a Snooty Lefty. As a
Posted by: john | April 25, 2008 12:19 PM
I support Hillary Clinton 110%. Barack Obama represents a small portion of America and thats not good enough. I could never vote for him.
Posted by: brigitte | April 25, 2008 12:09 PM
He represents a large enough portion to be beating Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: JT | April 25, 2008 12:23 PM
We have had plenty of patriotic, flag-waving leaders and a good number of bible thumpers who turned out to be the biggest hypocrites and liars America has ever known.
I am white, middle class, male and live in a blue collar suburb (Joliet), and I for one do not need Barack Obama to have and express my particular American experience to feel comfortable supporting him. Barack Obama would be one of the finest Presidents we have ever known.
Posted by: Grandblvd03 | April 25, 2008 12:34 PM
Like every thing else Republican, Ms. Noonan, a former speechwriter for Reagan, has presented a nonsensical piece of journalism. I guess she is now the Keeper of the Flame of American patriotism. That is one of the funniest jokes of this election season and we haven't even arrived at the main event, yet. President Reagan, the biggest appeaser in American history, trading weapons for hostages, in the Iran-Contra scandal, contributed greatly to the sorry situation that developed in the Middle East. To question Senator Obama's patriotism is comparable to her not speaking out against President Reagan's lack of patriotism, in violating American principles. That's okay, though, because he was a Republican!! Ms. Noonan should stick to stocks and bonds and leave political journalism to individuals who are capable of being less bias than she, obviously, is!! SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, BRING THEM HOME, ALIVE. NOW.
Posted by: Don Fitzgerald, Chicago | April 25, 2008 12:50 PM
Cult Obama does not have 2,025 delegates to lock down the nomination. His marginal lead now is no lock down on the nomination. It is unpatriotic to advocate that Sen. Clinton compromise the future of America to a cult leader who is unqualified and inexperienced to be president. The speculation about dividing the party and all kinds of bad things happening if cult leader Obama fails to get the nomination is all fear mongering. Sen. Clinton will get the nomination from the superdelegates, and she will get strong support from the black vote because of compelling economic self interest. There is nothing to justify subverting democracy and the democratic nomination process by ending the selection process before the August DNC convention.
Posted by: crat3 | April 25, 2008 1:01 PM
Posted by: crat3 | April 25, 2008 1:01 PM
If you are supporting Hillary with your cult post....I would suggest you change parties now. I support Obama but would vote for Hillary if she were to win. You ,however, obviously wouldn't. The republican party would be a much better place for you with your pom poms and rhetoric. It is not the issues that concern you so please leave the party and start supporting the war right away. Don't wait...go now!
Posted by: bill r. | April 25, 2008 1:30 PM
As a Democrat construction worker, I believe Obama's biggest problem is his advocacy for expansion of affirmative action to include "potential" (Obama's word) need for AA. So he will be the one to determine potential? And you know who loses his job? People like me. I've already seen fellow workers lose their jobs for people less qualified.How about Obama judging people by their abilities or is that no PC in his book of tricks?
Posted by: Darnell | April 25, 2008 2:01 PM
It's reached the point where I can tell Frank James' stories just by reading the headlines. Among all the Dunkin' Donut eaters and sticky-fingered BBQ sauce lickers at the Trib, he puts away the most for the home team. It's obvious that he scans the Internet all day, probably while gorging on chocolate long johns, and picks up on the stories that bash Obama the most, like the idiotic Peggy Noonan column. Check out Firedoglake for a different take on Noonan's inane ramblings.
Posted by: JLE | April 25, 2008 2:45 PM
Gary, Yous stated that your advise to Senator Clinton would be to drop out because "in your opinion" 'it is too late for her to be the nominee in any real world scenario..'Well guess what Gary, neither candidate can win the nomination through the primary process; neither Obama or Clinton.Can't be done. The candidate, whether it is Clinton or Obama, will be chosen by the Super Delegates. So Gary, please explain to myself and everyone else why it is that if Obama is chosen to be the nominee by the SDs that is "good for the party" while if the SDs choose Clinton that would be, in your words,"bitterly devisive?' Explain to me and every one else, Gary, why Clinton should drop out of the race when she has been winning the latest primaries?Why should Clinton drop out when, despite being outspent 3 to 1 by Obama she still defeated Obama in the Pennsylvania primary ? And please don't use the old" well the polls had Hillary up by 20% and Obama closed it to 10%" line; bottom line, Obama lost the Pennsylvania primary.You state that after the Indiana and the North Carolina primaries that she should "thank the wonderful people of Indiana and North Carolina... and the country" and the drop out. So if she defeats Obama in Indiana and North Carolina, per you, she should just tell those voters thanks but it has been decided by the Obama campaign and its followers that your votes don't matter. And as far as the legacy of the Clinton administration; what part of peace and prosparity didn't you like?
Posted by: notjmariotti | April 25, 2008 3:24 PM
Wisdom comes from strange packages, sometimes.
Noonan wrote some really popular speeches.
I'd say most of the people reading this who WERE ALIVE when Reagan gave those speeches AND PAYING ATTENTION may actually have liked or admired those speeches.
Your messiah did.
Hillary and her supporters were never and are not now your enemies!
Posted by: Come to Mama | April 25, 2008 3:32 PM
"DIEBOLD SPEAKS"
DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!
RUSH LIMBAUGH "OPERATION CAOS" DIDN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN. DIEBOLD DID!
CROSSOVERS, FOLLOWERS OF AMERICA DIDN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN!
DIEBOLD DID!
WHITE, CAUCASION MEN WHO "LET" THEIR WIVES OUT FOR THE EVENING DIDN'T DO IT! "DIEBOLD DID"!
WHITE CAUCASION MEN WHO MADE UP THEIR OWN MINDS DIDN'T DO IT! "DIEBOLD" DID IT.
BLACK AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN DIDN'T DO IT! "DIEBOLD DID!"
"SAGGY BOTTOM NO BELT WEARING BROTHERS AND SISTERS" IN AMERICA DIDN'T DO IT! "DIEBOLD DID!"
"PAPER BALLOTS DIDN'T DO IT" "DIEBOLD DID!"
CAGED BLACK, HISPANIC "PROVISIONAL BALLOT" VOTERS DIDN'T DO IT! "DIEBOLD" DID IT!
SO WHOMEVER OWNS THEM DID!
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO VOTES, IT ONLY MATTERS IF "DIEBOLD" COUNTS THE VOTES!
Posted by: Roger Morris | April 25, 2008 3:40 PM
"But has he ever gotten misty-eyed over . . . the Wright Brothers and what kind of country allowed them to go off on their own and change everything? How about D-Day, or George Washington, or Henry Ford, or the losers and brigands who flocked to Sutter's Mill, who pushed their way west because there was gold in them thar hills? There's gold in that history."
What aspect of Henry Ford's life is Obama supposed to get misty eyed over?
His violent union busting?
His use of goons to control his workers and Dearborn Michigan?
His viscous anti-semitism?
His admiration of Adolf Hitler?
Or does the fact that he made alot of money override all those factors in Noonan's opinion?
I'ts always interesting when conservatives accidentally reveal their true values.
Posted by: Luke | April 25, 2008 4:11 PM
There is nothing to justify subverting democracy and the democratic nomination process by ending the selection process before the August DNC convention.
Posted by: crat3 | April 25, 2008 1:01 PM
You mean to subvert the democracy before Hillary can subvert democracy by taking the nomination from the man with the most votes and delegates, right?
Posted by: Lois | April 25, 2008 5:38 PM