Black Enough

Well, I guess Barack Obama is black enough to give one of the most amazing, kick-ass civil rights speeches in recent years--which he did this afternoon in Selma, Alabama. It was a long meditation on "the Joshua Generation," the generation that Moses' generation (i.e., MLK's) led to the Promised Land but had to go on themselves--and to lead and make the Dream a reality. I'm not familiar enough with civil rights oratory to know if this is a common trope, but even if it is, the way Obama made it his own was really moving. The congregation was definitely responsive, too, especially when he spoke about the need for resolve, fortitude, discipline, and black self-reliance. I thought that he hit all the right notes, connecting to the movement and to religion--if he's not actually religious, he can sure use the language of religion like he is.

Also watched HRC's speech from the nearby Baptist church. Not bad, but not great, either. And B.O.'s speech was great. HRC should have stayed away--I think that the comparisons are going to hurt her more than her absence ever would have.

The rumor is that Congressman John Lewis--who got his skull cracked open in the Selma march--was set to endorse Obama but that a call from WJC made him pull back. Both Obama and HRC mentioned Lewis in their speeches today. Looks like the Lewis primary is a big one this year. Because if B.O. is black enough for John Lewis, he's black enough for anybody, no?

It's too early to tell, but I wouldn't be surprised if the speeches today go down as defining events in the Democratic primary this cycle.