I have often said that the person we would want as president, that is the person who would run because he wanted to change the world not because of his ego, would never run for president. For many years, I was hopeful that Colin Powell would step up, but when he didn’t, it reaffirmed my conviction. He was too good a person to subject himself to the miseries of politics.

Then came Obama, who is the one you want as president. He is the person who would never run, who recognizes that the role of the presidency is about doing what is right for the country as a whole, not personal gain. He knows that it isn’t about personal ego, growing the riches of your oil buddies, and stubbornly refusing to admit when you have made a mistake, particularly when that mistake was borne from refusing to hear any diverse points of view.

I’m not saying that I don’t recognize Obama is a politician. Of course, he will be forced to say some things he doesn’t really believe (I hope “clean” coal is among them) to appease the stupid people. However, he is the president with a heart of gold and the kind of brilliance being president requires. (That complete discussion is still to follow.)

Today “Talk of the Nation” discussed the world reaction to Obama’s election. If you don’t want to listen to the whole program, at least listen to the email from the American in Ethiopia 13:00 minutes into the program. You will be moved.

Just for fun, here’s a song about Obama. You won’t be able to understand the lyrics though unless you speak Kenyan.

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