BARACK OBAMA--A MAGNETIC POLITICAL FIGURE by Karen L. Bune

Senator Barak Obama (D-Illinois) swept the Washington Metropolitan region like a tidal wave in winning the Democratic primaries, and his momentum is picking up speed across the country. A fresh face, a powerful orator, and a mesmerizing figure that can motivate a crowd with his talk of change, hope, and a new vision for the future is kindling enthusiasm among voters of all ages and backgrounds. Undoubtedly, he has become an unsettling force for Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) who likely did not foresee the Obama blast rolling in with such power and force.

Though Obama’s critics may contend he lacks tenure and experience at the political helm, he is not allowing such negativism to affect him. He is a determined man and a focused politician who knows what he wants and is going after it with fervor. Obama is tenacious in his pursuit of his political dreams. People are listening and responding to him with votes and fainting spells emblematic of the Beatles era.

Obama possesses a magnetism that draws people to him combined with the charismatic delivery of a message that inspires, motivates, and charms. With Obama, the days of Rip Van Winkle are over. Communities are waking up and embracing a renewed interest in politics. They are listening, reacting, and becoming proactive early on in the political race that is unfolding with interesting twists and turns.

Though some women acknowledge they are supporting Hillary simply because she is a woman, there are others who will support Obama simply because he is not. Some women understand the potential fallout of a female in power who may fall prey to the Queen Bee Syndrome that can thwart-- if not destroy-- the healthy functioning of an organization and its hierarchy and can also impact employees in a deleterious fashion.

A man obviously secure within himself, Obama does not appear to stoop to crass political manipulation or unbecoming intimidation tactics but, instead, is able to stand tall and confident as he delivers his political message. Consequently, he commands respect and wins favorable reception. Obama has a substantial running start in the political marathon, and all eyes are upon him as he races to be the winner at the finish line.