Jonathan Weisman is reporting on his "The Trail" blog that presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama told House Democrats that he believes himself to be the symbol of all that is good in America. It appears that he is beginning to believe the over-the-top hype that he really is the Obamessiah for America. So, will this little Washington Post blog post make waves in the media? Will Barack's increasingly out-of-control ego become the talk of the day?
Weisman reports that candidate Obama met in a closed door meeting with House Democrats and he let loose with a "real zinger," as Weisman put it. He told the rapt audience of House members that his candidacy was the moment "the world is waiting for" -- as if the whole world clamored for his presence? He went even further than that proving that he may be losing touch with reality and believing his own surreal campaign rhetoric.
"I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions," he said.
Wow, the arrogance in that. The hubris, the astounding hubris of it all is overwhelming to anyone that knows even a tiny bit of human history. This is the sort of thing if said by a Republican would be hung around that candidate's neck like a mill stone. The epithet of "arrogant" would be the tail pinned forever to him and would appear in every single news story. Should a Republican bespeak of himself in such terms, he'd be branded the next Hitler leading us all to ruin.
Why Obama gets a pass for this sort of messianic rhetoric is amazing to me. It also amazes me that his string pullers are allowing him to speak like this. He is building himself up so high that he cannot possibly maintain this level of acclaimed perfection of purpose and spirit. If he wins in November, when the inevitable compromises and missteps begin to occur, and his high flung rhetoric begins to ring hollow, he will assuredly fall far faster and much farther than any common politician. Certainly his reputation as the new messiah will not be able to stand the tarnishing of real life and his mind-numbed fans will awake from their stupor and find themsleves livid at his failures?
Measured by his impossible campaign rhetoric, meteoric rise without being vetted by his fans, and his utterly empty experience, Barack Obama could easily crash and burn because he won't be able to live up to the hype. And surely his candidacy will drive cynicism to ever greater heights.
Let's hope that small reports like Weisman's start to get through to people and cracks begin to appear in Obama's current teflon coating. But so far, he has been allowed to get away with massive amounts of arrogance in rhetoric and campaign posters. The media has thus far either ignored, made excuses for, or merely joked about this style of campaign he has been running -- a style that is only getting more pronounced as the weeks roll on.
Many of you will recall when George W. Bush said that Jesus was his role model. You'll recall how the media nearly went apoplectic over his use of a religious figure and he's been called a "zealot" ever since. Well, here we have a candidate who thinks he himself is that religious figure and the media hasn't even noticed.
If this doesn't show how they are in the tank for Obama, it's hard to find a better reason.
**UPDATE**
Weisman updated his piece at 11AM claiming that further quotes from those in the closed door meeting claims to put Obama's quote into a slightly different context.
But one leadership aide said the full quote put it into a different context. According to that aide, Obama said, "It has become increasingly clear in my travel, the campaign -- that the crowds, the enthusiasm, 200,000 people in Berlin, is not about me at all. It's about America. I have just become a symbol."
Personally, I'm not so sure this makes much difference. Despite the protestation, he is still saying it all centers around him. Still, if this is what he said it is a less arrogant than the originally reported quote.
Anyway, you make up your own mind.


















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What was that his prayer at
July 30, 2008 - 07:17 ET by motherbeltWhat was that his prayer at the Wall said?
"Help me guard against pride......" (corrected)
Yeah, right.
Obama's theme song
One of Our Better Traditions...
July 30, 2008 - 06:53 ET by ChasvsI beleive we should use one of our better traditions, like throwing the trash out before it stinks up the whole house on this SOB.
What are the Demofacists thinking with this guy? He is as idiotic as their Leader in the House "I'm saving the planet Pelosi"!
Well, I guess I just answered my own question. This twerp makes Pelosi look absolutley brilliant!
I actually tried to email
July 30, 2008 - 10:19 ET by ksennishI actually tried to email Captain Planet Pelosi yesterday asking why her and the Democrats in congress refuse to listen to the people they represent in the demand for more drilling and more oil production within the US, citing the recent polls with a majority saying to drill. Not surprisingly, I received an email saying that the message failed to deliver. Most likely due to an email mailbox filled with similar complaints she is also choosing to ignore.
Arrogant
July 30, 2008 - 06:58 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsHey, you called Obama 'arrogant'. Didn't you get the memo from Flashking that that was codespeak for 'uppity' and it brands you a racist?? For shame. You should immediately message Flashking for a copy of the english to codespeak dictionary.
D
Keep the ILLEGALS out, join NumbersUSA to send free faxes to your reps.
Let us watch for the
July 30, 2008 - 07:00 ET by FastEd"October" surprise - when the curtain is pushed aside and the rest of the political wonks learn that their 'savior' is an empty suit, held in place by an inflated ego.
The power grab, and not the professed "helping the country", by the demolibs will/might be noticed by the rest of the voters - (a dream and a hope for my country)
There is no sense in being stupid, if you can't prove it! - my dad V
Best Traditions? Like what, the handshake?
July 30, 2008 - 07:05 ET by YahooWatcherYou know, where two gentlemen or maybe a lady and gentleman courteously shake hands with one another, unlike Obama and his wife's ghetto-gang style fist smack.
Oprah Effect
July 30, 2008 - 07:10 ET by TexndocThe guy was manufactured and pushed by Oprah from the get go. Even introduced as a Presidential candidate by her. Rush has been talking about the "oprahization of America" for years. Touchy-feely "Yes I can!" "Yes we will!" (you might as well be talking about the latest diet). It's not going to work in the era of terrorism.
Wants a side order of
July 30, 2008 - 07:10 ET by 10ksnookerWants a side order of conceit to go with that arrogance.
While he's praying for
July 30, 2008 - 07:11 ET by motherbeltWhile he's praying for deliverance from pride, maybe he should re-check his New Testament for the story of the man who assumes the high place at the table, only to be asked to move down lower when one with a higher ranking shows up.
Obama's theme song
Thanks
July 30, 2008 - 07:38 ET by cocodriePerfect. Scripture always has the perfect answer.
I didn't know...
July 30, 2008 - 08:50 ET by ontheright...that there was any such scripture in the Koran.
barak is an abomination -
July 30, 2008 - 13:41 ET by TruthMongerbarak is an abomination - is it any wonder this guy leads an "obama-nation...?"
(rimshot:)
thank-you ladies and gentlemen, I'll be here all week - please remember to tip your waitress!
...now Rush Limbaugh is a guy who could really talk about himself the way obama does
and occasionally Rush does
God bless him:)
There is NO comparison
July 30, 2008 - 13:55 ET by bigtimerThere is NO comparison between Rush and Obama Mia.
Zilch...
One has class, loves this country...the other is the epitome of arrogance to a tee...plus the enemy for this country to any thinking individual.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Huston, There's Been A Problem
July 30, 2008 - 07:14 ET by Copperhead RidgeAnd, I believe you have identified it.
I try to believe that Barry is going to continue to step in it along the campaign trail and blow this election (that's election -- E-L-E-C-T-I-O-N).
Other than his hubris, what worry me is that he always says that he's what the WORLD has been waiting for. In light of his speeches overseas, particularly the one in Berlin, I don't think he acknowledges American exceptionalism. I think even Bill Clinton did that. I don't think Jimmy Carter did and look what became of his presidency. It was in ruins. Also, despite the image he advanced in the media at the time, Carter was arrogant and self-absorbed. He treated staff like dirt and believed himself to be better than everyone.
I feel like we're re-winding to 1976. Heck, even McCain is sort of a frumpier, older Gerald Ford.
You're also right about how far Barry H. will have to fall if he doesn't live up to his constituency's "hope." Everyone has different hopes, and it is impossible for a president and a government to try to fulfill all of them. A government might try to fulfill all hope, but that is one we do not want.
For a few weeks I've thought that the right's fear of Barry's ego and hubris was unfounded. I'm starting to think otherwise. After winning an election this guy may test the bounds of the Constitution.
Also, every criticism of Obama is going to be met with the charge of racism, so it doesn't matter if we call him arrogant or even "uppity." We just need to force the left to make the charge so much that it becomes hollow and possibly even a parody.
I think he's a jughead. Is that racist?
Also anti-American
July 30, 2008 - 07:16 ET by WingletDriver"I have become a symbol of the possibility of America returning to our best traditions" - BHO
This dovetails nicely with his commercial that starts: "We are a beacon of light around the world. At least that's what we can be again. That's what we should be again." In other words, we aren't a beacon of light around the world.
This guy can't give a compliment or express any patriotic sentiment without a caveat. Somebody should ask him what these "best traditions" are that we've apparently abandoned and when he held them. It obviously couldn't have been before the 1960s with segregation. Or the mid-70s with Nixon and Viet Nam. It couldn't have been the 1980's with Reagan. Or the 90s with the Clintons who he's criticized. Are these earlier best traditions only the Carter years and what are these traditions and heartland values you want to return to?
Ah yes, all those great Progressive American Traditions...
July 30, 2008 - 07:22 ET by RickTaLifeYou know, like Eugenics, killing unborn babies, Communist sympathizers, etc...I guess he's correct if you talk about those traditions.
don't forget higher
July 30, 2008 - 07:41 ET by athoughtor2don't forget higher taxation, Boston Tea Party ring a bell, redistibution of wealth, talking in circles with no meaning and prosecuting the war on terror as a criminal matter.
Many of you will recall
July 30, 2008 - 07:27 ET by motherbeltMany of you will recall when George W. Bush said that Jesus was his
role model. You'll recall how the media nearly went apoplectic over his
use of a religious figure and he's been called a "zealot" ever since.- WTH
And Obama asks people to pray for him to be elected so that he can "do God's work" and "establish a Kingdom."
He prays at the Western Wall for God to make him an "instrument" of His will.
And no one asks "Whose God? Whose interpretation of God's will?" No one says "This guy is talking about a theocracy!!"
"In the tank" Warner?
That's fast becoming a masterpiece of understatement.
Obama's theme song
Doing God's Work
July 30, 2008 - 10:54 ET by CellaAnd who will sit at the right hand of God? Biden, Bayh, Kaine?
Good Grief! Zip it up, Obama.
America's Best Traditions
July 30, 2008 - 07:30 ET by cocodrieCompared to what? Charles Manson? Benedict Arnold? The Rosenbergs?
Or a Chicago
July 30, 2008 - 09:02 ET by dscottOr a Chicago politician???? Obama is feeling his oats since the Rezko issue will not be active until well after the election. The arrogance we are seeing is his high fiving himself that he for the moment got away with the underhanded dealings with Rezko and that was his biggest fear, being exposed for the traditional Chicago politician he is. He feels he is on top of the world, by his track record - invincible. Someone needs to poke a hole in that balloon.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
Many of you will recall
July 30, 2008 - 09:26 ET by Dan The Man 2Many of you will recall when George W. Bush said that Jesus was his role model. You'll recall how the media nearly went apoplectic over his use of a religious figure and he's been called a "zealot" ever since.
When President Bush said this and was asked again by the moderator, I immediately knew who I was supporting for President. This was the statement of a man with convictions and a Christian. He said this and identified Jesus specifically.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Wait
July 30, 2008 - 09:55 ET by cvgbuckeyeWait Dan! You don't understand. The Author of all life, the Creator of all things, the One by which NOTHING exists but through HIS hands needs to go mind his own business and stay out of all governmental affairs.
AND while we are at it, we probably need to fashion a master list of all of the other things that God needs to keep his nose out of........ and I should probably clarify which god I am speaking of here. It is not the god of the MSM, the democrats, or the europeans. That god is to busy passing out copies of his letter to our God, that he left in The Wall in Jerusalem.
Obama the "Messiah"
July 30, 2008 - 09:48 ET by NayMotherbelt, I agree completely. You know, I was just telling my husband the other day, the MSM is selling Obama as a "Messiah", "Savior", "Redeemer", etc. Yet they abhor anything religious or to do with God. This makes no sense. I am no fan of McCain and have decided I cannot vote for him. I must however, vote against Obama because I will have no part in his becoming POTUS!
It makes sense to libs!
July 30, 2008 - 10:11 ET by dscottIt makes sense to libs! What was that verse in Romans 1 about refusing to acknowledge God and substituting...?? <Rhetorical Question>
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
Oh plleeeeeeeeeease!
July 30, 2008 - 10:25 ET by Ole_SargeI cannot type my reaction, except in symbols, wait, I can use the word Mike Rowe uses often on "Dirty Jobs" POO!
Maybe if Barry "O" pitched in and did a REAL dirty job or two he wouldn't always be covered in POO!
Neighborhood Organizer - what sort of POO! job is that???
So much of "0's" road to
July 30, 2008 - 11:08 ET by BuxomAnnieMcGreggorSo much of "0's" road to the whitehouse reminds me of the rock opera "Tommy" by the Who. Brought up from humble beginnings, hailed as the messiah by the adoring public, coming to believe the public's perception, and finally... in the end... being rejected by the general public and brought down to earth again.... back to his original state of humble beginnings. Just waiting for the end of "0's" opera so they can draw the curtains and we can all go home.
Give the MSM the middle finger.... vote for John McCain! - BuxomAnnieMcGreggor
Ah yes. Socialism and
July 30, 2008 - 11:24 ET by wiwfAh yes. Socialism and Anti-Americanism is traditional America.
The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy
I've got your "tradition"
July 30, 2008 - 12:55 ET by hgabrahamsonThe only tradition this blowhard symbolizes is Affirmatve Action. Given his frequent errors in citing history, puerile understanding of economics and other routine gaffes, I wondered how he was admitted to and graduated from Columbia and Harvard Law. I think I know.
Difference of Opinion is what makes a Horse Race
WTH... So far what I have
July 30, 2008 - 13:31 ET by bigtimerWTH...
So far what I have seen earlier on the boob tube....this is the talk of the day...
Arrogance will get ya' every time.....
Especially false arrogance that was spoon-fed to a person by others...they start believing it themselves...personally I hope he doesn't change a lick..or his oh so special wife.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh