McCain, left, and Obama share an amiable moment as both nominees prepare for the general election. AP Photo
DeKalbites reflect on historic nomination
by Andy Phelan
andy@dekalbchamp.com
While Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama formed a committee to explore possible running mates, county residents soaked in the historic nomination and looked to the November election with Republican nominee John McCain.
But before some voters weighed in on who they think Obama should choose as his running mate, many stopped to reflect on his accomplishment as the presumptive first African-American presidential nominee of a major political party.
“This is a first that I would have never thought would happen in my lifetime,” said Gil Turman, president of the South DeKalb Neighborhood Coalition.
A former educator and now local activist, Turman said Obama’s ability to energize young people – who are often characterized as aloof and disengaged – might be the most important aspect of his campaign.
“Obama has brought a re-emergence of the conscience of this country, especially with the young people,” said Turman. “It’s awakened them to their responsibility as part of the voting process. His route and the whole process have been amazing.”
Candler Road flower shop co-owner Alice Bussey agreed with Turman that Obama, 47, is having a huge impact on young people.
“He [Obama] is giving hope to African Americans, especially young people, who have been such a concern,” she said. “Kids are understanding the process, getting involved and saying we are Black, we are Americans and we are proud. It’s our time.”
Republican state Rep. Fran Millar, who will likely go down as one of Dunwoody’s founding fathers, can also appreciate Obama’s achievement.
“When he won Iowa and now the nomination, it awakened an element that hadn’t been engaged politically since the Kennedys’ Camelot of the 1960s,” said Millar.
“Whether he wins or loses in November, he’ll always be remembered as the man who broke down the barrier that to be president you have to be a White man.”
As far as vice presidential candidates are concerned, each had a different idea of who might make the best running mate.
Turman acknowledged Obama has a tightrope walk ahead.
“Clinton has 18 million voters – how she handles all this is critical to Obama’s success,” he said. “But there are some folks out there telling Obama if he picks Hillary [as VP] he’s a shoo-in, and there are others who say it would be a disaster.”
Turman said he thinks New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson would make a good running mate because of his expertise in foreign affairs, and he could help deliver the Hispanic vote.
Emory political science professor and author Merle Black said he doubts Obama will ask Clinton to join the ticket.
“I think her presence would overshadow his message,” said Black. “Not to mention Bill’s [Clinton] baggage. He needs someone who has executive abilities, someone who’s held office.”
Black said Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland might be a good choice because of the importance of the state in a national election, and because he is a staunch Clinton supporter.
State Sen. David Adelman [D-Atlanta], who is a national finance committee member and co-chair of Obama’s Georgia campaign, said it’s not for us to decide who his running mate should be.
“It’s for Barack to decide, not the media and others,” said Adelman. “I’m very proud, it’s an historic time for America. I think what you’re seeing is a real hunger for a new kind of politics. It’s about breaking through special interests and the gridlock.”
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