Obviously the headline is a joke, get over it.

You can call me a cynic all you want, but I’ll refrain from dancing naked in the street over Barack Obama being elected President for now. I’ve read a lot of people talking about how this is a huge moment for “change” and “hope.” On the other end of things, somebody compared him to Hitler, which generally means you’ve lost the argument. Needless to say, people’s opinions are extreme. Here’s a great collection of some angry, right-wing responses.

The Something Awful Forum goons share “anti-Obama rants”

Anyway, a number of people have asked me (my mother, loudest of all) why I don’t believe in Barack Obama. I answer simply “he’s a politician,” and then high-five my fellow cynics. He seems like a good guy, and his policies sound like a step in the right direction. Fair enough. Problem is, for all the other bullshit that came out of their mouths, the Republicans did have one very valid point: he has no experience. Obama may not be prepared to play politics on the grandest stage.

And, to be totally fair, I know that he seems like the light at the end of a long dark tunnel (ironically, when you think about it), but even John McCain would have been a hell of a step up from Bush. Christ, some would argue that a pet rock would be a step up from Bush. Of course, in what I can only assume was a misguided attempt to gain the feminist vote or something, McCain shot himself in the foot by aligning himself with “Hotlips” Palin. John McCain basically gift wrapped the sexist vote for Obama. Then she started talking and it was all downhill from there.

My point is that Barack Obama’s ticket was the least objectionable option. That doesn’t make him Philosopher King. He’s a politician and a man. Some people are talking about him like he’s a saviour sent from on high. Why don’t see what he can do before we all line up to pay homage, eh?

I don’t want to say that I expect him to screw it up. To ignore that possibility, however, is incredibly short sighted. US Pres is generally accepted to be one of the hardest jobs in the world. There’s pressure being put on you from all directions. Hell, look at how many people have screwed it up. No matter how strong Obama’s (and many other’s) desire for change is, there are very powerful forces who will fight change tooth and nail. I’m sure some are hard line capitalists: super-rich who wouldn’t be able to handle becoming just rich. Paradoxically, they garner the support of many people in much lower tax brackets who’s only concern is being able to keep their guns, or keeping gay people from marrying each other. Obviously, these are generalizations, but you can’t ignore that those elements are out there.

Barack Obama could be a great president. There’s potential there. Will it all come together for him? I’m not sure. Some very idealistic politicians have been chewed up and spit out by the system. We’ll see how he fairs.

I wish him all the luck in the world. He’s going to need it.