By Gillian McHale

Throughout the George Washington University campus, as across the country, disillusioned  Democrats have united around one man, Senator Barack Obama. It seem that, even more than Hillary Clinton or John Edwards, Democrats see potential in Obama. Many say that he possesses the skills to become the first minority President, quite a compliment for a first-time Senator. Democrats hope that, during his tenure in the Senate, the American people recognize the strength of Obama’s presence, grace, and intellect. Obama’s maturity, along with his superb political whit, makes him an unusual member of the Senate freshman class. Obama’s story represents much of the American ideal: equality, justice, and the strength of the American spirit. Although new to the Senate, he has long worked to protect the rights of ordinary citizens. Raised in a biracial family , Obama values the importance of equality of opportunity for all. Obama used his opportunities to obtain a stellar academic record, earning his B.A in Political Science from Columbia University and his law degree from Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, Obama served as the first black president of the Harvard Law Review. Upon graduating, Obama began working on behalf of disenfranchised voters in Illinois. In 1992, he organized one of the larger voter registration drives in Chicago’s history. As a civil rights lawyer, Obama protected numerous citizens from voting and employment discrimination. Additionally, he taught at the University of Chicago Law School, and contributed to many philanthropic organizations. His career in the private sector earned Obama the reputation as an honest, hard working person, who genuinely believed in the value of each individual. Obama carried this steadfast belief to the Illinois State Senate. Obama championed initiatives that protected ordinary Illinois citizens. He co-sponsored legislation imposing limits on college tuition hikes, making higher education more accessible to lower income families. He passed laws protecting uninsured children, supported responsible tax cuts aimed at lower and middle-income Illinois families. He consistently supported abortion rights, and was the chief architect of Illinois’ first campaign finance reform in 25 years. Obama’s leadership earned him high mark throughout the State of Illinois, including the Chicago Tribune, “one of the General Assembly’s most impressive members.” Although Obama had become well known within Illinois, most Americans were introduced to him by his keynote speech at last summer’s Democratic National Convention. Within minutes of Obama’s speech, pundits on all the major news networks conjectured Obama’s future in the Democratic Party. Republicans previously unaware of Obama’s candor and poise began to launch an assault against the Democrats newest sensation. The Illinois Republican Party tried to stop Obama’s growing Popularity impending perennial presidential candidate and commentator Alan Keyes from Maryland. Forgetting that Obama’s support stretched across all ethnic and socioeconomic groups, the Republican attempt Obama won the election hands down. In a year with much sadness for the Democratic Party, Obama provides a spark His energy brings hope to a party frustrated by the sharp Political cleavages being etched into the American public. It seems likely that Senator Obama will not be intimidated by the Republican majority, and will be a vocal member of the freshman class. After gaining experience in the Senate, Obama will use his natural charm and grace for the national stage.

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