Part of Obama's appeal for many people is that he's not the traditional African-American candidate.

Most African-Americans trace their ancestors to slaves. The history of slavery (and the civil rights movement which grew out of unfinished business following slavery) causes great shame for many Americans.

Obama does not trace his ancestors to slaves. His father was an immigrant, and an inherent part of the American Dream is the migrant who works hard and makes it big, if not for himself then his children.

Obama taps into the latter, optimistic message rather than the shame and pessimism of slavery and injustice.

In Australian terms, the first great Aboriginal leader will have to (as Oodgerroo/Kath Walker wrote) "talk of brave and fine". To do that you need grounds for optimism at the community level, and it's in this a national optimism and its leader must surely take root.

America the world needs you true!
We need you to without delay draft Al Gore, the last election was lost only by the wrong man leading the Democrats in that election.
This one will be lost too if the wrong person leads
Al Gore is the only Democrat who can lead in fact an not be beaten.

Stephen Hagan, you write so well.

I appreciate the ways you argue and enlighten us.

I am inspired by the ways you give us some balance to the questions we are trying to grasp as citizens from where ever we stand, as we are all caught up in this modern time.

Your pen is gentle, noting important thoughts from which we can ponder, celebrate and learn.

Thank You Stephan.

Mmm...in other words we need a neo-con black leader who appeals to white Australians? Whose interests would this serve I wonder?

Bourgeoisie Blacks?

Jimmy Chi's song "Acceptable Coon” is playing is the background.