"What has made Obama's political trajectory all the more remarkable is NOT that he is black but that colour or race does not define him."

What the American political machinery has proven is that it can hoist an inarticulate Texan /failed businessman up to become President as well as a highly articulate and educated blackman.

I wonder if Australia could emulate the USA?

We seem to have more than our share of Jeremiah Wrights, in fact we seem to nurture Jeremiah Wrights!

But not too many that would fit the Obama mould, though, Noel Pearson comes mighty close

I think the most under-celebrated phenomena in the USA is that blacks can and have acquired leadership roles in lower level public positions.(Mayors,Governors etcetera.

Australia has a long long long way to go. And Yes you might like to point to Noel Pearson, but is this because he is the only one you know or the only one who you want to agree with?

One Aussie Obama would suffice!

Imagine …no more Black-fellows, no more White-fellows, only, my-fellows.

Mind you, it would mean unseating “ those who are preparing to divide us, the spin masters and negative ad peddlers who embrace the politics of anything goes” from their positions on the gravy train and that would be one hell of a fight –but what the heck– “yes we can!”

That sudden shiver down your spine Rainier is not a maudlin emotionalism . Its likely to be that “righteous wind” a blowing, it’s like a desert willy willy, once it gets hold of you it will blow the Jeremiah (w)right out of you