Obama is the kind of candidate who is more inclined to be a â??straight-shooterâ? than to dodge uneasy subjects

The hysteria surrounding Sen. Barack Obama is interesting to say the least: Obama is the son of a white mother and an African father, and his potential for being the Democratic candidate for president would make him the first African-American to reach the nomination in either of the two major parties.

Aside from his background, the man has some great ideas, a steady withdrawal from Iraq and universal healthcare among them.

So what is the driving force behind the hysteria over Obama?

For starters, he“s an alternative to one of the most divisive politicians in the modern era of politics: Hillary Clinton. Many Democratic insiders feel that Hillary would be too polarizing a figure to win an election for president. And while she may be the frontrunner for the party, many believe that a woman president would not attract the votes needed in the crucial swing states.

Another reason for the sudden popularity of the senator from Illinois could be his youth: At only 45 years of age, Obama would only be four years older than another young Democratic president “ John F. Kennedy “ was when he took the White House in the 1960 election.

Finally, Obama is the kind of candidate who is more inclined to be a “straight-shooter” than to dodge uneasy subjects. When asked whether he smoked and inhaled marijuana, Obama responded in the affirmative, adding, “That was the point.” He has also admitted to using cocaine at one stage in his life.

While some may see this as a problem for a potential candidate, others see his candor as a strength, reminding critics that President Clinton admitted to smoking pot and that President George W. Bush has been discovered to have used cocaine as well.

For all his great qualities, Obama“s candidacy may face some problems, most of which are outside of his control.

First, there is the issue of his full name: Barack Hussein Obama. The fact that his last name rhymes with “Osama” couldn“t have worsened his chances any more than the fact that his middle name is “Hussein.”

Second, there is the question that gives reservations toward the sociological impact on the average American of nominating an African-American candidate.

In short: Is America ready to elect a black president? While many could make the argument that American society has made tremendous leaps since the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, one cannot with good conscience say that racism is completely eradicated from the populace.

Though not all citizens of so-called “red” states are inherently racist, how Obama would fare in these states remains to be answered.

However, in the states that matter come election time “ the notorious swing states “ Obama“s race will probably not be a factor. Indeed, the swing state of New Mexico has elected Bill Richardson, a politician of Hispanic heritage, to be their governor since he took office in 2003. Other states, like Ohio, are not seen as problematic for Obama as they do not have too much of a history regarding racism (at least when compared to “red” states.)

For what it“s worth, Obama“s personality and stances on issues make him the perfect candidate. He has always been against the Iraq war, is for universal healthcare, and has a strong resume regarding foreign policy (having traveled extensively throughout the world, as both a politician and as otherwise, as well as being a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee).

His “weaknesses” are the products of closed-minded individuals who cannot see past something as trivial as his heritage and name.

It“s still too early to determine which candidate should be nominated for the Democratic Party, but Obama is worth taking the time to give a serious look at. Take the time for yourself, and you too may be convinced that this candidate“s “disadvantages” are no match for his strengths.

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