Flailing economy…
Stiff Republican opposition…
Highly liberal agenda…
Heavy funding of opponent…
Racism…
WIN!
Even as the pundits are spinning President Obama’s win as a fluke resulting from narrow wins in key states, we must pause to acknowledge the enormity of the feat. This is a president who has been unable to deliver on major 2008 campaign promises due in large part, to a Republican Congress. Indeed, his lack of delivery caused many 2008 supporters to turn away from him in this election. Coupled with a flailing economy, he was guaranteed failure. A poor economy has sunk the reelection aspirations of many an incumbent regardless of whether or not they caused it. To further jeopardize his position, Obama ran on a highly liberal agenda with the promise to tax the rich and fund social programs. Hence the rich responded by overfunding super PACs and stifling the airwaves with negative ads. And the virulent, rabid racism? Towards the end of the race, it seemed everywhere you turned, some redneck was swearing to “get the n** out of office!”Yet, unwavering in his dream, President Obama requested four more years.
Arguably, the president had a recipe for failure, and for a while, some believed he was a one-termer. But he dared to dream of a second term and to infect enough people with his impossible dream so that they rose up and campaigned tirelessly for him, going door-to-door, calling voters, cajoling those undecided, and raising funds in bits and pieces until his dream was realized.
Do you have an impossible dream? Or perhaps your first question should be, “do you DARE TO DREAM? Are you brimming with talent but no vision? Borrow a leaf from the President and Dream Big! Dream of using your talents and gifts to impact our world in a positive and meaningful way. Dream of creating a legacy that stands the test of time. Face challenges and obstacles boldly but hold on tight to your dream. Infect others with your dream that you may not crusade alone. And above all, dream till you win!
[adapted from Wanna B Prez? 10 Life Strategies from President Barack Obama’s Journey to the White House].
