Barack Obama

Obama inspires; can he succeed?

Tuesday, February 1, 2005

Northwest Herald
by Brian Slupski

"Don't bother going in there," said the older man standing outside the Woodstock Opera House. "They're not letting anyone else in."

It was 1:20 p.m., 10 minutes before the scheduled start of a town-hall discussion featuring U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. Dozens of people were being turned away.

Despite being a freshman senator with much to prove, this is the type of excitement that Obama generates, even in staunchly conservative, Republican McHenry County.

Although the Opera House holds about 420, it was filled to capacity well before Obama's arrival. Even state Rep. Jack Franks, D-Woodstock, who took credit for Obama's visit, struggled to get his father inside.

When Obama did arrive, about 20 minutes late, he received a standing ovation.

Early on, Crystal Lake resident Peggy Marino made a comment that summed up how many feel about Obama.

"Mr. Obama, I respect you a great deal," Marino said. "And to us you represent the hope of the Democratic Party."

Certainly such expectations can be a mixed blessing. There's a chance that as Obama defines himself in the Senate, many of his fans will become disillusioned. Obama enjoys incredible popularity. When fellow U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin comes to McHenry County, it causes barely a ripple.

"Watching him, I really get a sense he could be the next president," Marino said after the meeting. "I get a sense of integrity and honesty from him."

Cynics might say the audience was all Democrats. But it wasn't.

Don Steinwehe of Woodstock was the last person allowed into the Opera House. He described himself as a "dyed-in-the-wool Republican." He voted for Obama.

"[Obama] has an excellent reputation and is a good family man," Steinwehe said. "I think he's the type of person that we need."

Steinwehe disliked Obama's opponent, Alan Keyes, but said he still would have rejected many Democrats. Obama garnered his support because Steinwehe saw him as a person of integrity.

The last question for Obama came from an abortion foe. Obama said he supported a woman's right to choose, and the audience erupted in applause. Obama raised his hands and asked for quiet.

"One area where I think we can have an agreement, is that even those who are pro-choice believe that abortion is not the best option," Obama said. "It's important to prevent unwanted pregnancies. I don't know any women who would get an abortion for frivolous reasons."

Obama clearly can state his position without being divisive.

But now he must prove himself as a U.S. senator.

* Columnist Brian Slupski's commentary appears Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. He can be reached by e-mail at bslupski@nwherald.com or at (815) 459-4122.