There’s a bit of politics going on in my back yard, and it might soon be a war zone. As reported the other day the neighbour’s tomcat has become quite partial to my yard. I don’t mind as he’s a bit of a character, a lovely docile cat. 
But Orlando Cat is not impressed. Oh no, his appearance brings spitting, wailing and cowering behind plant pots from her Ladyship. As Orlando is apparently the first cat he’s ever seen I don’t think the Intruder quite knows what to make of all this. He will if he gets too close. It could get quite messy.
I got home tonight and he was sat on my bin by the fence to his house. Rather than fleeing, as I opened the back door he took up position on my Vespa as you can see. How could I be angry with such a cool intruder? A bright moment after a long hard day “putting in a shift”. (© Anthony Pulis Snr) 
So it’s Obama then. Something over the last few weeks everyone but Clinton seemed to accept. Personally I’m pleased. When I was in Florida in April I bought Obama’s book “The Audacity of Hope” and finished it two days before his final victory. He is clearly an intelligent and articulate man who writes as well as he performs at the lectern. That said I was rather disappointed with the first hundred or so pages. I found it wishy-washy, fence-sitting stuff, desperate not offend anyone or any side, complementary rather than critical of some of his Republican opponents. It also gave a worrying description of US politics and the importance of financial backing to succeed in what they term a democracy.
These first few chapters reminded me very much of Tony Blair’s approach in some respects. Blair was not in my opinion a conviction politician guided by an overarching philosophy or doctrine. He was more of a manager figure who would use practical and pragmatic methods to achieve what he thought was right for the country even though in many cases observers like myself felt it lacked substance and too often departed the principles of his party’s core belief system. Blair would draw in members of the Opposition to key committees to help smooth decision making, and could be accused of cherry picking some of the Opposition’s ideas for Government policy. Charisma, drive and vision were the key to Blair’s three General Election victories, and while Gordon Brown might have an approach more rooted in a political philosophy, I think he lacks those three qualities which made Blair a successful Prime Minister, contributing to the current woes at No10.
Obama shares this charisma, drive and vision. I think from reading the rest of the book he also does have a underpinning belief system that fights for the underprivileged, the ordinary Joe, and actually all Americans. The second half of the book goes on to analyse America’s problems and describe sensible policies that might actually make a difference. The choices in many cases are not hard and finance exists to put them in place. What needs to change is the political will. I found myself willing him to succeed and it was a breath of fresh air from what we have had for the last eight years. The other evening John Snow on Channel 4 News said to a Republican advisor that if the world had a vote it would be voting for Obama. I think he is right. Outside of the USA we see Obama as not only a refreshing change, but someone who might restore America’s world standing. It is now down to the American people to make their decision. The next President of the USA will make history whoever wins, but is the one that will make a real difference that I’d like to see elected. Given that the USA elected George W Bush twice fills me with despondency and makes me wary of expecting an Obama victory. But Obama gives me hope. Obama is by no means a radical, but to me he symbolises a radical change and that’s the important matter. I hope that Americans sense that too and have the courage to vote for Obama as President.
“There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and an Asian America – there’s the United States of America”. Barack Obama, Democratic National Convention 2004.
As Obama relays in his book, he wishes for an America that fulfils Dr Martin Luther King’s promised that we be judged not by the colour of our skin but the content of our character. If America can embrace that concept and extend it beyond their boundaries, the world will be a much better place.
