There are a number of ways to determine the measure of a man (or woman), but, I would say none more prevelant than who one chooses as a mate. Like it or not, our decisions, especially in regards to those we socialize with and/or love are testaments to our character and essentially how we see ourselves. So, as I watched potential first lady, Michelle Obama render one of the most moving speeches I've ever heard in my entire life, I found myself appreciating the judgment of her husband Barack Obama even more. I always applauded Barack Obama's obvious intelligence and poise, but, I was never really sold on him. Like most African Americans, I'd been down that road of watching brilliant men and women of color climb to astronomical heights, only to see them pose as nothing more than a colorful face for a system they themselves have no intention of causing to change, thus, I was highly skeptical. Who Barack Obama will be, should he occupy the most powerful office in the world remains to be seen. However, if his choice of a wife is a testament to his character (which it is), then perhaps, he maybe the authentic agent of change for which his campaign boast. I don't care what your politics are, anymore doubts as to the utter brilliance of the Obama clan for which, Michelle is, in her husband's own words "the rock" i.e. the heartbeat of the family, should be cast aside as shear nonsense and spin.
Very often we are subjected to politicians feigned adoration for their spouse and family. From obviously choreographed expressions of public affection to their children's strained and contrived laudings, we've seen the charade one to many times. Yet, there is something to be said about the character and judgment of a man who would vigorously pursue and eventually marry such a woman. She is in no way your typical celebrity or politian's wife. She is not a mere arm piece. She is accomplished in her own right. In other words, her success or person is not at all contingent upon her husband's. She's the living breathing embodiment of the woman of Proverbs 31; or for you non Bible readers, it's as if Claire Huxtable stepped through our TV screens into our reality.
It is remarkably evident that Michelle Obama is her own woman, yet, is grounded and secure enough within herself to be her husband's most ardent cheerleader and supporter. This is quite telling of the humility of an obviously ambitious and driven man, because, I think we can all agree, most men who enjoy such status or are driven toward such status, are not at all interested in a wife who is a compatible and competent partner. Truth be told, most men are not interested in having such a partner, who can challenge him with the same zeal for which she loves him. We see such resistance and venom toward such women expressed daily, especially during the Presidential campaign season, particularly this Presidential campaign season. It is a testament to how stagnent we continue to be as a nation and a world, as it relates to how we view and value women.
Much has been said about Senator Obama's readiness to lead this nation, which personally I find to be absurd, because no one in the history of this nation has ever been "ready" to be President. Every four years we are taking a risk. Thus, one of our greatest litmus tests for a candidate for President has to be his record of judgment. In addition to his judgments on policies and decisions of national and foreign interest, what better record of judgment than the family one has built? What better record of judgment than the spouse one has chosen? If Barack Obama's competence in choosing the brilliant Michelle Robinson as his wife and raising two amazaing children, carries over into his capacity as Commander in Chief we might be in for a spectacular era in American history.
Copyright JLI 2008
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