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"Change" is the central theme of the Obama campaign. However, this week, when Obama condemned Jimmy Carter's meeting with Hamas, there came the realization just how hollow his theme was. Early in his campaign, Obama declared that he would meet without preconditions America's rivals and enemies. He courageously asserted that, flying against public opinion, he would sit down with leaders such as Ahmadinejad, Castro, Kim Jong Il, and discuss issues where there was confrontation. Back then, Obama was like a breathe of fresh air, a politician who was not afraid of breaking away from the line, who would bravely take our nation to new ground. However, after the recent debacles that have dogged the Obama campaign, including the Wright controversy and the "bitter" remarks, Obama's invincibility has been devastated. It is clear this week, that when Obama condemned Jimmy Carter doing exactly what Obama himself said that he would do, he was bending to the political winds as they were. Obama knows that Wright's criticism of Israel has made him particularly suspect in the eyes of the Zionist lobby in Washington, one of the most powerful purveyors of political influence in the world. This is an enemy too big for any one politician and Obama knows it. In addition, his "bitter" remarks have left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Americans in the heartland, giving the perception of Obama as a liberal elitist who is out of touch with the culture of middle America. With Obama's condemnation of Jimmy Carter, I feel that Obama's campaign and his political career is taking a swift turn. Instead of being the honest politician who is not afraid of speaking out for change and willing to confront the powers that be in order to do what's right, Obama is now just becoming one of the many suits that fill the corridors of Washington. I touched on this issue on another essay I wrote dealing with the nature of political elitism. Politics corrupts, and Obama has demonstrated this week that he is no different. Politicians such as Obama may have begun their career out of a dedication to make a change and true faith in public service, but the nature of politics has corrupted him as they have countless others. Obama, sounding less the revolutionary leader that he depicts himself to be, sounded this week much more like the typical propaganda spewing PC politician determined just to keep their own job. It is quite clear now that Obama is only concerned about his electability and not doing "what's right". By going out of his way to condemn Jimmy Carter, Obama shamelessly pandered to the Zionist lobby, hoping that they would forgive him for his formerly pro-Palestinian stances. It was a cowardly act and reflected a person who put his own selfish gains over his better convictions. However, one cannot place the entire blame on the candidate, it is our system that prevents politicians from being honest, and prevents the honest ones from being elected. This week, I have concluded that when Obama takes office, the only "Change" we will see is another face in the White House.
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