Obama Revelations

1 Puppeteers?

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It's no denying that President Barack Obama is an extremely wealthy man. He and Michelle made $4.2 million (£2.7 million) in 2010, with much coming from sales of his books alone. Considering his large number of supporters, donors, and investors, Obama can make the money before he even does the work. His image alone can provide him with a substantial amount of income. And to put it simply: He has fat cat donors. This trend began right out of the gates in 2004.

"Nearly half of the more than $5 million Obama raised for his 2004 Senate Primary came from just 300 donors. The charmed circle of 300 included the Pritzker family, founders of the Hyatt Hotel chain. The Pritzkers donated $40,000, and the self described "centrist" Penny Pritzker became and remained Obama's national finance chairwoman." (Street 15)

2. Yes You Can (While We Watch)

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The "Yes We Can" slogan adopted by Obama is powerful to say the least. A perfect form of bandwagoning. The first time I heard the slogan, "Yes We Can", I felt like I could be a part of this change that Obama was offering. I did also feel that it seemed as if most of the "can" would be laid onto Obama, and not as much on "us". The term "we" may have been thrown around too easily. I don't deny that it is an extremely powerful statement.

"'Yes We Can' - It's not to be taken lightly. It is a very welcome sentiment to hear, and Obama deserves credit for encouraging it in an often eloquent and inspiring way." (Street 204)

3. BUD LIGHT: Here We Go!

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Obama has been seen in the media drinking alcohol in public places like sports games and local bars around the nation. This is a fairly new image for a President. Before now, that kind of image may have been interpreted by many to seem like he is an alcoholic, or he drinks too much. I think that is B.S. He drinks beer to look like average american. To show that he can loosen his tie and have a beer with the fellas while they vent about the past day at work. It's a blue collar look. I think its a healthy image to show.

4. First Black (and White) President

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I voted for Obama. That being said, I do feel that Obama's election success in 2008 was highly due to the hype about his ethnicity. Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. But his heritage traces back to Kenya, Africa where his Father was from. It has been recorded that people in the black community have stated that they feel that although Barack has black descendants, he is no more black than any past white presidents.

"Obama was not portrayed as 'too white' as much as he was accused of being an elite intellectual who was 'not from us, not from the hood'" (Street 107)

5. Hangin' With Jay

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Obama is the first sitting president to appear on a late night talk/chat show. I believe this was because he had (and still has) a desire to present himself publicly and answer (what seems to be) any questions people have for him. As previously stated, I think it has been an important part of Obama's presidency to achieve a "common man" image.

"At its simplest level, we see the importance of media in the fact that a telegenic style and appearance greatly enhance a candidates chance of success. That is, looking and acting comfortable on television can aid a candidate's cause." (Hoynes 233)

6. The Big "O"

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"The Obama Brand" has skyrocketed since the 2008 election. We all know the image of the blue "O" with red and white stripes draping past the front. I don't remember the last president who had his own logo. Its a successful marketing tactic if you ask me. Why not give the president his own brand? It's symbolism. A way to bring supporters together using one image. We can see it in the corner of our eye on a billboard or on the side panel of a website, and we don't even have to look directly at it to confirm that it is his logo. It is very light colored to imply peace, yet very symmetrical to imply strength. Frankly, its one of the most recognizable logo's around. The young crowd (like myself) tend to react best to the logo.

"'Brand Obama's' pure media-created celebrity-hood has been a major factor in his ascendency, particularly with regard to younger voters." (Street 169)

And here is a direct testimonial from one of those young people:

"He's just so cool. He's on television all the time and he's just really excellent. Nobody ever heard of him before, and then boom-there he is, like... I could listen to him all day." (Street 168)

Couldn't that quote also be about Eminem or Mark Wahlberg?

7. I feel that the media is trying to find flaws in Obama's steps. Every speech he makes, town he visits, the media do what they can to judge the little flaws. News channels used to have no issue making fun or exploiting George Bush's mistakes and flaws. But now they are trying to squeeze artificial

8. Whites for Obama

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A lot of white Americans felt that Obama winning the presidency in 2008 was, in a way, the period at the end of the sentence, or the lid on the pot of slavery in the United States.

"Obama, is a way for highly educated liberal and moderate whites around here to pat themselves on the back and say 'Hey, I'm not too prejudiced to vote for a black guy.'"

9. Gerack Obush

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There has been talk after four years in office about how Obama has done lots of things similarly to the way George Bush did them when he was in office. Lots of Obama supporters are confused these days as to where the man shouting about change and prosperity in 2008 ran off to. But some people don't understand that Obama has many similar opinions with Bush. He states here that he feels the same way about Iraq as Bush did. Only Obama looks at it slightly differently.

"'There's not that much difference between my position [on Iraq] and George Bush's position at this stage. The difference, in my mind, is who's in a position to execute [the occupation].'" (Street 143)

10. All In The Family

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Lastly I'd like to point out the Obama Family. How cute. They really do present themselves well. They are in the spotlight 24/7 and they seem unphased. Granted, Sasha and Malia will always have different lives than other girls they know, but its an impressive combination of strong individuals. Not to mention Michelle. She could run for president herself. I wouldn't be surprised if she is calling the shots behind the curtain!