Friday, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With the exception of a few mopping up visits to France and England, Barack Obama’s excellent adventure in Europe is about over. And this can’t come soon enough for the John McCain campaign, relegated to eating sausages and German restaurants and talking about the price of groceries in the catchup while in a supermarket. While McCain draws flies, Obama draws 200,000 curious Germans to hear him speak in Berlin. While the McCain campaign arranges events that have the feel of a professor at a local book signing for a scholarly book, Barack Obama stars in his one-man show that feels like a U2 concert.

I have no idea how this election will turn out in November. However, if psychology and chemistry are any indicators, I have a feeling it is going to be a Obama tsunami. In my lifetime I have never seen a reaction like this to a politician since John & Robert Kennedy. And it certainly seems clear that his charisma is being felt around the globe.

And really, why not? Aside from any, albeit legitimate concern about preparedness, competency or judgment, to millions around the world it is especially stunning that America might be on the verge of electing an African-American as president. Because as much as we here like to avoid the subject, our reputation around the world includes distain for our shameful history of racial animus. On the heels of an administration that has been among our most conservative, it certainly seems an unexpected eventuality that a person of color might prevail against a woman and a traditional white male.

We really should not be surprised at the surge of Barack Obama. After six years of an unpopular war, and deep anxiety about the economy and frustration with the inertia of the government to respond to needed changes, any American leader exuding optimism and energy is going to get a national and global hearing.

And this is the genius of the Barack Obama campaign. He is as much a symbol as he is an real individual. Whether or not we will prosper under his leadership, it is undeniable that Barack Obama feels good. And we shouldn’t be surprised that so many are turning toward someone making us feel good.

If John McCain has a chance to prevail in November, it would behoove him to shake off the aura of pessimism and somber tones. He would do better being more Ronald Reagan and less Jimmy Carter.

Whichever candidate prevails there will have an opportunity to turn a page.

Because from where I sit I believe we are sick and tired…
of being sick and tired.