England for Obama

Now, here’s an idea.

I was thinking about what Bob Cesca wrote – and later, I was engaging in some, erm, healthy debate with some people of opposing viewpoints on The Guardian blogs. The subject of the ‘attacks’ that Sarah Palin has been under was raised.

And it kinda got me thinking…

That ‘attacks’ on any of the candidates happen when they’re not there to defend themselves or rectify points. John McCain and Sarah Palin supporters are angered by what they see as ‘attacks’ or criticism of their candidates in the liberal media (although I would have to argue that much of this is simply ‘factual reporting’ as opposed to ‘attacks’ – hence the quotation marks – and find it amazing that people would, for example, see a headline such as ‘Records reveal Palin’s push for earmarks‘ and think: “That’s outrageous! They’re slurring Sarah again!” instead of thinking: “That’s outrageous! She pushed for earmarks after she said she opposed them!” – but I digress); while Barack Obama and Joe Biden supporters are angered by the slagging they receive from right-wing TV pundits and radio talk show hosts across the States.

My point being: these attacks happen in their absence. Not when they are actually being interviewed.

So here’s the idea. How about Barack Obama does a tour of regional, right wing radio talk shows? He goes on as a guest. He defends himself against their attacks. He’s a calm, intelligent, reasonable, charming man – he can handle it. He can more than handle it. And it might be one of the only ways that he can change the minds of the people that listen to those shows.

Who knows, he could even win over – to a certain extent. I’m not stupid – some of the hosts. Hell, even Bill O’Reilly admitting grudging respect after Obama went on his show last week, saying:

“The Barack Obama I witnessed is self-confident, determined and driven… He looks you in the eye and touches your shoulder. He understands how to connect one-on-one…

After going mano-a-mano with Obama on television, I am also persuaded that he is a sincere guy – that he wants the best for all Americans. He’s an ideologue, but not a blind one. He understands that his story is incredible, and, I have come to believe, he is grateful to the American system for allowing it happen.”

And that, believe me, is a lot coming from BillO. So imagine if Obama actually met the hundreds of other people who spew lies and hatred about him? Actually took calls from the Americans who phone into their shows? Of course he’s not going to change everyone’s opinions of him – but I do think he could change an awful lot of them.

I think he should go into the lion’s den. And I truly think he would come up smelling of roses. To mix my metaphors rather.