Ten Things I Love About Barack

1. He can talk in complete sentences in Midwestern English that make sense (this is not a racial comment, it's a reference to his predecessor).

2. He achieved public office (and went to an Ivy League School, for that matter) without politically influential family connections (see above), thus epitomizing the American dream.

3. Rather than taking his Ivy League degree and getting a highly-paying corporate management position, he got involved in community outreach and public service. (also, see above)

4. He has personally demonstrated an above-average level of civility and class in public discourse. (nope. I'm pretty much done trashing 43, that had absolutely nothing to do with him and everything to do with everyone else.)

5. He appears to be a loving husband to his wife and a loving father to his children.

6. He has quietly reminded the nation that tobacco is more than just a Republican special interest group or a mark of the unenlightened mind.

7. He is a prominent African American celebrity who also happens to be a Harvard-educated lawyer, was raised by a single mother and her parents, moved from school to school growing up, and is renowned for his community activism, ability to build bridges, and eloquent speechmaking. This is good for helping all Americans of all hues loosen their preconcieved notions and participate more creatively and productively in our economy and society.

8. As a new president with a clean slate and a mandate for change, he is capable of addressing diplomatic issues and international actions with a broader array of options than the previous president, who was tied down to commitments and actions chosen during the dark days after 9/11 and during the rise of the new phenomenon of globalized terrorism, and burdened by a lack of international goodwill. (gotta throw Bush a bone somewhere in here...it was a hell of a time to be a president)

9. He has a name with Arabic roots, and Hebrew and Swahili derivations, and a wide usage, all of which I am familiar with linguistically, thus providing me with an excellent way to impress pretty, enthusiastic Obama supporters in bars.

10. He has visited upon us a great mercy, by luring our pantsuited carpetbagger away from the Great State of New York. God bless ex-Senator Clinton...and keep her far away from here!