What a magnificent historical irony...

[kentuck]

If a man of African descent could become President of the United States. Ancestors brought to these shores 400 years ago as slaves. Endured all the humiliation and pain of slavery, but is now running to lead the country that enslaved him. But not just in ordinary times. Perhaps in a time that our nation is the most divided since the Civil War? Perhaps at a time that no ordinary leader can do the job? With the weight of the world upon his shoulders, the people turn to him to lead them through the darkness of war, division, and despair. Could it be anything other than a grand irony?

[seriousstan]

1. It is an example of how far America has come.

[Occam Bandage]

2. Not only was Obama never a slave, he has no ancestors that were enslaved.

Hint: not all Africans are the same.

[XemaSab]

7. You never know...

His "white" mom could have some non-European blood, or his Kenyan dad may have been descended from slaves in Africa.

Regardless, as a black man in this country he has had to face the legacy of slavery whether his ancestors were enslaved here or not.

[kentuck]

8. I understand that Obama is not an African-American descended...

from slavery. But he does have the African ancestry. That is the connection I was attempting to make. I still think it is a grand step forward that all nations would admire America once again if he did become President. We are not a perfect nation but it would show that the American people are trying to do the right thing. Call it poetic or ironic or whatever...

[Occam Bandage]

9. I would find it grander still

if it were not done with an eye towards our past.

[kentuck]

10. I don't think we can ever truly escape our past...

We can only learn from it.

[alcibiades_mystery]

3. Obama's ancestors were not brought here as slaves

Though, to be fair, their lives in Africa under colonial rule was surely no picnic.

Just sayin...:-)

[Muttocracy]

4. irony?

I'm not sure about your use of the word irony here. Alanis Morisette seems to have ruined that word for us.

But isn't Obama a son of an African, not descended direct from slaves? Not that it makes much of a difference to me 'cause I don't judge my candidates on their race or ancestors.

Most divided since the Civil War? I wish people were paying enough attention to be that divided, but I'm going to bet 1960s was a wee bit more divided (but before my time). I guarantee more people are paying attention to the Spears' family dramas than the current election cycle.

[The Traveler]

5. Ironic? I would call it poetic

Yeah, I know he isn't a descendent of slaves but that doesn't detract at all from your point.

[Rincewind]

6. Irony

His ancestors weren't slaves, they stayed in Africa. Senator Obama, who I am proud to have as my Senator, still has close relatives in Kenya, his fathers homeland.