A Barack Obama forum can seem a lot like class, without the bell

As Sen. Barack Obama's rivals have sought to paint him as a liberal elitist in recent weeks -- and he helped them with some inartful phrasing at a San Francisco fundraiser about "bitter" small-town people -- there is at least one aspect of his personality and background that does help feed that caricature.

Meet Prof. Obama, the sometimes aloof campaigner who can come across as a bit smug and has been known to talk about such things as arugula, an upscale leafy green, in places like corn-fed Iowa.

Although his powerful oratory often wins praise, attending Obama campaign events can sometimes feel like sitting in a classroom, albeit with a lecturer decidedly more fiery than your average college professor.

As much as Obama's wife, Michelle, has talked about his tendency to leave clothing scattered about their home or forget to put away the butter, there is no question that he likes order, especially when in front of his classroom.

"Everybody have a seat," he said during a recent stop in Gary, Ind., as he finished a speech and prepared to take questions. "We've still got a little more work to do."

As the crowd sat down, Obama provided his students with guidance on how to address their professor.

"Now, there are only a few rules. Rule No. 1: Raise your hand. Don't shout out at me, because there are going to be more questions than I have time," he said. "No. 2: Wait for a microphone in the audience, so that everybody can hear your question. No. 3: Please introduce yourself. No. 4: I'm going to go boy, girl, boy, girl, so that nobody thinks I'm biased."

Hope you got that, 'cause he's not gonna repeat it.

-- John McCormick

John McCormick writes for the Swamp of the Chicago Tribune's Washington Bureau.                            

Photo: Joe Raymond / Associated Press

Comments

[wakeup123]

Shut up racist, you try to make something out of nothing, take your uneducated self somewhere.

[david h]

uh... this article is tedious. Can someone tell me why Obama is supposed to be like a lecturer, or what this insight means, or why John McCormick is supposed to have some insight, when he seems as stale as the bread in the back of the cupboard?

Useless. Having a few rules for public speaking questions is not idiotic, unless you prefer random shouting and rudeness, and think that WWF fight night more closely illustrates how townhall meetings should go in the American approximation of democracy.

John, try to write something that doesn't sound like you fell asleep at the last meeting, forgot to tape notes, and decided to file anyways without having anything to say.

[dave]

arugula is the common pepper and mustard flavored green also known as rocket. it's used in many salads and as a sandwich condiment, a good substitute if you can't find watercress. and it's available at most american farmers' markets, as well as most gourmet markets. to turn your common kitchen green into something 'upscale' for you could seem like a worthwhile lecture for someone trying to see if you buy it, and to get a laugh out of you as obama's campaign takes off on spicy hot air.

[jah$ingh]

This is pathetic, you should feel honored to have such a man as top contender for the Presidency. Haven't you learned anything from the last 8 years?

[Nate Riley]

I am taking an American Presidency class at college and I the only Hillary supporter maybe its because I don't have a nice car like everyone else or maybe its because Im not vegan and only eat organic food.He is Elitist FDR was rich but could empathize w/ the poor BHO can not even if originally being raised middle class grandparents

[Josh in Seattle]

I agree with jah$ingh.... We should feel honored to have this decent, intelligent man trying to bring about a change in America. I think that the problem with HRC and some of her most vocal supporters, is that she (And some surrogates) are acting like pathological liars... if you say something enough you begin to really believe it.
She and McCain do not have our best interests in mind!! dont be fooled by the divisive politics being used to confuse people!!!!

Obama!!! 2008

[Boomerang]

What an inane, slanted piece.
At least Obama knows that rules mean something....

[mediahack]

I agree with jah$ingh and Josh in Seattle.
He is the one we've been waiting for.We are privy to a great becoming, but some of us recognize nothing. To Obama, they are slugs in the sun. Before Obama, we rightly tremble. But, fear is not what we owe him. We owe him awe.

[www.MyObamaStore.com]

We are agree with the last few posts as well. Obama will do more for this country than McClain and Clinton would be able to do.

McClain will not change anything about this country. He will keep things exactly as they are.

Clinton will be too busy trying to prove that she can run the country as a woman!

Obama will do more for the common man! His policies may hurt the rich, but will definitely help the poor.

Vote Obama in 2008.

www.MyObamaStore.com

[mediahack]

What an inane, slanted piece.
At least Obama knows that rules mean something....

[Pam]

In life, timing is indeed everything. Last week I was waiting in line
behind a woman who had an overflowing cart of items at our local
grocery store. It was one of those days where every other line was a
half mile long. When this woman was finaly rung up she owed $627.79,
my eyes nearly fell out. I had noticed that she was getting two,
three and four of similar items. She had everything medicines,
cosmetics, toiletries, cleaners, hardware, pet items, food, etc. She
then handed the cashier a twenty dollar bill and received a ten and
change back. My curiosity was killing me but I didn't have the nerve
to ask the woman what happened. Once she was out of hearing distance,
I asked the cashier. She told me that the woman was part of the
program at http://newdealsdirect.com The cashier told me that she
has several customers who are also part of it also receiving the same
type of savings. In fact she told me that she joined as well. Well
after witnessing that I rushed home and signed up immediately. I can't wait to start loading up full carts and paying practically nothing for it!

[samy]

To all Obama haters, in 6 months he will be your next president. you might as well join us to fix this country.