Dear Editor,
What Michael Thomas appears not to realize is that conservatives face not a deified figure in Barack Obama, but an energized and electrified base of Democratic supporters. It is not Democrats that have labeled Obama as a “deity” or “messiah” figure. Much like Mr. Thomas’ “non-condemnation” article, it is those on the right who have thrown out these labels in response to an onslaught of new energy and enthusiasm by Democrats toward Obama. Mr. Thomas need only look in the mirror when it comes to treating a political figure as a deity. Conservatives hold Ronald Reagan in such high esteem they speak his name only in hushed tones. I have yet to see a shrine to Obama in anyone’s home like I have Reagan in the homes of conservatives.
Mr. Thomas also overlooks the fact (or deliberately leaves out) that Rep. Cohen’s comments about Obama were in response to right wing attacks on Obama, downplaying his work as a community organizer in inner-city Chicago. Cohen did not compare Obama to Jesus, or try to paint him as Jesus, he compared the work that both did in their respective communities.
The question for conservatives is not “how do you win against a messiah figure,” the question is why is our base not excited about our candidate the way Democrats are excited about Obama. An Oct 13 Gallup poll found that only 51 percent of Republicans are enthusiastic about John McCain, while 71 percent of Democrats are enthusiastic about Obama.
To Mr. Thomas I say, don’t get mad at Democrats for liking Obama so much, look at why Republicans don’t like McCain. Republicans haven’t been enthusiastic about a candidate like Democrats are currently excited about Obama since Reagan. Don’t like it? Nominate better candidates.
– Joseph Boyd

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