He either is or has amazing speech writers . . . So, what do you think?

So, this is what I get for responding, without actually following all of the links . . . interesting meta commentary with your links. ... Now I'm really curious to hear what you think.

Jonathan, since I'm now living in the states and have been sucked into the vortex of the media mania surrounding all things political I am hoping to do a short series on american politics on my blog engaging 4 or 5 topics in relation to the current election. I'm hoping you will be able to find some time to comment as I think you could definitely contribute some excellent insight...

As far as Obama - to what extent do you think his speeches are simply (brilliant) rhetoric, and to what extent do you think he really believes that he can "repair the world" as president of the United States?

Amber:

It struck me the wrong way when I heard this in his speech. Almost Messianic-like. I suppose I would feel less uneasy if I could understand how he plans to remake the world. To draw a dumb comparison, listening to Hitler's speeches in Triumph of the Will evoked many similar rhetorical flourishes. Of course I don't think Obama will not be Hitler-esque, but I do think this use of rhetoric is disconcerting - as disconcerting (or close to it) as I find Huckabee's talk (which drive me up the wall).

As CS Lewis said:
“I believe in God. But I detest theocracy. For every government consists of mere men and is, strictly viewed, a makeshift; if it adds to its commands ‘Thus saith the Lord’, it lies, and lies dangerously.”

I think the same could be said for ideology - I am wary of anyone who says "Thy Kingdom come" or its secular equivalent, where people are secondary to a political leader's agenda.

Thats my take anyway.

I am not sure that really clarified anything....I just suppose I hope he moves a bit away on selling himself to selling some concrete ideas soon.