Great article but Americans are swooning and have been since Obama's 2004 Dem Convention speech.

Although we are in our 50's, my husand and I have never been excited about a presidential candidate, never attend a political rally, never volunteered, until now, until Obama.

After reading his books and speeches, and reading about what those that have worked with him or known him have been saying for decades, I think he is the most appropriately experienced candidate.

Leadership Experience!

He doesn't just excel in what ever he chooses to do, he becomes an inspiring leader. President of the Harvard Law Review, community organizer, very popular constitutional law professor, award winning author, great orator, and inspiring and great legislator in the State and US Senate. Now, more than ever, we need his inspiring leadership skills in the White House.

Mary Rankin, Redmond, Washington

I just read a poll from AP on where the candidates currently stand. The Republicans are in complete disarray as Guiliani's popularity continues to decline. Senator Clinton continues to lead Senator Obama among Democratic voters by double digits - 36% to his 20%. She continues to very strong support among african-american Democratic voters - 46% to his 33%.

In my view, the nomination is Senator Clinton's to lose. Without a major gaffe, she'll easily be nominated next August in Denver. This nomination spin about Obama is wishful thinking by his supporters, and nothing more. He'll be a great candidate after Hillary Clinton, who is clearly more qualified, completes her two terms as president

Robert Piersa, Brooklyn, New York

Watch Obama, he is a great candidate and he can win against a Republican....Hillary can't.

steve, pittsburgh,

i had the distinct pleasure of seeing obama speak earlier this spring in milwaukee, wis. lucky for me, i was able to sit in the front row, right in front of him, not 10' away. he literally blew my socks off. he was tired, and it was the night of the va. tech. shootings, but even when speaking softly, he has a 'pressence' that few people have. the way he talks, walks, carries himself, all say ''leader'. you can't teach things like that, you either have it or you don't. he does. there were 4000 people who came out to see him, and after he spoke he stayed around and shook/spoke with anyone and everyone who wanted to shake his hand. i truly believe he is the man to lead this nation, domestically and internationally, and again regain our reputation. there have been a few things mentioned about him, but not nearly the dark cloud of doubt and mistrust that follows and will continue to follow hillary clinton.

richard, palatine, illinois, usa

As one who saw Obama in my little town during his Senate campaign, I can attest to what Sully says here. I am as cynical as can be, yet, when I listen to him speak, the cynicism falls away and I remember how it feels to not be embarrassed by my country's actions and attitudes, how it feels to be proud of my country, and I remember hope. While we should never forget 9/11, we need to move forward, and, as Mr. Sullivan says, not into darkness. Hope is what Senator Obama brings. He inspires and he uplifts, and we desperately need that here in the US. Plus, he's very intelligent...what a nice change that would be. Okay, so the cynicism isn't completely gone...

Dianne, Galena, IL USA

Thank you, Andrew. You expressed the feeling I had when I heard Senator Obama speak to a Democratic audience in Richmond VA. He made me proud to be an American (again). I hope that he will continue to represent the change that he expresses so effectively in his conversations with us. He is very different from the other candidates--his life experience and what he has learned from it demonstrates that--and he is a breath of fresh air in a room that has been starved for ideas and action and freshness and commitment to the common good. Perhaps we had to reach the lowest depths of this Administration so that a majority of voting Americans will agree to lift Senator Obama and themselves up to help us reach great heights again. Oh, and don't forget to vote Andrew (Thanks, T.J.) and continue to remind your friends.

Jim Schuyler, Richmond, Virginia

What a very thoughtful, well-written article! I've never read anything by the author before, but was very impressed that he is a "small government conservative" who didn't think he could be inspired, but "felt his cynicism ebb" and was touched by the power of Senator Obama's words. That says much about the quality of this candidate.
Someone once said, "Nobody every did anything signficant alone". I think this is true. Obama isn't going to turn things around single-handedly - but WORDS HAVE GREAT POWER. A true leader can inspire us, speak words to diminish our cynicism and cause us to remember the values that are common to all of us. When we then take action from that inspiration, then things truly change.
Obama has that ability to inspire us with his words, which is not to say he's all fluff either. Although he is "untested" in national politics, and may not have everything down perfectly yet, I have done much research on him, and I believe he would be a great president.

gm, Boulder, CO

Good article and an interesting opinion especially from your political standpoint. Here is a politician who is prepared to cut through the bitter party rivalry that has become entrenched in american politics. This rivalry serves no purpose in helping the country, only helping those in power in one party ensure their survival whilst destroying any form of opposition, crucial to democratic government.
Obama promises to cut through these lines and serve the US and its people first and foremost and not his career, friends or personal belief system. This is Obama's appeal, and his most terrifying weapon against the supremacy of those currently at the top of US politics.
I am also of the firm belief that the more Obama gets his word across in international media circles, the more people from other countries, especially in the UK, will want to see him in the White House in 08. This is the type of leader the world wants to see running the greatest and most powerful country in the world.

V, London,

Barack Obama is a man whose time has come, I think he is the antidote to same stuff, different day politricks. This country needs change desperately. Even the in power party realizes that more of the same will lead to more senseless death. It defies logic to continue to put people in power who are killing American soldiers at alarming rates. The present day military can barely support the war in Iraq yet it's "can't touch this" global stances threaten to plunge American troops into more skirmishes.
By the mercies of God, I beg of the American voter to see what you're looking at and vote in your best interests. Please. Let freedom ring, freedom from corporate interests. The little people's voices must be raised in solidarity against those who would massacre our youth yet never imagine sending their own sons and daughters in harms way. We shall overcome if we vote in our best interests, and ONLY if we vote in our best interests.

Denise , Philadelphia, USA

Barack Obama is truly an awesome inspirational leader. I agree with Andrew Sullivan that he is the only leader in the race who can achieve effective closure on the past 8 years of war, fear, Bush, Cheney, gitmo, etc, and take America to its true destiny as a beacon of freedom, humanity, and leadership.

James, New York,

I agree with you completely except that you, perhaps more experienced than I , are willing to be open ended about maybe Hillary? Maybe Barack? I say Barack! That's it. I heard him speak at the Democratic National Convention and never left the room until it was over. I knew then that he was the President-to-be. It has been a long, long time coming but we are due for a real change from these tired old faces and pathetic promises and philosophies and so on, ad nauseum. Who cares about the rusty old swords and prehistoric stuff in Hillary's arsenal - remnants of Bill's?

Shirley Griffith, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Hilary Clinton leads because of Bill. Hilary in power would be a disaster just as the early days of the Clinton adminstration were when she intervened too much.

Peter Jones, Glasgow, UK

"But no one captures the raw, pent-up desire for a new start more effectively than Obama." ahem, what about RON PAUL?!

Karl, Bellingham, Washington

GOD BLESS YOUR HEART Mr. Sullivan, for letting others see the authencity of the Senator, I mean Senator Obama. We all wish him the best .

Mimi, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Don't forget to vote, Andrew.

TJ Cassidy, Arlington, Virginia, USA

America needs change. No doubt about that. Obama presidency would be definitely a change for the better. America and the rest of the world is tired of an administration and a Republican Party that employs divide and rule tactics. Any Democratic candidate would make a great president but let us hope that Obama makes it. Let us also hope that he does not make a silly mistake that may be magnified by the media.

Zack, San Jose, California

When I first heard Mr. Obama speak during the Democratic National Convention I was enthralled and energized. I remember JFK's speeches and how moving they were. I was 17 when he was President and if I heard Hail to the Chief on the TV I came to listen as if drawn by a magnet. Barack Obama's speech moved me even more. I thought I would have to wait about 10 years before I had the opportunity to vote for him. What America is at its deepest and best level is what I long for and hear from Mr. Obama. What the world needs at this point in history is a person who can reach out to differences and honor them as well as find ways to bridge them. We are at a critical juncture in time. If we do not find ways to work together there may be nothing left worry about.... because there will be nothing left! Mr. Obama changes the conversation. It is time for it. He is intellectually and politically astute as well a man of strength and character.

Marilyn Ray, Raleigh, NC

The rebranding aspect is key. Mr Obama brings new things to the table at multi-levels of national marketing. In a big way his election allows America's ideological enemies particularly in the Middle East a face saving way out of their costly and bloody oppositions. He may nice smile but they already believe that he has iron teeth. <br>Curiously a lot has been made of his genealogy well let us look with a touch of imagination. On his mom's side he comes from the fighting Irish by way Kansas, the state of Dwight D. Eisenhower. That's rough omen enough, but then his dad is from Kenya. In the Middle East they know Sub Sahara Africa represents an almost endless source of hard strategic strength and warm bodies to fuel human opposition to Islamic radicalism at their own 'street' level. It keeps them up at night. Plus his wife is from Chicago's tough south side and despite the polish he has a touch of homeboy in him and channels the modern will of youth and optimism.

myron williams, bklyn, Kings/NY

Wonderful article - it captures exactly how I feel right now. To me - all the other candidates do feel like part of the past, and Obama seems refreshing, and ready to head forward. My wife and I went to Germany a few years ago, and it is amazing the disdain they have for our current politics. They said they still love Americans, and can separate people from politics, but it would be wonderful to rebuild a unified world where people work together to solve problems.

Dean, Duluth, Minnesota

People will tell you that Barack is untested, inexperienced and therefore unfit to lead us in time of war. As a supporter who prizes intellectualism and logic, I'm willing to concede on all of the former but I stand firmly against the latter. The POTC is a leader, not a manager of details. With the right advisors and cabinet Barack stands at the precipice of what may well be America's last change to get it right on the global and domestic change. As a student of history I cannot help but think that we will all look back on this upcoming election and note it as a major catalyst for change. Whether the results of that change are positive or negative depends upon us. I vote for positivity. I am voting for Obama should my fellow Americans, those that believe in logic and the potential of America, to afford me that opportunity.

Tress, charlotte, nc

America is like a recovering alcoholic forever tempted by its dark side and demons. Obama is like the new miracle drug that promises to rid one of alcoholism in ten easy doses. Make no mistake, Obama is brilliant, but I wonder if he oversells . There are lots of takers who don't want to see Americas darkside let alone acknowledge its exsistence. Everyone wants Obama to just make it all go away. Unfortunately it will take more than evocative words to tackle the darkside of entangled interests that grip this country. Like Tony Blair Obama has a tendency to overly rely on his powers of persuasion and that is likely to become just another romantic ego trip.

I"m betting on Hillary Clinton. The Clinton's understand their country both good and bad, they have no illusions about the ruthlessness of entrenched interests. They know how to handle the grenade throwers and where the mines are laid. They understand American power at its core and what it is capable of. Just ask Kerry and Gore.

Amanda, New York, New York

I am a huge supporter of Obama. Of course, I live in Illinois. and I am a fan of your blog.
this was a wonderful article and you got the reason why we are so excited and supportive of his run for the presidency.
As a democratic woman I cannot stand Hillary. puke puke.
I, like many democrats, are hoping Obama crushes her in the end. this is a man of vision, intellect, deep thought, honesty, decency and is totally authentic.
He is everything Hillary is not. If we get Hillary it will be no different than the pig we have in the white house now.
It's time to get rid of this embarassing era of bush and clinton and move on to someone new and with new ideas.

vwcat, machesney park, IL, usa

America needs someone like Obama BECAUSE HE ISSIMPLY DIFFERENT reminds me of Tont Blair in 1997. The world needs you Barack

irvin mushangi, oxford, uk

"A man may be meeting a moment. " That is great. I'm tabling twice a week in Sonoma County, e-mailing all my friends and relatives, trying to get the youth to register to vote, wearing buttons on my hat while on my daily walk- for Obama. The reason why is captured in your line, "A man may be meeting a moment". We do need change, hope and a renewed committment to the ideals of what it is to be an American. I support your article.

Breeze Sims, Rohnert Park, USA/CA

This essay really hit the nail on the head. Yes we need a change. A positive change and Obama shows that. I am not convinced Hillary can win. She seems calculating and is very polarizing

Toni, Bolingbrook, IL

I am a Papua New Guinean (Pacific Islander). Obama is the only presidential candidate in US right now who can rebuild US's reputation in the world. America has lost face in the world because of its current actions in the Iraq. Only President Obama can restore America as the beacon of free world that other less developed countries look up to. We all will watch carefully the presidential elelctions in the US.

Paul Yapari, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Perhaps the question should have been: how much does America want redemption?

The Bush years have been a very dark time, certainly when seen from the outside, but voting for a Barack Obama, or a John Edwards, is to seek a radical change of direction. Not since Roosevelt has America done that. Certainly there are many who hope that they will. Barack Obama comes across as both bright and honest. He might be just what the whole world wants.

John Reid, Wellington, New Zealand

Obama is a sure "winner" in the eyes of the American people ----people tried of the war, "business as usual", & billions of our hard earned tax dollars being wasted .

Carol Schneider, St Louis, MO

I am not american. i leave in the in the north.what this article says is very true. This is what the world is reading right now.
Obama is the only hope the world is looking at right now otherwise this will be the end of USA world police responsabiities.

Omar, Montreal, Canada