And the Emmy Goes to...Obama?

A while back, I had a great argument with a friend of mine on the value of Barack Obama's celebrity. My friend Robinson, was coming from an astute perspective that Obama's pop star identity, his late night TV show appearances, the buttons and T-shirts and songs made about him would work to undermine his political position, and overshadow his purpose- to lead the United States of America. Me, being a lover, albeit critical, of pop culture defended that part of the reason (arguably the largest portion) Obama won the top seat in the country, was exactly because of his pop stardom. That Obama was present in America's lives, in ways usually reserved for movie stars, popular authors and national personalities, earned him a permanence many political figures overlook. Instead of filtering his connection with the American mainstream, Obama brought himself to the public in ways that were daily, common and accessible. This made America love him.
Since then, the celebrity hasn't really diminished. If Obama's not the hot topic at the water fountain, Michelle Obama's sartorial life (p.s.snore!) takes center. Obama still makes appearances on late night TV, is still the most sought after magazine cover and wins viewership whenever he makes a national address. At the same time, his recent winning of the Nobel Peace Prize has many of his supporters, and probably all of his adversaries, going "but what...what exactly have you done?" We have yet to see or feel the greater effects of Obama's diplomacy, but we do know that homeboy was, apparently, black achieving presidency.

And now, HBO has crafted a tear-jerky politi-doc about Obama and his campaign's way to the White House. As we all know, anything that ends up on HBO is sure to be telvisable-crack (Sex and The City, Entourage, True Blood). Rob's point gains more weight considering the global reach of how cool Obama is. The dude is pretty dope.

It might be that I'm rooting myself in some kind of faith in Obama, but I maintain the validity of Obama's media presence in America, and internationally. Producing a documentary that almost reads like Hova's Fade to Black, might be stretching reason, but I continue to appreciate Obama's awareness of remaining relevant, remaining commonplace, his attempt to maintain an image (we're yet to see his real deal) of being the people's President. As much as America (and the world) needs reformations in cold, calculated areas like health care, social security and the general economy-duh- there is also a need for connection, a use for national pride. I, personally, even understanding that it's completely superficial at this point, am proud to say that Barack is my president. Look at him, how could you not. I don't mean to discredit his vastly educated core, even on his Letterman interview above, delivers quality information- basically hides the vegetables in the steak. It might be this type of posturing that strengthens my belief that Obama will do right by us. I have no other reason to believe it.