Not a speech for the focus groups

I'm not one for for writing about politics but like the rest of country I was both surprised and impressed by Barack Obama speech last week - it completely blew me away. In part, because I didn't see it coming.

In my opinion, he was able to refresh a conversation that is on the tip of everyone's tongue but relegated to the back of the political priority list. Its emotionally charged topic that has completely divided us, yet effects everyone. Ultimately, his choice was not a quick or easy way to rally votes.

However and despite this fact, Barack put himself on display and his career on the line. His eloquence of language, his honesty in recognizing and confronting a subject that both defines and divides this country, brought a clarity of focus not seen on the political landscape in a long time - the combination of which made it that much more compelling.

I do not think anyone else could have made this speech. Most of us lack the credibility, authority or optimism to bring such disparate parties to the table. But for me, he did just that. He challenged us to face our own demons and re-framed the conversation in a way that each of us could identify with and recognize the failings of our own position.

For the last six months, Barack has used a call for "change" to rally the country - a headline I agree with but one that left many feeling a little suspicious - the word left many wondering if this was just another empty promise.

This speech however, demonstrated that change. He changed the way we can confront, discuss and think about race in America. If he can bring this same candor to other subjects, I think we may have a real leader whom we can place our trust in, once again. Although, I cannot remember ever trusting a politician (at least in my lifetime)...

I hope we have the opportunity to hear more speeches like this one. Ones that leave the aforementioned political formula behind, ditch the focus groups and rely on a persons true ability to lead, enlighten, challenge and change this country.

I also hope his message is not lost us by all the talking heads who now appear to be focusing more on who betrayed who instead of focusing on the real challenge - how we move forward. Instead of putting Bill Richardson on TV to defend his decision about not supporting Hillary, why not take this opportunity to raise the question in the classroom, discuss it over the dinner table and reach out to millions of Americans across the county in order to reignite a dialog about race within a framework that makes it possible for us to both agree and disagree?

Barack lit a match, but lets all go out and start a fire that can burn down the walls that divide us.