Column: Beware Becoming An Obama 'change-ling'

This story was written by Ryan Kartje, Michigan Daily

About one thousand miles away in Denver, presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama will be making a similar acceptance speech, except his will lack the gas-guzzling SUVs, National Rifle Association officials and padded seats. Instead, he'll speak to 60,000 screaming fans decked in Obama apparel from head to toe - red, white and blue members of the "change" fan club.

When Obama came to Flint's Kettering University last month, I sought out Obama supporters after his rally. I say "sought," but in truth, I was mobbed by supporters, each echoing the same message of "change" Obama had used throughout his speech. At times, dedication to this message was more devout than it was logical. One enamored woman assured me that her 17-year-old son will vote for change in 2012 as well. But assuming Obama wins, voting for change in 2012 means voting for someone else.

As expected, the post-McCain rally scene wasn't quite as enthusiastic. Supporters there flocked in my direction, too - but only because I was standing in the designated smoking area.

Their mellower attitude toward the media was a welcome change from the same old sentiment I heard from excited Obama-ites. "Barack Obama is not a politician," each of his followers parroted. "That's why we love him." And they're backing up that love with some serious cash, donating more than $52 million in June alone. Here's my question: where is the red, white and blue Kool-Aid these Obama fanatics have all been drinking?

Barack Obama is a politician. In fact, he's a great politician just for convincing people that he isn't one. Take a look at his recent voting record. Similar to every presidential candidate for years and years, Obama has drifted toward the middle, flip-flopping on the Washington D.C. handgun issue, supporting Bush's right to invade Americans' privacy, and forgoing public funding after coming out in favor of it. So why, then, is Obama so untouchable?

Because he's done exactly what he set out to do: unify the passionate, Washington-hating Americans. Gung-ho, anti-politics Americans aren't used to hearing the words "president" and "unity" in the same sentence like that. He's unifying Americans so well that it's frightening.

His supporters have become a political cult of "change-lings", a new breed of political machine complete with "Yes We Can" buttons and graffiti-laden Obama T-shirts. Those stationed in the Obama camp have put on blinders, preventing themselves from seeing anything wrong with their gracious leader.

For the Obama die-hards, it's not really about the issues anymore. It's about the man. It's about the future. It's about - you guessed it - change.

He's become the new American rock star, enjoying pop-star-like status - except this rock star has a message, and he's riding it to the White House.

That's what scares me about America's idolatry of Obama. As the past presidency demonstrates, blind allegiance is the poison of democracy (see war in Iraq). A strong leader is important, but the last time I checked, actual change requires a majority vote in Congress.

Don't get me wrong; it's not the man himself who concerns me. It's his minions. Obama's message is one that could save a suffering America as we know it. However, his "change-lings" and other Americans alike should understand that a great smile, a great speech and a great slogan don't make a great president.

It's Obama's ability to get Americans off their couches for their country, not his ability toproduce a soundbite that will make him a great president.

So if you're in the crowd at Invesco Field during the Democratic National Convention in August and you're offered a free glass of red, white and blue Kool-Aid, politely deny it and continue to enjoy the music. I hear the Dave Matthews Band might be playing.