Does Obama want to be President?
Roger L Simon doesn't think so:
I caught most of the Democratic debate tonight and I was astonished by how unprepared Obama seemed to be on the most obvious question of the evening - how he stood on illegal aliens having driver's licenses. ...Surely his handlers must have prepared him for this question. Otherwise they are rank incompetents. So there can only be one conclusion: Barack Obama does not really want to be President.
I've long had the same impression. Obama seems to be a decent, honorable man, as much as I don't like his politics. I believe he means well and genuinely wants what's best for the country. I disagree with him tremendously on the proper path forward but I do trust his genuineness in his proposals.
That said, I don't think he's ready for the position and I get the feeling he feels the same way. There's no job in the world as big as the Presidency and every new President has a period of adjustment and on the job training. (After all, how can you prepare for a job which is unique?) I think he knows that.
I have a good friend who's very tied in down in DC and he told me, while Obama was publicly mulling over whether or not to run, that he would be since he knew this could be his only shot at the prize. Striking while the iron is hot, even if you don't want the job, is the best way to keep the iron hot for the future. Would John Edwards be a contender now if he hadn't run in 2004? Not likely, we'd have forgotten him. Similarly, in 4 or 8 years Obama might be yesterday's news and forgotten about at a time when he would be better prepared. So, run for it now to build up national contacts, name recognition and loyalty for a time in the future when you he's more ready. Plus, I'm sure he at least suspected the Hillary would likely be unstoppable.
Illinois' Governor has a net negative approval rating right now. Perhaps we might see Obama run for that office next time it's up (2010) to build some executive experience.
I don't think he'll win the nomination, but we'll see him again in the future. And by then, I think he'll want the job.
Hat Tip: Instapundit.com