A new President, compared with an old one

My president is black,
His house is white
The country’s fu’ed up
But he gonna make it right!

Haha, that is my little Young Jeezy inspired rhyme for the day.
And although I know the whole comparison between the Kennedy’s and the Obama’s has been done, in honor of this frickin historic ass day, I am going to rehash it all again here for my own and perhaps your enjoyment!

The Kennedy-Obama Factors:

1. Not since the Kennedy’s has a younger more adorable first family moved into the White House.


What is it about an attractive young couple with adorable little children that so effectively captures the attention and affection of the country? There’s just something so American about it all-- picturing a lovely looking traditional well-dressed couple with two bright children and a dog running in the yard… very appealing!

2. Both Kennedy and Obama are “firsts” in the Oval Office; first Catholic in the case of Kennedy, and first non-denominational Christian in the case of Obama. Oh, and plus he’s black, I don’t think that has happened before either...

3. Both Kennedy’s and Obama’s elections mark a shift in the mood of the Nation.

During the post-WWII “fat happy years” of the fifties, we enjoyed wealth and employment and accessible higher education, but with this came a kind of entitled, socially complacent attitude. Electing Kennedy noted that the conformity and materialism of the 50’s was becoming less dominating, and people saw the need for social action and real *shock* CHANGE in the way we live our lives and the way those lives are governed. Kennedy’s “New Frontier” encouraged involvement and started social action organizations such as the Peace Corps.

Obama’s election indicates a similar shift in attitude of the country, rejecting the hands-off wealth-concerned presidency of Bush Jr, and indeed the entire personal gratification seen in politics since Reagan and his Reaganomics. Suddenly the country wants a candidate that promises government involvement in the social and personal sphere.


Perhaps in many cases, we don’t even know what we really want, just that the fresh hopeful face of Barack Obama seems to be it. I wonder when my word processor will accept that name into its dictionary and stop underlining it with red error lines every time I type it. 4. The Classic Michelle and Jackie O Comparison.

I would argue that not since Jackie Onassis has a first Lady garnered so much public interest and admiration in her own right. Both women are impeccably stylish, Mrs. Kennedy’s soft spot being for fancy designers while Michelle opts for more conservatively priced albeit equally fabulous wardrobe choices.

Jackie O is personally responsible for the popularity of fads such as the Pill Box Hat and the three-quarter length sleeves (the latter of which has enjoyed a comeback recently), and women and designers made a conscious effort to look just like her.

If her First-Lady Elect escapades are anything to go by, Michelle O is primed to have a similar impact on the fashion industry and the flow of the fads these coming years. Remember the fuss made about the dress she wore on The View. People are already copying it.

Jackie was also an involved First Lady, traveling as a diplomat and pioneering the idea that the government should be an advocate and supporter of culture and the arts. For her part, Michelle has already made it clear that she has a mind and an agenda of her own, and I don’t doubt that she will be a visible, inspiring, and active resident of the White House.
Naturally the Obamas are by no means Kennedy clones, so a few key differences exist. I don't know the future, but for optimism's sake, I'll make some projected differences:

1. The Obama marriage is a strong one, and the new administration will lack the notorious affairs and marital bumps in the road seen in the 60’s.


2. Despite threats and promises and a certain over-publicized gaffe by Biden, hopefully there will be no big “test” such as the Cuban Missile Crisis for Obama, and if there is, may he handle it with the grace and presence he has shown us thus far.
3. And it goes without saying that there is full optimism that Obama will serve EIGHT FULL HEALTHY YEARS and live 500 years after that!!!

Long live our new amazing president, and may this phenomenal feeling being shared in the country right now last.
And was it not adorable the way he stumbled over the words when taking the oath?

Now go and celebrate as you see fit! This is how me and my roommate are spending the afternoon:

Inaugeration Day Outfit!
Shirt: Dalunda from work got it for me from some mysterious source for five dollars. Let's call it atlanta street fashion.
Boots: Thrifted, my roommate's.
Jeans: Dollhouse brand.