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BY MELISSA BATKA
Times Correspondent | Tuesday, February 06, 2007 | (No comments posted.)
SOUTH HOLLAND | With Barack Obama expected to enter the race for the Democratic presidential nomination Saturday, correspondents from a Dutch current affairs program came to South Holland on Monday to learn more about Illinois' freshman senator.
Willem Lust and his wife, Merel, a camera operator, who are with the television program NOVA, spent the afternoon at the Thornton Township Hall interviewing south suburban residents and officials.
"There is a great deal of interest in Europe about U.S. politics," Willem Lust said. "Barack Obama is a front-runner like Hillary Clinton, but the color of his skin definitely makes him more interesting than say, John Edwards."
The program is set to air Friday in the Netherlands, the day before Obama will visit Springfield to announce whether or not he will run for president of the U.S. Obama's decision-making process began Jan. 16 when the senator announced he would form a presidential exploratory committee.
Opinions among south suburban residents and officials about Obama's ability to represent the black population in a presidential race were similar, and the word compromise entered the conversation more than once.
Historically, a candidate must address the black community as something they are with, but not a part of, in order to win, said Lorenzo Martin, the editor of the South Suburban Standard and one of those interviewed for the program.
And while it's difficult to not compromise, any decision to make concessions is ultimately the senator's, Martin said.
"(Obama) has to pick his poison," he said.
Jackie Scott, a retired social worker and civil rights worker, cited the senator's experience working as a community organizer as a strength.
"Anyone who donates to (Obama's) campaign is going to want to know what he is going to do for them," Scott said. "But I don't think he is going to compromise who he is."
Frank Zuccarelli, Thornton Township supervisor and Democratic committeeman, said despite Obama's relative inexperience in the Senate, he has an opening now.
"I think he needs to take advantage of this situation and there are really no other rising stars on the horizon," Zuccarelli said. "He needs to take whatever opportunity he has whenever he gets the opportunity."
Tune in
U.S. residents who wish to view NOVA's program on Sen. Barack Obama can watch with English subtitles at www.novatv.nl.
Tune in
U.S. residents who wish to view NOVA's program on Sen. Barack Obama can watch with English subtitles at www.novatv.nl.
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