Barack Obama and Fred Astaire: What a pair!
It dawned upon me while watching the third presidential debate -- Barack Obama and Fred Astaire: Were they separated at birth?
Barack debates the way Fred dances. Svelte, smooth, self-controlled. What Barack says is -- well, interesting -- but his moves, his gestures, carry the day. Like any great politician, he's a performer.
Think of Fred's and Obama's similarities:
They both have big ears! (ok, the photoshopped image on the left isn't fair to Barack; but maybe it suggests that he listens).
Both have roots in the heartland, the Midwest. And both came from "mixed" families. We all know about Barack's African-American heritage and the Kansas grandparents that brought him up in Hawaii, but remember that Fred was originally from Nebraska and that "his mother was born in the United States to Lutheran German immigrants from East Prussia and Alsace, and Astaire's father was a Catholic of Jewish ancestry."
They make it look easy. While McCain grimaced during the debate, Obama was Mr. Cool. Unruffled. Just like Fred dancing -- it looked so "natural." But of course looking "natural" takes years of work and discipline.
Barack debates the way Fred dances. Svelte, smooth, self-controlled. What Barack says is -- well, interesting -- but his moves, his gestures, carry the day. Like any great politician, he's a performer.
Think of Fred's and Obama's similarities:They both have big ears! (ok, the photoshopped image on the left isn't fair to Barack; but maybe it suggests that he listens).
Both have roots in the heartland, the Midwest. And both came from "mixed" families. We all know about Barack's African-American heritage and the Kansas grandparents that brought him up in Hawaii, but remember that Fred was originally from Nebraska and that "his mother was born in the United States to Lutheran German immigrants from East Prussia and Alsace, and Astaire's father was a Catholic of Jewish ancestry."
They make it look easy. While McCain grimaced during the debate, Obama was Mr. Cool. Unruffled. Just like Fred dancing -- it looked so "natural." But of course looking "natural" takes years of work and discipline. 
All-American smile. Fred and Obama both have it. Anguish behind that smile? They sure don't show it!
Elegance. Take a look at Barack at the Alfred E. Smith dinner memorial dinner held on October 17; and of course Fred is Mr. Evening Attire.Fit and trim. Not an ounce of fat, or so it appears, on either. Is it genetic? Too much exercise?
They both look great in the arms of a beautiful woman. And Barack doesn't need to dance in movies to do so. He's married to Michelle and they have two beautiful children. 
Oh, I forgot: Fred and Barack both smoke(d) (or at least Barack used to). Well, nobody's perfect.P.S. Remember the tap-dancing lawyer in the film "Chicago"? Hey, could that be the real Barack ... That's the question that could be asked if and once he gets elected. Just askin', folks.
4 comments:
John, this is funny. I would never have thought of comparing Barack Obama to Fred Astaire - in a million years. The good thing is that I'm a fan of both these fine men.
BTW, I kind of like Obama with the big ears. Looks cute! ;-)
A couple of months ago, I noticed this picture of Obama, and was reminded of this one of Fred.
This is great! It never occured to me, but now that you mention it....We could use some grace and style for a change. Obama also seems to be a pretty good comedian, and this is again something they have in common. Anyone know if Obama dances????
A couple of years ago I realized that Fred Astaire (my all-time idol) and Barack Obama (a new idol) were eerily similar. I Googled under the heading "Barack Obama and Fred Astaire - separated at birth?" and your essay came up I feel so vindicated!
Now, of course, Mr. Astaire is long gone and Mr. Obama is poised to depart the Presidency. I admire him more and more with each passing day. This man has had eight years of hardship and hatred. His hair is grey, his jauntiness subdued, but he still has the Astaire style, grace and charm - and a killer sense of humour.
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