The viral video that has been called “The most candid and emotional scene ever captured of Barack Obama on camera.”
Hours after he won reelection, Barack Obama thanked the young team of supporters at his campaign headquarters in Chicago. The strength shown in the open display of emotion (around the 3:20 mark) was actually applauded by those in attendance. This was his second recent public display of emotion (the first took place during his final rally before elections) and has left some debating whether he can still be deemed “No Drama Obama.” I believe Obama’s shedding of tears is the mark of manhood: the unwillingness to live in the box of male stereotypes, the willingness to strip away titles like “President,” “Commander-in-Chief” and even “Leader of the Free World” and simply be human. Ultimate vulnerability. That’s manly. Check it out:
Here are some Tweets about it:
I’ve been a follower of Obama from Australia since he was elected in office and this is why he has been re-elected as the President. No smoke screens or hidden agenda’s, just genuine love for his family and the people he leads in this generation of time. 🙂
Two things come to mind:
1. Boehner’s tears
2. Obama’s exhaustion
Despite the latter, and in comparison to the former, there’s an empathetic authenticity to what’s he’s expressing: it’s not about him, it’s about gratitude, love, and I’d have to presume, about his girls. They too are the young people in the room.
Awesome video. The President cries like a man.
Wow. Powerful stuff…thanks for sharing Cameron.
Cameron, I have watched this so many times. It is hard to articulate all of the emotions this video stirs in me, but love is definitely one of them. This is manly, and it is human, and it is beautiful. I have always been drawn to men who can show emotion, and connect with others around emotion. I am so proud of Obama–not just politically, because that is not the point of posting this video. I am proud of him for setting this example for boys and men everywhere. He did not set out to do it–he was clearly simply… Read more »